Since landing in our new home in Portland, Oregon, three weeks ago, my wife and I have noticed some behavioral changes in our Boston terrier, Lilly.
As we live the moving process in reverse — unpacking, organizing, divesting of even more stuff — Lilly seems mopey and clingy. While she is quick to stroll and sniff the hood when she’s with mommy and daddy, Lilly frequently tugs her end of the leash toward home when either one of us walks her alone.
True, all beings need time to adjust to new surroundings. But we’re wondering if Lilly is pining for something other than the patina of our old hardwood floors and patches of familiar sod in the neighborhood we left behind.
Studies appear to confirm what humans have always suspected: that pets “miss” people and other pets in the same household who’ve passed or moved away. Do they also miss other neighborhood pets they no longer see? The scientific jury has not convened on this one, though it could very well be that Lilly is experiencing a degree of mourning for the pals with whom she used to frolic.
We want to respect this possibility and at the same time want to encourage her circulation within new canine circles. Not easy in the age of COVID and in an atmosphere of variable compliance with social distancing. Plus, we’re on the cusp of flu season and the heightened prospect of of a double-whammy pandemic: FLUVID?!
Lilly has had one brief encounter under her belt with a fellow Boston with mixed results. All four of us pet parents wore masks and maintained the recommended six-foot distance. She’s also met many pet-loving humans who also respect science and prevailing health recommendations.
Following are some courses we’re considering to reduce the sting of Lilly’s having being misplaced and get her safely socialized:
Accept her mopey and clingy behaviors, but do so mater-of-factly. No pitiful facial expressions or tones directed her way. Give her the space to hang with (and climb out of) her feelings.
Continue our neighborhood walks as a family. Vary our paths to help novel surroundings become familiar. Visit parks frequented by families with dogs. Tune into social cues. Don't push introductions.
Bring Lilly on more daily errands. Portland is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the nation, so she’ll be welcomed in stores more often than not. Rules for social distancing apply, especially indoors.
In preparation for introducing her to a new vet, we’ll lovingly handle her paws, hind legs, ears and tail. These gestures could pave the way for easier examinations in the near and long term.
Let Lilly continue to explore her new home, scamper on the carpets, slide on the hardwood and crash into walls while chasing her stuffed chicken toy. The freer she feels in our new digs, the sooner she’ll make them her own.
Establish and maintain a routine. Daddy is now semi-retired and mommy has a new in-home office to work out of. As our new lives assume an everyday rhythm, so Lilly will find hers.
Building a solid, familiar foundation within a socially-conscious realm, Lilly will find her footing and make new friends.
She’s done it before.