The Neurotic Dogs
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents' characteristic anxiety has effectively seeped into both dogs' personas.
My mother and father are both card-carrying neurotics with drastically different sensibilities. The former engages in an overt style of panic characterized by covering her eyes when our car seems close to hitting another car that's three hundred yards down the road. The latter is more of a concealer; I would cite one of his quirks in this sentence, but the ensuing disownment would be harsh.
Frazier, a beige mix of Bichon and Poodle, arrived in our home when I was in the ninth grade. For the first few months, he struck us as an emotionally balanced individual, but it wasn't long before the wide, glassy eyes and quivering lower lip set in. Like his human siblings before him, he experienced separation anxiety in the absence of his parents. Unlike his human siblings, Frazier saw it fit to pace around the unoccupied house for hours, howling to the ceiling and holding his paw against his beating heart. Such behavior, though unquestionably neurotic, was at least grounded in recognizable childhood symptomology. It wasn't until the arrival of Jake, during Frazier's fifth year, that Frazier experienced a full-fledged nervous breakdown.
Given the instability of Frazier's ego, the appearance of Jake--an energetic full-blooded poodle with black hair and a trim gray beard--was emotionally catastrophic. When he wasn't lying on his stomach leering into the abyss, Frazier went as far as to commit acts of physical violence upon his younger brother. We knew not to be fooled by the innocent look in Frazier's eye when his leash somehow ended up around Jake's neck.
Jake, who entered our home as somewhat of a free spirit, was oblivious to Frazier's brooding melancholy. He ran and played with the best of them. He developed a flourishing social identity among the locals. However, it wasn't long before the torch of neurosis was passed onto Jake. From whose hands or paws the torch came is difficult to determine, but genetic theories strike me as inadmissible.
Jake's inaugural phobia was a fear of vacuum cleaners. We have various vacuums in our home, and Jake's fear of each is proportional to its size and volume. When the biggest vacuum is about to be used, Jake requires an explicit and descriptive monologue preparing him for what is to come. The monologue is best performed with the speaker's hand firmly applied to the top of Jake's head. We've found that with the aid of such verbal reassurances, Jake's anxiety in the presence of the vacuum cleaners has decreased by 3 or 4 percent.
By now, we're pleased to announce that Frazier has overcome his initial aversion to Jake. Not only do they dine together frequently, but they've also come to display the sincerest form of love in our family: they worry about one another. When Jake's out jogging in the backyard and Frazier's sobbing from the window, his tears run rich with affection.
About The Author
Eric Shapiro is the author of "Short of a Picnic," a collection of fictional stories about people living with mental disorders.
 Google News Updated : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:25:37 GMT Detroit mayor's political future back in court - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - DETROIT (AP) - A lawyer for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick asked a judge Friday to freeze next week's hearing that could remove him from office, accusing Gov. Judge to decide Tuesday on mayor's bid to halt ouster Hearing under way on suit against Granholm Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:06:32 GMT Mayor Melton Advises Public of West Nile Precautions - WLBT-TV WLBT-TV - When planning outdoor activities this Labor Day weekend, Jackson residents are encouraged to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus by protecting themselves from mosquito bites and removing sources of standing water near their homes. DELAWARE: West Nile virus appears later than usual West Nile victim's widow ponders his death Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:28:14 GMT Evacuations begin in Louisiana - Houston Chronicle
Houston Chronicle - By DANE SCHILLER Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle NEW ORLEANS - About 1000 disabled and elderly residents west of the city are being evacuated this afternoon and New Orleans officials are considering whether to order more people out of the projected ... Video: New Orleans Braces For Gustav Gulf Coast prepares as storm Gustav approaches Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:56:04 GMT Gustav on the Brink of Explosive Development - Washington Post
Washington Post - Over the past 48 hours Tropical Storm Gustav proved it was a survivor, as it withstood difficult journeys over Haiti and Jamaica. Now it may turn into a monster. Video: Gustav Set to Batter Cuba, Enter Gulf of Mexico Gustav threatens Caymans after swamping Jamaica Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:05:23 GMT In Lack of Health Insurance Coverage Texas Is First - eMaxHealth.com
eMaxHealth.com - Texas is at the top of the heap again - this time we are the most uninsured state, health care-wise, in the country. Oh wait, being without health insurance coverage is not a good thing, is it? Number of uninsured Americans drops Update2: Number Of Americans Without Health Insurance Drops Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:22:00 GMT Microsoft to Buy Greenfield, Adding European Web Shopping Site - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Phil Serafino and Dina Bass Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp., seeking to catch Google Inc. in the Internet-search market, agreed to buy Greenfield Online Inc. for $486 million to add Web sites that help consumers find product reviews and ... Survey Says ... Microsoft Is a Smart Shopper Microsoft to buy price comparison website Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:24:21 GMT Thai Protest Stops Trains and Planes - New York Times
New York Times - By THOMAS FULLER BANGKOK - Protesters in Thailand ratcheted up their campaign to oust the government on Friday, broadening their occupation to stop trains and block provincial airports, as well as waging an unsuccessful attack on police headquarters ... Thai rioters attack police station UPDATE 8-Thai protests hit police HQ, disrupt airports Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:31:31 GMT Make Money From Home |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... "Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More The information in this article is based on the successful... Read More For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the... Read More Puppy crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More Lots of folks are picky about their vet, and for... Read More So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More I've been around many people who try to lead a... Read More
Adsense
websites
Buster the Beloved Pussycat
Introduction To House Training
Cat Scratching Solutions
Keeping Gars - A Short Review
Cockatiel Illnesses
Puppy Crate Training -- Fast Track to a Contented Dog
Materials for Snake and other Reptile Cages
Canine Diabetes - Does Your Dog Have it?
You Dont Get a Second Chance!
Westie Pups - Tips for Success in Housetraining
PH Levels in The Discus Tank
Housebreaking Your Dog-Potty Training Canine Style
Choose a Vet Who Cares About Your Pet!
How to Build a Dog House for Your Puppy
Bast, The Beloved Protector of Cats
Ten Most Popular Goldfish
Pet Owners Are The Majority Population In The U.S.
Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs
Basic Discus Fish Care
Dog Aggression: How to Recognize & Respond
Things To Think About Before You Buy A Pet Bird
6 Common Dog Emergencies
Goldfish Tips - Finding Out The Gender of Your Goldfish
Decorating for The Cat Owner - How to Protect Your Possessions
How To Use Leading Your Horse To Get Control And Response
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Do You Know Whats Really In Your Pets Food?
The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on... Read More
Your Guide to Cat Breeds
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
Ten Most Popular Goldfish
You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More
The Top Five Reasons to Rescue a Boxer
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
A Beginners Guide to Lovebirds
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
Five Powerful Reasons Why Owning A Pet Could Make You Live Longer
You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More
Mommy, Can I Keep That Stray Dog?
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
Dealing With your Pets Allergies
It is Winter time again, a time of the year... Read More
Immune System Booster for Your Pets
Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune... Read More
Are You Feeding Your Cat The Right Food?
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Golden Moments and Dog Training
Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More
Does Your Boston Terrier Want To Be With You?
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
House Rabbits are Fun and Cute Pets
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
How To Choose A Professional Dog Trainer
1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More
Personal Pet Check-Ups
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
Westie Puppies For Sale ? 7 Important Questions To Ask Your West Highland Terrier Breeder
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
Identifying and Treating Health Problems in Your Dog
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Heartworms Alert - Know The Warning Signs To Save Your Pets Health!
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
Vaccinating Our Pets
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
10 Questions Im Most Asked about Dogs in Heat
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
Why Dont I Understand My Dog?
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
BARF Diet For Dogs - Not As Gross As It Sounds!
Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More
What You Need To Know To Keep Your Dog Safe In Your Car
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More
Healthcare for Your Goldfish
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Pet |