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.
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
Just how old is your dog really? More than likely... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow.... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
Some people have horses they don't dare tie. Why? Because... Read More
Here's a simple way... to help your horse learn twice... Read More
This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More
Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More
Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More
Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank,... Read More
Pet |