Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The Storm

Fred did something last night that he has never done before, and it was really quite special. 
We experienced a thunderstorm last night. Here in the Pacific Northwest, in the valley anyway, thunderstorms are few and far between. So when they do occur, they get noticed.
This particular storm, wasn't very close or even remotely intense. I grew up in Ohio, and I've experienced some serious storms. This one doesn't even come close to one of those. That said, it was noticed by me, and definitely by Fred.
I had been in bed for about an hour or so when I heard a little rumbling in the background outside. It dawned on me that it was thunder, I thought it was pretty cool. Fred was under the covers as usual, and I couldn't tell if he had heard it, or not, he didn't startle or anything. Which isn't surprising, he's a pretty cool dude when it comes to stuff like that. Fireworks really don't phase him much, it's clear he doesn't like them, but he doesn't get all freaked out about it. One of the many qualities that I love about Fred.
 Mr. Cool
So anyway, I could see the lightning flicker through the blinds and several seconds later a rumbling of thunder, I was actually enjoying it. Not much time had gone by, when Fred army crawled himself from under the covers. He laid down on the pillow next to me with his head up, staring at the window. He seem unusually concerned about the storm.  I offered a belly rub for reassurance, which he graciously accepted. I turned away from him and continued to read my book while the thunder rumbled outside. A little bit after that, Fred scooched himself closer to me with his nose close to my ear and he put his paw on my shoulder. Then he took it off, lightning flashed, and thunder rumbled, and he put his paw back on my shoulder, then off again. He did this until the storm finally moved on, probably about an hour. 
It was really very sweet, and I am not sure if he was protecting and comforting me, or if it gave him comfort to know I was right there beside him. I like both scenarios really. 

Anyway, this was just one of the many, many things that Fred does on any given day that brings him ever closer to my heart, if that is even possible. 

22 comments:

  1. Tucker isn't normally phased by storms either, however there was one this summer that did startle him.
    The dog that IS afraid of storms, Alex (Bernese Mountain Dog) lol

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  2. That's funny that the "big guy" isn't a fan. I guess size doesn't matter...

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  3. Awwww.. Fred is so precious. I'm going to "go with" him "reassuring you" during the storm. I suspect since you were enjoying it, he sensed that and simply enjoyed your enjoyment.

    :)

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    1. I think you may be right. I really do enjoy a good thunderstorm. Rumor has it, we might get more storms tomorrow night.

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  4. Fuuny. I had a cat years ago who was afraid of storms. For whatever reason, he'd hide under the toilet. He got so bad he'd get under there before I even knew it was coming. He was never wrong though!

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    1. Poor kitty, I think cats especially have a great weather sense. The toilet seems like an odd choice though. Silly kitty!

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  5. CUTE! My little Tucker-pants doesn't notice storms. He is however scared of fire so when we have a fire going in the fireplace, his little body is pressed as hard into me as possible. He's a big tough guy about everything else...except fire.

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    1. That's funny, Fred absolutely loves fire. I worry sometimes he might burn himself he gets so close. I call him "My fire log hog dog".

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  6. Awww.... Tucker is certainly a cutie! I'd like to think that he was protecting his mom!

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  7. Oh, that was adorable! Tucker's a lovely pooch!!

    Greetings from Minneapolis,

    Pearl

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  8. That IS sweet, whatever reason he did that for! As if to pat you to say its okay, Momma, I'm right here, its okay!! Aw. My heart is melting. And I feel like a rotten mama now. I'm deaf, you see, and I was out like a light during the storm. I did not stir or move a hair. I wonder how scared my dogs were. I'm going to have to make it up to them this weekend!

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    1. Hi Nikki! I imagine if they were truly frightened they would definitely let you know. They have a way of communicating things like that. :)

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  9. Hi Mary - Skippy streaked around in my bedroom and then stayed behind the drapery looking out into the backyard. He was exhausted the next day. I think he wanted protection! He's not cool during thunder storms. Enjoyed reading about Mr. Cool - Freddy.

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  10. Fred is so sweet. And you're right either scenario is special. Love the pictures of Mr. Cool Dude. The new header picture is adorable too.

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    1. I have to agree, he really is a sweet little boy. I am glad you like the header pic. For some reason I can't get it to center using the shabby blog template. I may have to do a little redesign.

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  11. Awww Fred is so sweet!!!! I love when dogs don't care about thunderstorms. We had a GSD when I was growing up that was so terrified that if he was outside when it started thundering he would go through a window to get inside, so I hope I NEVER have another one that is afraid. Storm has been afraid of fireworks for years and unfortunately as her hearing fails she has transferred that fear to thunder. :( Fortunately she only pants and paces. She doesn't go completely ballistic like the GSD did. I'm glad Fred isn't scared or if he was that he was reassured being close to you. :)

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  12. Picture is so cute...

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  13. I hope you and Freddy have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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  14. Just stopping by to wish you and Fred a very Merry Christmas!

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