The Calm After the Storm

cracked treeIt is easy to get lost in our own daily lives…trials and tribulations. But we are immediately brought back to reality when we witness a whole town losing everything near and dear to them in a horrific tornado.

In our world of trying to control life around us, it can spin out of control in mere seconds.

Hearing of the devastation that was caused by the tornado, it makes the heavy lightning thunderstorms that we are having look so trivial. Although, when they were happening they didn’t seem trivial at all.

I have three dogs that are petrified during thunderstorms. Actually two of them shake and drool and pant while one of them, Scarlett, normally wants to run out in the back yard during the thunder booming. Just recently during a storm even Scarlett was trembling and not wanting to leave my side. The winds were incredibly strong with lightning and torrential rains. girl kissing dog

After the storm as I stepped outside the smell of pine was very strong. A tall pine tree about twenty five foot from the back of my house was split halfway up the tree. Thank goodness it fell away from my yard and my neighbors, as well. I am sure that the crack of the tree is what scared Scarlett.

We did not get much rest that night. I do the opposite of what you are supposed to do with dogs during a storm. I coddle them like babies. I want them to feel safe. I have heard of something called a thundershirt to dress your dog in during a storm. Evidently it hugs to their body and creates a gentle constant pressure which is very soothing. For now, I will be their thundershirt.

Well, we made it through the storm and woke up happy to see the sunshine the next day. We are so lucky…a few limbs to pick up, a tree that might eventually have to come down, but no worse for the wear.

I am so grateful for a roof over my head and a home filled with fur.