Pets Hate Moving, Too.

I love dogs. Always have. There are very few dogs (or cats) I won't try to make friends with, and I am usually successful. I have been bitten three times over the years, and all chomping was move related. Please, if you are moving and have a pet you love, consider their needs as part of your moving agenda.

Dogs and cats are very sensitive to their environment, steeped in a daily routine, and used to the same people around them. They also can sense mood shifts and stress when it is emanating from you, their owner and friend. They know days before the actual move that SOMETHING is going to happen....all usual routines are shattered, perhaps strangers are in and out of the house, they are alone too much, or you are home too much. However it may stack up, they know something is in the wind.

Just as you would a child, friend or other relative, make the effort prior to moving day to spend some time with them, reassure them that all is OK, you really are not throwing out everything they love.

When moving day arrives, please get them out from underfoot. Whether it be in a cage, on a run outside, perhaps in a spare bedroom, or on the back deck. Maybe even in your car..they have been in there before...it may be a "secure" haven for a while. No matter what kind of dog (or cat) having them around is trouble. If Spot is friendly, he (or she) will only be under everyones feet, a danger to all movement in the house. If Spot is skittish, protective or fearful, there will be unending barking, growling...even worse. Everyone looses: you, Spot & the movers (or friends helping you.)

Case in point: In 1983 I was moving a family from Atlanta Georgia. They had a big german shepherd, whom we patted and got very friendly with. The house was big and the dog very laid back, so I brought in our materials and started packing in cartons. I was kneeling down in the family room, packing video tapes from the TV cabinet, when I heard growlng. I turned to see this "friendly" 100 pound dog right behind me at eye (and throat) level..neck hair up, and teeth out. You see, the MRS. stepped out to get the mail, and he realised we (for the first time) were alone in the house, and switched to "protect" mode.

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