Stress

Roland · January 24, 2007

As a mate from Canada wrote on the Alberta Classic....

As most know, it predisposes animals/birds/humans to all sorts of opportunistic bugs and mental health etc, physical health deteriorates.

My 'light bulb' must have been on dim for quite a few months!

What happened was this. My oldest grandson, now 19, came to live with us over a year ago. When I moved down here he stayed at the old place then got himself an apartment. There was some tension at times as I had to get on his case to clean up after himself. Turn the music down etc,. I had three dogs at that time. Big bull terrier, Jack Russell and her granddaughter. Granddaughter tried to assert authority over her grandmother and got nipped quite a few times. The big guy just stayed clear. Very quiet dog. Anyway, moved down here with my other grandson. Now 17. He is/was an excellent worker when he put his mind to to it. However, he could not focus. If he had a dirty job to do (power washing) he would put it off until I had to really get on his case. Jobs have to be done as rotation of animals is paramount. Besides leaving tools all over the darn place things got pretty hectic. I told him time after time. Do it the way I want it done, it works more efficiently that way. I would invariably get an argument. Anyway, he left beginning of month.

Stress. OK. The younger Jack Russell went with one of my daughters Xmas time. No more having to separate fighting dogs. As stated, my grandson moved out. No stress no tension. K. Back at the other place my big dog started to lose a little weight. Figured old age. He seemed arthritic so gave him some Predeff. He started to deteriorate since we moved here. 4 months back. No gloss on his coat, still losing weight. Of course the wife and I were concerned about him. Needle him with something or..? Anyway, granddaughter of the old Jack Russell had gone. Grandson had gone. No stress no tension. I would never have believed it! The big guy is now in excellent shape. Weight about 80lbs, gloss on his coat as good as it ever was. Daughter was here Sunday and remarked on how good he looked. 'What are you giving him', she asked. My wife told her 'less stress!'. Up until that point I had not realized animals were that sensitive. Obviously pigeons are also. Umm...should get rid of stress factors..send all teenagers to Military School..or another planet for a few years...