Decision time.
Do I take my dog out front in my pjs and pink fuzzy slippers to bless “his” fire hydrant or let him roam free in the backyard?
We’ve been a little overprotective of Milo ever since he broke his foot this summer while chasing an intruder. Especially since his tendency is to take off like a bat outta hell if he sees a squirrel or bunny. Yet, his foot had healed nicely and it was early, cold, and damp.
I kept an eye on him as he patrolled and watered the garden beds.
When he disappeared into the overgrown woods, I went to make my smoothie. Trusting he’d bark when it was time to get his portion. Mid-smoothie, I was prompted to look outside as I witnessed him leaping over the greenery and streaking toward the side yard. It was such a full out run that I went out on the deck to investigate.
My mind scrambled and I couldn’t understand why two black and white creatures were nose to nose in my yard.
Within seconds I was screaming “Milo, No!”while watching two snarling creatures locked in a battle. In hindsight, I realize my stress response had diminished my frontal lobe functioning. I was terrified that Milo was going to be bitten in the face by this creature.
Seems I forgot all about a skunk’s secret weapon.
I saw the moment Milo got sprayed in the face and his valiant effort to go in for one more snarl. I’m sure the burning was too much for him as he ran in a panic, rubbing his face in the grass. My extensive vocabulary changed to “Milo, Come!” as I ran along with him.
As he streaked by me on the deck, I saw his look of panic in his blood red eyes.
He’s quick and efficient. I’ll grant him that. In his frenzied state, Milo blessed the carpets in 3 rooms with that skunk’s parting gift before I caught him. Knowing I had to wash out his eyes, I leashed him and dragged the poor beast to grab towels and upstairs to the bathroom. Not even letting him pause for another wipe of his face.
As I ran the water, my entire focus was on protecting his eyes.
We were in sync as he brought his face under the warm water, flushing out his eyes. Quickly laying towels over the bathroom rug, I sought the dog shampoo. Only to find we had none. I grabbed my liquid soap made of plants which was good for sensitive skin. Not so great for de-skunking, but okay if soap got in his eyes.
Keeping up a constant stream of soothing language while lathering Milo allowed me to calm us both down a bit.
As my system reorganized and my higher order thinking came back on line, I realized a few things. He stunk. I stunk. My house stunk. And his eyes were clearing up rapidly. Once he had his roll about on the towels (and my bathroom rug) he was fluffy and a bit less stinky.
Leashed, I took him to the kitchen while I called the vet. “Watch his eyes.”
I looked up how to get out skunk smell from a dog, my rugs, and my house. Just too complicated for me in that moment to do by myself. When I saw he was still shaking, I sat down and did a Body Code session to clear the trauma. No surprise that first up was the physical-emotional shock, unbalanced adrenals, and other relevant reactions. I treated myself as well while we moved through the protocol to help my system rebalance.
It worked well for both of us.
Next, I found the best rug cleaning service for stinky rugs and arranged for a thorough job three days hence.
With all my tasks done, I made peace with what had rearranged my day and that stink which was well entrenched in my nostrils. We took some sniff and strolls. Then sat outside on the deck for hours waiting for my husband to return from a trip.
Welcome home, lol. I quickly headed out to buy skunk shampoo and get my hair triple washed at the salon.
After a second bath that evening, I’d like to say Milo isn’t a skunk pup. But, I’d be lying. Eventually he’ll reject all that oil from his system, but not today. You might be gung ho about coating your dog in a skunk defying mix, leaving it on for 5 minutes, hosing him off, and repeating the process. But, I’m not.
Our house has very clean rugs, towels on the furniture where skunk pup rests, and a calm dog who continues to keep watch over his domain.
I recognize the power of Energy Medicine techniques such as The Body Code every week in my office. And I saw its potential to help both of us quickly process the trauma of our skunk encounter. We’re all quite calm and tolerant of the subtle, but lingering stink.
Milo could write a testimonial for The Body Code, but he’s too busy patrolling the yard as the apex predator he believes himself to be.
I won’t disabuse him of this notion. Yet, I will check the back yard before letting him out in the early morning. If I can assist you in processing the challenges of life, old or new, with any of the Energy Psychology or Energy Medicine techniques I know, please reach out.
It’s safe now ‘cause I no longer stink.
Peace be with you and with all. No exceptions.
Challenging events and bad news can devastate, challenge a shift, or invite something new. The old adage of a silver lining is worth remembering. With so much emphasis is placed on avoiding trouble and decreasing stress, many people don’t even realize there are more types of stress response than just “fight or flight.” The Challenge Stress Response invites creativity in dealing with obstacles and perhaps even looking hard for that silver lining. Like when COVID shut down public places, restaurants and street vendors got creative in the open air. Something that continues to this day. Check out my Self Soothe Strategy PlayBook and Meditation so you may be flexible in the face of your “skunk.”
Learn the one essential skill that allows you to face any challenge with confidence, sturdiness, and inner calm.
More than a technique. It’s a game changer.
As I climbed the hills in the Sacred Valley, every step was a prayer of gratitude. Pausing often to catch my breath in the high altitude, I drank in the beauty of the mountains, valleys, small towns, and roaming llamas.
It was a beautiful May day at Bryn Mawr College. I was looking forward to partaking in the annual May Day celebration at this college so infused with Welsh traditions.
Here’s a letter from my kid. She’s my favorite Difference Maker, but you’re also on that list. I hope you enjoy and participate if this calls to you.
Aspirational Dreaming. It’s a thing. Consider how many times you are presented with someone who does something truly amazing or simply appealing.
The New Year is upon you. Right on the tail of your full belly, busy schedule, and (hopefully) positive feelings about your world.
It’s dark and getting colder in much of the world. Inviting you to slow down, light your candles, warm your hands by the fire, and enjoy your time indoors.
