Rainstorm On My Rooftop

on September 27, 2011
in All Posts

We had a wonderful fall thunderstorm last night.  A huge clap of thunder sounded around 6 AM, I rolled over, and the Husband and Maggie’s eyes were wide open.  “Holy hell!” he whispered.  It sounded like it was right above our roof.

 

I expected to see tons of downed trees this morning, but the street was just littered with leaves!  Tons and tons of beautiful, colorful leaves.

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I love fall weather.  Can’t it stay this way forever? 

 

Fall breakfast:

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French toast with baked apples, pecans, and agave nectar.

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Baked apples are the second best French toast topping (grilled banana is #1).  I made a huge batch last night, and I’ve already worked our way through the whole thing.  Don’t know how that happened!

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A little random, but… You you know how I’ve mentioned several times that Maggie has severe separation anxiety?  I finally caught it on tape. 

 

This was her reaction when the Husband simply walked out the front door. 

Intense.

 

Enter the 5K Giveaway!

{ 107 comments }

 

  • Esen September 27, 2011, 9:50 am

    oh my god! poor thing! hahaha, thats amazing and so unusual or is it not? I’m a cat person:)

  • Reenie September 27, 2011, 9:59 am

    Ahhh poor Mags…. James runs off ~ ha!!!

    Your breakfast looks wonderful. 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 1:39 pm

      James is constantly being tortured by Maggie.

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen September 27, 2011, 10:05 am

    Poor Maggie! Our dog makes similar noises when we come home but I think it’s excitement not sadness driving that.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat September 27, 2011, 10:06 am

    Aww poor Maggie! Your breakfast is making me SO hungry – the baked apples and pecans… mmmmmm! Perfect for fall. I can’t stand the rain (it’s still pouring here!) but I do like seeing all the gorgeous fall colours… as long as it’s sunny! 🙂

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb September 27, 2011, 10:08 am

    it rained allll night here in chicago as well but i didn’t wake up to beautiful flowers and trees… just downed branches and messy, wet leaves.

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} September 27, 2011, 10:08 am

    That breakfast looks incredible!! Totally want some right now.

    Maggie is just preparing your for when you have babies! 🙂

  • Ali @ Ali Runs September 27, 2011, 10:09 am

    I love baked apples! They are one of my most favorite things about fall!

  • Freya September 27, 2011, 10:09 am

    Awh poor Maggie 🙁 Do you know what age she was weaned? With horses, if they’re weaned too young they tend to have more behavioural issues – maybe it’s the same with dogs?

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 1:39 pm

      No… I think it was her previous owners. They didn’t care for her at all.

      • Eliza September 28, 2011, 1:56 am

        aww no! My Jack Russell is the same. We got her from people who didn’t even seem to care that she was leaving. We went to pick her up and the kids didn’t even say goodbye. She has similiar issues to Maggie, but we love her

  • Kayla September 27, 2011, 10:10 am

    I just played the video and my dog came running over to me. I asked him where Maggie was, and he ran to the window. So cute!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) September 27, 2011, 10:11 am

    Awww poor Maggie! My cat back at home has extreme separation anxiety and cries whenever we leave. It’s heartbreaking!

  • Paj September 27, 2011, 10:16 am

    Poor Maggie! I got a calming collar for my dog and it did wonders (she no longer needs it daily anymore!). It’s filled with natural herbs to help soothe them. Plus, it smells wonderful!! I have friends who ordered them and it helped their dogs too.

    http://www.calmingcollars.com/

    • Megan September 27, 2011, 11:06 am

      do these really work? I have a seperation anxiety whiney dauschund too.. been interested in checking out the calming collars…

      • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 1:40 pm

        Interesting! I will look into this.

  • Khushboo September 27, 2011, 10:16 am

    I am on a cooked apple kick these days! Love it with yogurt and cereal!

  • jassy @ Healthy Egg September 27, 2011, 10:18 am

    haven’t experienced autumn ever 🙂 the closest is during december and january here in the philippines 🙂 re: maggie’s separation anxiety, why not watch the “dog whisperer” 🙂

  • Melissa September 27, 2011, 10:23 am

    Aww…poor Maggie. However, The Dog Wishperer wouldn’t have us feeling sorry for her in the least. He’d just make that noise to shh her and let her know it wasn’t ok to act that way. He’d probably tell us that it would make her happier in the end if we could show her we were the “pack” leader and not let any sort of whining occur. If you can get her to stop when it’s just he husband leaving, maybe she’d be better off when both of you leave. I just love Cesar Milan and don’t hate me but I think his training can lead over to very effective parenting skills.

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 10:30 am

      Tried it… Read all his books. It doesn’t work on Maggie, seriously. I would love for Caesar to come and try to train Maggie because I really believe she is untrainable.

  • Ashley @ My Food 'N' FitnessDiaries September 27, 2011, 10:23 am

    I LOVE Fall too – the change of colors on all the trees is one of my favorite parts. They’re not changing a ton here in Utah quite yet, but when it comes mid October, it’ll be gorgeous! 🙂 I can’t wait!

  • Katie September 27, 2011, 10:27 am

    Haha aw, poor Maggie. My cats freaked out when I played that video.
    “It’s ok, I’ll hold your snout.”

  • Jen September 27, 2011, 10:38 am

    Haha! Caitlin, what do you do to her after The Husband leaves?!

  • Beth (Well I'll Be) September 27, 2011, 10:40 am

    Poor Maggie, that’s the saddest sound I’ve ever heard. It breaks my heart when my dogs act like they don’t want me to leave!

  • Mia September 27, 2011, 10:44 am

    awwww..my doggy does that too. However, I wouldn’t consider that ‘severe’ separation anxiety. One of my friends has a dog that literally tears the house apart and chews through her crate when my friend leaves the house…now that is severe!!

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 1:40 pm

      Well, I was still there 🙂 That’s why I have to crate her when we are both gone. She goes apeshit.

  • Mary September 27, 2011, 10:47 am

    Poor pup. Sounds just like our lab whenever someone leaves the room for a few minutes.

    it’s actually supposed to be really warm here in raleigh this weekend. I am praying for some cooler weather this weekend though!

  • Chelsea September 27, 2011, 10:49 am

    My grandmas dog has anxiety like that haha! He FREAKS out when you leave him alone.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife September 27, 2011, 10:49 am

    Beautiful fall pictures! ANd I want to try warm/baked apples on top of b-fast someday soon, I hate bananas, so that sounds GREAT!

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery September 27, 2011, 10:58 am

    My dog just recently started making the exact same sound but it was when we got him this raccoon toy- he would carry it from room to room and then start crying. I think he got said because he thought he killed it but who knows. Maggie is adorable.

  • Jen September 27, 2011, 11:03 am

    Aww poor Maggie! Reminds me of when my golden retriever pulled a ligament and was supposed to stay in a crate to make sure she didn’t stress her injury; she whined and cried so much that my dad ended up creating a little fort for her in the living room.

  • Suzanne September 27, 2011, 11:03 am

    Poor Maggie! She is precious!

  • healthy ashley September 27, 2011, 11:03 am

    I played the video and wanted to let you know that Braxton is very, very concerned for Maggie!

  • jane September 27, 2011, 11:18 am

    hi! I have a question for you: I volunteered with Girls on the Run in NYC (where I used to live) but have since moved back home to FL. I would LOVE to start a branch/program here! Do you know how I get involved and in touch with someone who can help me? I checked the website but didnt get anywhere. Thanks! 🙂

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence September 27, 2011, 11:23 am

    I love fall weather too, I hate how quickly it goes!

  • Liz September 27, 2011, 11:26 am

    Poor Maggie! That was so sad!

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) September 27, 2011, 11:29 am

    My dog howls when I leave… it’s always so =(

    We had nice fall-ish weather yesterday, though I hear we’re getting back into the 90s soon. Noooooo!

  • Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks September 27, 2011, 11:31 am

    Aw, poor little lady! My Hungarian Vizsla, Buddy, is the exact same way — whenever either of my parents leaves the house, he starts whimpering and standing at the door.

  • Joey September 27, 2011, 11:31 am

    Those leaves are so pretty… I miss fall! It is still hovering around 100* here!

  • Colleen September 27, 2011, 11:32 am

    None of this “poor Maggie” stuff! lol

    In all fairness, coddling her is reinforcing the behavior. Saying “it’s okay,” holding her in your lap, and petting her are telling her that what she’s doing is the appropriate and acceptable way to act.

    It *is* possible to work on this. Most of the training comes down to the way that we react with our pets– not the pets themselves.

    Disclaimer: I’m not a trainer, but my boyfriend is 😉

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 1:42 pm

      Can you ask your bf what I should do? Once Maggie gets worked up, there is absolutely nothing I can do to get her attention. She doesn’t care if we ignore her – she still spazzes. She doesn’t care if we spank her (lightly). She doesn’t care if I coddle her. It’s like none of my behaviors have any impact whatsoever on her behavior. She is really, really dumb. I think that’s the problem. Literally, another trainer told me she was ‘untrainable.’

      • Colleen September 27, 2011, 2:30 pm

        He likes to work by the approach that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Basically, only acknowledge her on your terms. Don’t greet her when you come home, and don’t say “goodbye” to her when you leave. Just ignore her. Once she’s calm, you can invite her over to you, make her sit, and pet her. If she cries or pushes you or anything, turn away from her and ignore her until she stops. If it’s bad, send her out of the room and don’t let her back in until she’s quiet.

        Of course, nothing’s in a vacuum. You’ll need to work with her all the time… going for a walk, etc.

        Hope this helps.

  • Rachel http://foodfashionfaith.blogspot.com/ September 27, 2011, 11:33 am

    My dog does that. I hate walking out the door and hearing her whine. Breaks my heart.

  • Deva @ Deva by Definition September 27, 2011, 11:34 am

    aww, poor Maggie :-/. One of our cats used to have anxiety whenever we would leave the house, but he has outgrown it for the most part. He becomes very clingy when we get home if we’re gone overnight, though.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) September 27, 2011, 11:36 am

    Poor baby! My bird has a tantrum every time we leave the house. I feel so guilty when I hear him squawking!

    • Eliza September 28, 2011, 2:20 am

      aww, what type of bird? My galah speaks Polish, he used to live with my grandma. He has random tantrums all day and screams Polish swear words

  • Moni'sMeals September 27, 2011, 11:42 am

    Oh Maggie, bless you!

    I LOVE YOUR FALL PICS! Gosh I miss the seasons at times. Your breakfast looks so great too, good idea and healthy!

    🙂

  • Kiran @ KiranTarun.com September 27, 2011, 11:43 am

    Poor Maggie. Hoping she overcomes her anxieties soon.

    I love fall, the changing of colors and chill in weather. Hoping Florida would catch on, soon 😀

  • Kelsey September 27, 2011, 11:48 am

    My parents have a dog who reacts with separation anxiety like Maggie does. It’s really hard. 🙁 He has been moved around a lot, because my older sister first adopted him but was unable to keep him, so my parents now care for him at their house. Thankfully he adoooooores my mom and she adores him right back. Who knows what his life was like before being adopted by my sister. 🙁 The hardest times are when my sister and her other dog (part of the reason she had to give this dog up – they didn’t get along!) visit for a brief period and then leave… he has horrible anxiety and yelps and cries for an hour or more. 🙁

  • Fallon September 27, 2011, 11:56 am

    awww Maggie! She is so cute. She will always be your little baby.

  • Rebecca September 27, 2011, 11:57 am

    Maggie reminds me of toddlers who freak out when Mom & Dad leave them with a babysitter. But she might be worse. I’ve babysat a lot of little ones who cry when Mom and Dad leave, but usually the max it lasts is like 15-30 minutes and then they finally give in to distractions. Maggie might be longer/worse than that.
    But it’s like with little kids who cry when they fall down: they’re fine. Unless something is broken. One of my friends has a little cousin who tripped going up a step once and after a minute they went, “Oh, did you hurt the ground?” Not “Are you okay?”–take the focus off the kid’s slight discomfort and focus on something else.

    There are blanket-like things for dogs with anxiety. I forget what they’re called, but I see the commercials sometimes. Thunder blanket or something? Idk, something about storms and anxiety like that.

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 1:42 pm

      Tried it.. didn’t work. LOL

    • Jen September 27, 2011, 3:35 pm

      Wrapping your dog in a blanket helps with storm anxiety because the turbulence in the air makes their fur stand on end and they feel tingly. My dog had really bad storm anxiety, so the vet suggested rubbing her with a towel or a blanket during a thunderstorm and it worked. That’s a different thing than separation anxiety, though.

  • Meagan September 27, 2011, 12:10 pm

    I’m in Austin and this post makes me insanely jealous! Rain? Leaves? Chill? Sigh… 😉 Enjoy the rain!

  • Amber K September 27, 2011, 12:12 pm

    Poor Maggie!

    I love Fall weather, but I can’t stand it when leaves are all over the place. Mostly when they stick to my shoes, my pant legs, me…blech.

  • Lauren September 27, 2011, 12:14 pm

    Awww, Maggie! Our pup gets so freaked with storms. He hides under the bed until it’s over and some nights, I am tempted to join him.

  • Laurie September 27, 2011, 12:23 pm

    Oh, Maggie girl!!!! I think it must be a doxie thing because mine does the same thing! He does that howling noise and barks when we leave. It breaks my heart to leave him everyday!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 27, 2011, 12:36 pm

    Love that video of Maggie Moo (apparemtly this is my nickname for her).

    And I was imagining your husband saying that in his british accent when I read words that he said. Weird much?

  • Nicole September 27, 2011, 12:36 pm

    Yes- I own a dog, and I strongly agree with the people who say NOT to comfort maggie! It’s hard, but by comforting her, you are reinforcing the behaviour. In fact, just by holding her, you are reinforcing it. If you really want to get rid of it, you need to find a way not to acknowledge it at all. If you have a crate for Maggie, you could put her in the crate before Kristien leaves, and only let her out if she stops crying (or after a certain amount of time has passed).

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 1:43 pm

      But she never stops crying if I put her in the crate?? She freaks out more in the crate.

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes September 27, 2011, 12:42 pm

    My little Ti-ti was worried when I played Maggie’s video! That is soooo sweet!

  • Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled September 27, 2011, 12:57 pm

    Baked apples make an awesome topping. I had some on oatmeal last week and it just made the bowl heavenly. And pecans? My favorite nut! I want some of your breakfast!

  • Nicole September 27, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Shoot—-that is a mild display of her seperation anxiety! 😉

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair September 27, 2011, 1:33 pm

    Oh poor maggie! That broke my heart!

  • Emily September 27, 2011, 1:34 pm

    I had a dog with serious separation anxiety. He was a rescue dog and had been left by his previous owners for long periods of time. We were told sometimes he was left alone for days. SO when he came to us he used to go NUTS whenever he got left alone. You’d step outside for only 5 minutes and come back to total carnage (chewing, pooing etc).

    We tried all kinds of things, but eventually ignoring it worked. We were just very calm all of the time so he didn’t pick up on any stress from us. It lasted a few months, but eventually he felt more secure and stopped it. It also helped for him to have access to outside space so that when he was freaking out he didn’t feel closed in at all.

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 1:43 pm

      I wish ignoring Maggie helped 🙁

  • jackie September 27, 2011, 1:35 pm

    I have a mini Dachshund too and he acts sooo much like maggie. he doesn’t like to walk outside, he’s perfectly happy chillin inside 24/7. plus his separation anxiety is through the roof too. poor things lol

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat September 27, 2011, 1:39 pm

    Poor sweet Maggie!

  • Verna September 27, 2011, 1:41 pm

    She loves her daddy!

  • Marissa C September 27, 2011, 1:47 pm

    What GORGEOUS weather…I’m buying some mums stat! I plan on buying a bunch of ornamental pumpkins too…I’m not allowed to buy any more fall decor that isn’t perishable, per my husband 🙂

    You inspired to make steel cuts oats with a dollop of pumpkin, milk, and a sliced banana this morning! (with a little stevia) I would have had pecans too, but I burned them 🙁 It was still delicious!

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:16 pm

      That sounds AWESOME. I want pumpkin!

  • Hillary September 27, 2011, 1:56 pm

    Sigh. I love fall, for all the reasons you just listed.

    Although I could do without all the rain of these past two weeks. A sunny fall day is the BEST.

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul September 27, 2011, 2:07 pm

    awww! hehe Maggie’s so cute…
    And you’re truly a girl after my own heart!~~I love those Fall photos~

  • Ari @ Ari's Menu September 27, 2011, 3:02 pm

    My mini does the same thing if I close the bedroom door and keep her out. She sits at the door and wines until I come out. My Jack Russell used to do the same thing too when we got him. So cute and sad at the same time!

  • Michelle September 27, 2011, 3:52 pm

    My mini does the same thing when I am home and I keep her out of whatever room I am in. Basically she has to be able to go whereever I am at all times. She will wine sometimes when the BF leaves to take out the trash, but she is a good girl when we have to leave for the day. I know that sound very well though. She is super cute too btw 🙂

  • Jacalyn September 27, 2011, 4:49 pm

    OMG. I just played that video and my two labs jumped up and ran to me and stared at the computer with the most concerned faces. sweet pups.

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:15 pm

      Aw that’s cute 🙂 When I play it, Maggie goes apeshit. I’m surprised she doesn’t realize it’s her.

  • Kelsie September 27, 2011, 5:03 pm

    I played the video of Maggie and my cats were frantically trying to find her. Too cute xD

  • Christena September 27, 2011, 5:07 pm

    I actually don’t think Maggie is that bad compared to our pug! Our pug had/has terrible separation anxiety…..when we would both leave, he would bark, howl, scratch on the door, chew things, and piss and crap on everything – not only the floor, but the furniture also. If one person leaves, he barks for awhile, but gets over it shortly. We tried everything – everything – and finally got it to stop by putting him in a small room with a baby gate blocking the door when we leave. We put his bed, toys, and water in there. I guess it has the same effect as crating, but just in a larger space. He is now perfectly content and doesn’t make a peep and doesn’t go to the bathroom in there. When we say “gotta go!” and he will run straight to his room and sit on the doggie bed while we put the gate up. Totally crazy…it is like a different dog. We suffered the crazy for three years before we found that out. Even still, if I’m home alone with him and leave briefly without locking him up (like to get the mail or go to the car), he goes batshit crazy again, like the old days.

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:15 pm

      Oh man. I wish crating Maggie worked. I tried to just leave her in the bathroom – kind of like what you do with your pug – but she tore up the door. 🙁 I’m glad you figured out what worked for your pup!

  • Jess-The SemiAbnormal Gal September 27, 2011, 5:10 pm

    Your wet leaves on road photograph is stunning. That should be in a frame. Poor Mags, though. Good thing she is cute, right? haha.

    PS. What does the holding her snout do? Anything? Good luck with the fur baby.

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:14 pm

      Sometimes it makes her stop…. Or it gives my ears a break. LOL

  • Liz September 27, 2011, 5:23 pm

    Poor Maggie! Is she food oriented? One of my rescue dogs does really well if she gets given a Kong or other treat-giving toy when I leave her, as she becomes so focused on the food she hardly notices I’ve left! If Maggie is as slow as you say she may struggle to figure out how to work it, but there are many kinds with different levels of difficulty!

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:13 pm

      I tried to give Maggie the kong but once we leave, she will focus on NOTHING else except the fact that she is alone. It’s so sad.

  • Lauren @ Sweet and Twisted September 27, 2011, 5:29 pm

    My cats were not a fan of the video and I had to stop it partway through, haha!

  • Stacy September 27, 2011, 5:53 pm

    Have you thought about trying a Thunder Shirt? It’s a snug fitting doggie vest that is supposed to lessen the effects of separation anxiety and storms. I haven’t tried one personally but have a vet tech friend who says they can’t keep them in stock at her clinic because people love them. The bonus is that you can return them within 1 (or maybe 2) months of purchase for a full refund if it doesn’t work.

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:13 pm

      A few people have recommended that… I’ve tried something similar but it was an intimation, now that I think about it. I’m going to look into the original.

      • Mary October 14, 2011, 11:15 am

        I know I’m super late on this, but you MUST try the Thunder Shirt. Our dog had horrible anxiety and the minute that shirt is on, he’s so peaceful sometimes he just falls asleep!

  • Amanda September 27, 2011, 6:00 pm

    Awwwww poor Maggie…. my cat ran for it when I played that video.

  • Sophie @ threetimesf September 27, 2011, 6:05 pm

    Those fall leaves are beautiful!

  • Jessica @ Fit Chick Wannabe September 27, 2011, 6:24 pm

    My dogs don’t go so crazy when we leave, but when we come home if we don’t come in the door fast enough, they start to HOWL. Like they need us right away. It’s so cute but I feel like especially my chihuahua is in serious distress lol

  • Jenna September 27, 2011, 6:49 pm

    Way too funny Maggie!
    While the clip was playing my dog Bean attempted to wedge herself behind me in the chair and hide her head!!! Evidently Bean has Maggie anxiety…..

  • Liz September 27, 2011, 6:50 pm

    That is one of the saddest sounds ever! Almost teared up. Poor boo–that must be hard on y’all.

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:12 pm

      It kills me.

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel September 27, 2011, 6:56 pm

    Aaah, leaves on the ground! Love that first photo.

  • Kaylan September 27, 2011, 7:18 pm

    Hi Caitlin, I’m currently a vet student and just took a small animal behavior course. I am definitely not an expert and couldn’t personally give any specific advise, except that you might want to take her to a veterinary behaviorist. She’s not doing any of that behavior to be bad or get attention, she’s doing it because of fear and anxiety. If you’re interested in more info on a vet near you check out this website –> http://www.dacvb.org/resources/find/
    Separation anxiety can be really challenging to deal with – for vets, pets and their owners! It will likely take a lot of hard work and commitment to get rid of that behavior, but in the end you’ll make her and your family a lot happier and less stressed. Hope this is helpful 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:11 pm

      Awesome. Thank you for this link. I’m going to check it out.

  • Janessa September 27, 2011, 7:47 pm

    Love your pics of the fall leaves on the street–beautiful!

  • JenRD September 27, 2011, 8:03 pm

    OMG, why have I not tried your baked apples recipe sooner? I was motivated to make them today, and they are just like a healthy decadent apple pie–I bet they would be delicious with some vanilla bean ice cream or fro yo on top!
    BTW, Maggie is too cute–and her cries sound eerily like a newborn’s!

    • CaitlinHTP September 27, 2011, 8:11 pm

      I am so glad you like them!

      maggie is my baby! 🙂

  • Julia @ Brides Up North September 28, 2011, 6:00 am

    Maggie rocks. End of.

  • Lesley September 28, 2011, 6:32 pm

    Awww, I love Maggie! And James indifference, hahaha.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) September 29, 2011, 8:41 pm

    Awwwwwwwwww – I want to hold her!!! She is so sweet!!!!! I love that little Maggie 🙂

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