February 24, 2010

White Dog did not understand why Michael was so angry when he came in from school today. He was stomping around and saying not nice words in a not nice tone of voice. It scared her and she refused to go to him to say hello. When Steve came in we raised an eyebrow and he shrugged, "this started when he had trouble closing his seatbelt." He stormed and yelled and was completely out of control. White Dog jumped up and hid behind my back. We tried to understand that this happens sometimes with autism but were glad when he finally thumped his way downstairs into his room and slammed the door. Later, when Steve coaxed Michael up to eat dinner, White Dog went to his side and put her paw on his leg. "Why is she doing that?" he asked, now much calmer and even contrite. "White Dog is trying to make sure you are alright. She was afraid that there was something really wrong before. Eskies are very sensitive to the moods of those they care about." "Does that mean she cares about me?" I let White Dog answer as she lay down next to him and asked for a belly rub.