January 7, 2013

White Dog has been very patient the past few days with Quinn as we struggle to get him back in balance. He has been suffering from nightly manic episodes and almost a child's fear of the dark (or maybe it is nightmares). In any case we have left a small night light on in the office where he and Nuka generally sleep but that has not proven to be enough by itself.

So we have brought The Other White Dog up onto the bed to rest between us (much like a parent reassures their frightened child) to pet him and speak softly until he is calmer and lulled nearly to sleep. Steve then gently carries our boy to his favorite sleeping spot and lies on the floor with him until he truly falls into a deep sleep. It seems to work without further drugging him.

White Dog has never shared bed privileges with any of the WDA yet seems to understand. She shifts her usual position against my legs to give Quinn space and goes to sleep without a fuss. When Steve moves him, WD returns to our normal arrangement.

As my voice has returned I have developed a cough that comes in spasms, part of the recovery process I am hoping. But my bursts made our frightened boy more nervous last night as we cuddled together. WD sensing his distress actually moved so that she, too, could lie touching his flank. It felt very pack-like. I ended up sitting with my back against the headboard which lessened the coughing; Quinn lay next to me with his head in my lap; WD carved out a space between my legs.

It took about an hour but Quinn finally relaxed enough to be drowsy and Steve carried him to his sleep spot. Nuka took up watch, resettling with her back against Quinn's and there they spent a quiet remainder of the night with no further pacing.

Dr. Julia has suggested another tweak to his medication and perhaps the purchase of a Thundershirt for Quinn to wear at night to ward off the fear. The momma in me believes that no shirt will take the place of my arms around him, but the idea of uninterrupted sleep is making the experiment a serious consideration. On an intellectual level I am a bit skeptical because so many in this community have seen little success with the Thundershirt. I welcome your thoughts.