Dear Human,

Hello it is me, dog. You seem really sad and scared. I’m your best friend so I want to make sure you are not sad and scared. However, do not feel ashamed for feeling sad and scared.

These things happen. Thunder makes me sad and scared. So do raccoons. 

Anypuppers, I’m just a dog who doesn’t understand global crises or macroeconomics. But boy do I understand how to deal with stress. I thought I’d share a little of my wisdom with you, my best friend.

When I feel stressed I like to do three things: nap, snack, play. Yes, those also happen to be my favorite things to do. There is a lesson in that but I’m just a dog so you’ll have to figure that out for yourself.

First, napping. I like to nap on my dog bed. I also like to nap on your bed pillows: the one you use for your head and the one you hug. To be honest any pillow that smells like you is my pillow.  I like to nap on the couch. I like to nap under the kitchen table. I like to nap in sunbeams and rolled up in blankets like a burrito. I’m not suggesting you nap to escape feeling sad and scared. You can’t outrun feelings! They’ll chase you! No, I just think napping is a great way to unclench and drool a little. Just find a cozy spot and let go for a little while. 

Next: snacks! It is very important to enjoy snacks. I don't mean eating until you're sick. I just mean munching a tasty treat here and there, because it's nice to be nice to yourself. It is important to enjoy snacks on a good day and on a bad day. If you’re sad, snack. If you’re scared, snack. If you’re happy, silly, goofy--snack. It’s the First Law of Doghood: Thou Shalt Snack. So let’s make a deal: during tough times you enjoy a tasty human treat, and I’ll enjoy a tasty dog treat, and we’ll just hang out until the next snack time. 

Lastly, I recommend playing. That could mean some exercise you can do indoors: pushups, jumping jacks, planking. I’ve seen you do all three and you look so very mighty when you do them! But I also recommend playing--watch a movie, finish a crossword puzzle, play a game on your magic screen you stare at all day long. Let your big person brain wander. I do that all the time. I think about snacks and clouds and licking your face and snacks and naps and IS THERE A SQUIRREL OUTSIDE and snacks. And when you're relaxed you should play with me, your best friend. Here are my favorite games: attack the sock, attack the tennis ball, attack the one-eyed stuffed bunny. I also enjoy winning belly rubs. We should play all the games all the time. I promise you’ll be a little less sad and scared.

Oh, yeah, I love you. I don't know if that makes anything better. I love you and I'm with you right now, and I'll be with you after this is all over.  I mean, we’re best friends, right?

Yours fur-ever, 

Dog