Expert: Norman Auspitz - 6/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Norm. I'm in trouble here and I need help. I thought I was getting over Toby but I'm not. I keep having horrible dreams and flash backs of the day he died and now I have hit rock bottom again with the grieving. I don't know what went wrong. Uhoh here comes another flash back and it's even worse than the last one. Hold on, Dixie drop it. She has found my favourite cat collar, Toby's collar. I tell her no and she won't listen. Oh now she has found the hoover and the plug socket which is dangerous because I'd like to live. I can correct her all day and she won't listen. Chance's leg is better now. He is getting to be very obedient. He is friends with a winemarana puppy and his name is Cordy. He is Chance's best friend. He like Dixie too.
Daanielle.

ANSWER: Danielle,

Did you go over to the pet grief web site?  They should have told you these flashbacks are perfectly normal.

It does sound as if things are improving for you, even if you don't see it right now.

One thing you can do if your puppy wants to chew on the cord is to make a mixture of lemon juice and cayenne pepper and paint it on the electrical cord.  One chew is usually enough to keep any puppy away!!!!!

Best regards.. Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Norm. I haven't had chance to go on the pet grief site yet. been busy. The flashbacks are normal. Even if it shows me driving the car that ran him over? I can't even drive. In the flashbacks I am the one that ran Toby over but I would never do that. I loved him in life and I love him still in death. Going to Alton towers theme park the day after my birthday and I will be going on Rita queen of speed. She is a launched rollercoaster with no lift hills. She goes from 0 to 100 in 2.5 seconds now thats fast. don't know if it miles per hour or kilometers. Rita is top. I always ride her. Been on her 5 times now.
Danielle.

Answer
Danielle,

Yes, these dreams and flashbacks are normal. I am not a psychologist, but I wonder if the dreams are a way of your mind working through your guilt.

Enjoy Alton Towers theme park!!!!!!  It is the kind of activity that gives your mind a much needed vacation from recent untoward events!!!!!!

Best regards... Norm.