When someone you love is hurting

And you wish you could share the burden

My dog Gabby has an allergy that makes her want to lick and lick and lick at her paw. She has been treated at the vet for this with little effect. What we’re left with now is the dreaded cone of shame. It’s the only way that she will leave her paw alone. But it kills me to put it on her. I wish I could help her bear some of the burden by wearing it myself, as illustrated, but that’s not going to happen. Here’s what does happen:

I put the cone on her and use a very mournful voice telling her how sorry I am to do this to her. Then I remember that that probably makes her feel even worse, so I affect a very cheerful voice telling her how stunning she looks with her new hat on and how she’s going to get a very delicious cookie. This helps a little bit. Mostly the journey of humiliation and discomfort is hers to bear and all I can do is offer whatever comfort I can and be continually frustrated at the fact that she doesn’t know that this will come to an end.