Summary

Matthew's dog Bruno experiences depression after being separated from his owner due to a no-dog policy at Matthew's new apartment, leading to a caring friend stepping in to find a solution.

Abstract

Matthew is forced to leave his dog Bruno with his uncle due to a strict no-dog policy at his new apartment, causing Bruno to exhibit signs of depression. The author, a friend of Matthew's, takes on the responsibility of caring for Bruno, observing his distress and lack of appetite, eventually leading to a veterinary diagnosis of depression and separation anxiety. The author's empathy for Bruno's plight prompts them to find a new rental home for Matthew that allows pets, ensuring the eventual reunion of Bruno with his owner.

Opinions

The author expresses a strong emotional connection to Bruno, empathizing with his distress.
There is a clear disapproval of the landlord's no-dog policy, which is seen as the root of Bruno's depression.
The author believes in the emotional depth of dogs, suggesting they can experience human-like feelings such as sadness and depression.
The uncle's willingness to keep Bruno is viewed with some skepticism, as it seems motivated by the desire for a guard dog rather than genuine affection for the pet.
The author values the bond between humans and their pets, going to great lengths to help reunite Matthew and Bruno.
There is an appreciation for the veterinary intervention and medication (Clomicalm) in treating Bruno's separation anxiety.
The author encourages readers to support writers and their work by becoming Medium members, highlighting the value of community support in creative endeavors.

A Dog’s depression!

His sadness was too much to bear!

Photo by Matthew Pilachowski on Unsplash

Matthew's landlord refused to let him keep his dog in his apartment. 'NO DOGS ALLOWED!' he yelled.

Matthew is my best friend's son.

It was heart-breaking to see him hug his dog & leave him in his uncle's yard. Matthew wept as he drove off to the next city without Bruno, his best buddy.

I promised to feed Bruno & check on him daily.

Bruno sensed something was amiss. He lay outside the kennel whimpering. His head on his front paws, & those eyes looking too pitiful!

My petting & trying to comfort him did not seem to make any difference. Instead, he watched the gate from where Matthew's truck drove out.

This dog had feelings, and I swear I saw tears in his eyes, although experts say dogs do not shed tears.

Matthew's job was in the next town. Unfortunately, he could not afford the daily commute, so the best option was to rent an affordable apartment in the area of his workplace.

His uncle wanted the dog to stay in the yard to protect his house while he was on the road trucking. So when he got home, he would bring the dog inside the house.

I know his uncle did not like the dog, but Matthew paid him upfront to keep the dog till he found a suitable place.

Every morning when I drive up to feed Bruno, he would run to the fence wagging his tail & barking, but when I call out, he retrieves back into his kennel & starts whimpering. So I figure he shows disappointment that it was not Matthew.

I could not make Bruno feel better. The dog would not warm up to me, so I was broken-hearted when I left him at the kennel after filling his food bowl & changing his water.

One morning I noticed Bruno ate very little, & his water bowl was still full. He was lying in his kennel, breathing fast. I picked him up, put him in my car & took him to the Vet.

So this is week four. The Vet said dehydration & depression. What? a dog with depression! I guess they are like humans, after all. The Vet prescribed Clomicalm tablets to treat his separation anxiety disorder. Then she showed me how to administer the medication to Bruno.

The dog fell asleep once I secured him to the seat in my car.

In the late afternoon, I return the dog to his kennel. Fortunately, Matthew's uncle was home & the dog would stay indoors till the end of the week. I told Matthew's uncle about my activities & why I took the dog to the Vet.

Then I started working on finding a place for Matthew where his dog could be with him. The depression of the animal got to me. It was more than I could bear.

I spent the day looking for rental homes on my phone & calling realtors in the city where Matthew worked.

In the evening, the realtor called & said he would show a house to Matthew that had just gone on the market for rent. It had an enclosed yard.

I called Matthew & offered to help him get out of his monthly lease at the 'no dog' apartment & I would pay the deposit for his new rental.

He can return the funds once he is settled & stable.

I could see the smile & gratitude on Matthew's face in my mind's eye. He was crying as we talked on the phone & said how much he missed his dog and what a blessing I was to help him in his crisis.

What a relief for all of us! I cannot wait to see Bruno reunited with Matthew!

Thank you, readers, for your reads & responses.

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