Mannequinn helps old dog with separation anxiety

[Catherine]

The mannequin wasn't the man, but it was like the man and had his scent. For some dogs that would be enough of a reminder to bring comfort. I am sure Shorty isn't fooled, but having her people go to all that trouble would be a comfort. Something like this would be worth trying if you had a pet that was very anxious and missing someone.

I stayed with a friend when her baby was very small and I wore her dirty sweatshirt and held the baby. She snuggled up to me and slept which gave my friend a chance to sleep. I wasn't the mother and the baby knew the difference, but there was enough familiarity for her to relax and sleep.

Dogs have a better sense of smell so it would take more than a sweatshirt. I wonder if anyone else has tried the same thing or something like it.