Over a year later, Heather is back to working in an office. With Phoenix’ school temporarily closed awaiting relocation, Heather has started leaving Phoenix at home with her son, who does college remotely from home. She believes Phoenix might suffer from separation anxiety due to being brought home during a pandemic. “Great Danes are known for that (separation anxiety),” she says, laughing a little. “They’re big babies. I can leave her home for a maximum of two hours. I don’t want to do it more than that.” When left unsupervised, Phoenix has been known to comb through garbage, as she can open the cabinets with her teeth. She has also nervously chewed several shoes in the past. “But the dog is our baby,” Heather says. “We don’t leave our baby.”
Finn hanging out under the lifts during a walk at Sugarloaf.
Similar to Phoenix is her “cousin,” Finnley. Jack Bisson, Finn’s owner, believes Finn suffers from some level of separation anxiety. “But not as bad as some dogs,” he says. “When my girlfriend and I are home, Finn desires constant attention. He always wants to be close to, if not right on top of, you.” Finn, a purebred black Lab, was born May 2020, in the height of the pandemic. He was raised on a farm for a short period before being rehomed two more times, eventually finding his forever home with Jack and his girlfriend, Abi Davis, in May 2021. “Finn sort of fell into our laps,” he says. “I could tell he was very anxious when we opened the door and seemed a little scared even.”
Bisson with Finn and Davis on a road trip to Sugarloaf.
Jack rents a house with a yard that gives Finn room to play. “We’ve had him around eight months now,” he says. “I think he knows that we are his forever home. Or at least we do.” Finn’s anxiety has been noticeable in several situations. Jack recalls an incident hiking, where Finn became nervous around another group of hikers and would not stop barking. On other occasions where the couple has left Finn home alone, Finn has destroyed slippers and other items. Jack and Abi recognize Finn’s struggles with anxiety and searched for ways to help him. “We give Finn CBD infused dog treats,” Jack says. “Which he loves. These help with his anxiety and constant need to be touching us. I have seen improvement with Finn using CBD treats and would recommend them for anyone looking to help manage their dog’s anxiety.” Both Jack and Heather feel that with time, both their dogs will only get better.
