Dear Eileen,

Julie feels like she's having some mild anxiety to me. It isn't constant and it isn't severe, but it's strange. It seems like she can be peaceful and calm, and then all of the sudden a sound or other stimulus will trigger her into an anxious state. At these times she feels on guard and hyper-alert, sometimes even defensive. She doesn't know the cause, but says she has experienced this before to a lesser degree, and associates it with times when it’s colder and darker outside.

Julie wants me to stress to you that she isn't unhappy, and there are still times when she even feels quite peaceful and content. It's just that then she'll get these jolts of anxiety that pull her out of it. She doesn't want you to start worrying that you did anything wrong or it's your fault, but does think she should see the holistic vet soon. She says she's trying really hard to be good despite her moods, and loves it when you tell her she's a good girl and you're proud of her. 

Before addressing physical issues, I need to give the caveat that I’m not a veterinarian and am only relaying impressions I receive from Julie. They don’t constitute a medical diagnosis or medical advice. With that said, Julie does feel a little achy in her joints to me, like she’s perhaps a bit arthritic. She feels a little sore between her shoulder blades, too, right near her spine on both sides. Her back left leg feels a little achy and tight. But, it's nothing really bad. She's not complaining of anything major being wrong physically, which of course doesn't mean I'm not missing something. I can unfortunately only relay what Julie is willing and able to tell me.

Julie knows you've been worried a lot about your mom and other things recently, and she doesn't want you to be worried about her. She'd like to see the holistic vet, because she doesn't want to get worse and act out and upset you. But, Julie wants you to understand that she's not unhappy, just having a bit of anxiety at times. She loves you! She says you're a good mom and never to question that. She says you're a good friend, too.

I hope that this is helpful, and that your mother and Julie are both feeling much better soon!

Many Blessings,

Jennifer Dickman