Dogs are social beings that can easily begin feeling lonely when their owners are away from them.
For that reason, many dogs suffer from separation anxiety and can become very frustrated when their owners go out without them.
To prevent his dog from barking, whining, and being sad whenever he leaves his home, one man has decided to get a mannequin that his pooch can seek comfort from while he’s away.
Marc and Kristen, a husband and wife, have a 15-year-old pup named Shorty. Marc adopted the pooch 11 years ago when he had been working at a shelter.
“Marc was working at a shelter in Reno when Shorty was surrendered. It was love at first sight and Marc adopted him,” Kristen explained in an interview with Bored Panda.
For several years, Shorty had been with Marc wherever the man went. They worked together, played together, and even traveled together.
Due to the pooch’s recent health degeneration, however, Shorty can no longer accompany Marc on his trips.
“Now that he’s older it’s too difficult for him and we don’t want him getting sick. When Marc is gone Shorty is extremely anxious. He’ll bark and cry and nothing will calm him.” Kristen added, explaining that even other dogs can’t calm him down. “If I hold him he’s still upset.”
Fortunately, Kristen’s mother came up with an excellent idea. Seeing how separation anxiety started taking its toll on the dog, she bought the couple a mannequin and suggested them to dress it in Marc’s clothes.
“She was over one day while Marc was away and saw how upset Shorty was. She went home and ordered the mannequin from a Halloween store that night,” Kristen said.
“When she told me about it, I thought she was nuts. I really didn’t think it would work and it would just be a funny photo opportunity.”
Nevertheless, the couple put the idea to the test and realized that Farc (Fake Marc) was able to keep Shorty calm. Not only did Farc help reduce the dog’s anxiety but it also allowed Shorty to sleep peacefully when Marc is gone.
After their plan turned out to be a success, the couple shared their story via Vintage Pet Rescue, a retirement home for elderly dogs that Marc and Kristen run.
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