Unscaring Beorn

Ever since Beorn’s massive freakout in October, he has random days where he is not himself. He doesn’t seem ill — he is eating and drinking water (though he only returned to drinking water a few weeks ago). He will happily come over and play with me. He begs for treats.

But he also sometimes runs frantically for a second. Or he acts as if he cannot find his bed. Things that are out of character for him, especially because more than any other pig I’ve ever met, he thrives on routine and loves reacting to cues.

When he does this, I feel like I need to unscare him. I need to speak to him in a quiet, normal voice and remind him that everything is normal around here. Nothing to worry about. There is nothing terrifying about the water bottle. His food bowl cannot harm him. His nighttime treat is on his bed, just as it has always been for the last 4+ years.

Sometimes, it works, but sometimes, he still seems off for a few minutes. I’m not sure why I believe I can unscare Beorn when Josh cannot unscare me when I am frightened or worried.