Jasmine's phobia of noise has become much worse. At first, as a puppy, she was just momentarily startled by doors slamming shut in the wind, and shivering when the neighbors set off fireworks.

As the years have passed, we've endured panicked lunges for the closet, destructive efforts to get under the night stand, heart-pounding shiver terrors.

The worst was last year, during a terrific thunderstorm, when I thought she was going to have a stroke. I bought some oil to rub on her chest--dog aromatherapy--and it did seem to calm her down somewhat.

I'm dreading this year's storms. She is so old now, a bad fright could cause her to drop dead in her tracks. Which is not a bad way to go, I guess, but I'm going to do my best to keep her quiet and calm.

The aromatherapy works on me, too, by the way. After Jasmine and I both finally fell asleep, I had one of the most restful nights ever. Maybe I should use it when I have one of those nights where I can't shut off my brain, too many thoughts, tumbling one after the other, repeating endlessly.

Now, I wonder where I put that oil for Jasmine?