Everyone’s had at least one unreasonable fear in life. Admittedly, I was terrified of the dark as a child. To this day, the deep sea still gives me the heebie-jeebies.
Astraphobia is the fear of thunder, lightning, and thunderstorms, in general.
The fear has a variety of other tongue-twisting names, including astrapophobia, brontiophobia, keraunophobia, and tonitrophobia.
In fact, thunderstorms are a pretty common fear in humans and animals, especially children… and dogs.
Meet Mabel the Golden Retriever. This is her first thunderstorm.
A rather raucous thunderstorm’s really raining on her parade. Loud cracks and cackles occupy the airwaves as if Zeus sends his angry regards from Olympus.
Her large, worried eyes basically sum up her thoughts.
Fortunately, her loving new family’s there to comfort her.
Luke’s scared of storms, too, but his priority is comforting Mabel.
He’s being as brave as he can for her, and it’s absolutely adorable.
The lush outside foliage appears swamped in rainwater. This is cutting into some serious playtime!
The gang’s itching to venture outside, but it’s really pouring!
Some would even say… it’s raining cats and dogs.
A bout of thunder cracks like a whip, forcing the children to cover their ears.
Mabel’s face, yet again, says it all. She’s petrified!
She looks like she’s seen a thunder ghost!
Luke laughs nervously, trying his best to stay calm and comfort Mabel.
Although a tad skittish, they’re both staying surprisingly cool despite their fears.
Fortunately, they’re there for each other.
Their bond continues to strengthen each and every day, rain or shine.
The storm continues its thunderous rampage. Mabel and Luke proceed to the pantry for extra protection.
Mabel’s still a little shaken, but Luke’s there to comfort her. He pats her on the back, lovingly.
Don’t worry Mabel, things are going to be okay!
But the pantry’s not enough for Mabel, she needs a more snug sanctuary.
She opts for closed quarters.
Fortunately, the worst’s already over. Hang in there Mabel!
Luke takes a seat beside her, offering his consistent, tender support.
Mabel repositions herself for extra comfort, her eyes still riddled with worry.
Have no fear Mabel, Luke’s still here!
He continues to guard her with his companionship. His presence alone calms her down.
Zeus’s anger softens. The thunder dies down amid subsiding rain.
Luke and Mabel’s fear quickly dissipates, like storm clouds in a cartoon. It’s smooth sailing from here on out!
They open the front door. By now, the lofty cumulonimbus clouds have pressed on into the distance.
Is… is that sunshine?
Mabel and her best dog-friend Stella (who didn’t bat an eye during the storm) fly out the door, ready for some fun. They’re joined by Luke and his little sister.
Freedom!
The great outdoors accepts the gang with open arms.
Storms come and go, but friendships can last forever. Luke and Mabel will continue to look out for one another for the rest of their lives.
Their companionship got them through some tense storm moments. That bond will continue to grow and comfort them even in the stormiest of times!
So what’d you think of Luke and Mabel’s recent thunderstorm trepidations?
Of course, they made it out, a-okay! I’m sure they’ll be more comfortable during the next one.
Definitely check out the entirety of Mabel’s first thunderstorm experience in the video below! Although a little rattled at times, she and Luke summon the bravery to pull through!
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