Hi again, Sharyn!

Wow, it sounds like a really difficult living situation that you are enduring there! I wish there were a way that you could get out of there, find a new room-mate, move in with family, or stay with a friend. But I understand that it is really difficult for you to do that. I just hate to hear of anyone having to deal with an abusive relationship.

In terms of what you can do to help the animals, let me see what I can suggest.

For Lila, I think it is *great* that she has a little house to hide in. Cats often feel most secure when they are tucked up in a box, carrier, or pet house. You can give her a blanket with the edges rolled up to make a little donut nest for her, and even give her a bit of catnip in there. She may well feel most secure if she stays in there until your room-mate has gone to bed when the home will be quiet. Put her litterbox in a quiet area (perhas your closet?) so that she knows she will be safe when she uses it. Same with the food and water bowls.

One of the things that I would strongly recommend is a Feliway Diffuser system. This is a plug-in device that sprays a cat pheromone into the air, helping to calm the cat without drugs. Here's a link to more information:

http://www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html

I find the plug-in diffuser to be the most helpful since it works even when you are not there, which is when Lila is most likely to feel stressed.

For Dana, spending time outside on walks away from the apartment is going to really help her. A tired dog is also going to be a more relaxed dog! So, not only is she away from the abusive situation out on her walk, but also she gets tired and more relaxed from that. Try not to let her know how much it bothers you, or how stressed you feel because she will pick up on that and it will stress her even more. So, if your room-mate yells at you and the pets, just go into your room with them and keep your voice light and happy. Pretend that it was not a big deal and that you are not upset as that will help Dana to feel more relaxed as I have no doubt that she is very bonded to you and picks up on your emotions!

Also, you may wish to consider a DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) diffuser for Dana. It is the same thing as the Feliway but sprays dog pheromones and not cat pheromones. So, it contains a smell that calms dogs, but is not a drug and is perfectly safe. It has no odour to humans. Here is more about them:

http://www.healthypets.com/dapdogappher.html

Sharyn, I really wish that there was a way for you to be able to live somewhere without this abusive person. It sounds like such a difficult situation! My heart goes out to you! I hope that this has helped somewhat and wish you luck with finding a different living situation. Best wishes to you and Dana and Lila! (((HUGS))) Fiona