Big Breaths with Poppy and Frankie
- Kiki Pape
- Sep 10, 2025
- 1 min read
Breathing Techniques
Everybody can feel the Worry Wags sometimes. Frankie sure does! When she feels anxious, her chest gets tight, her stomach feels jumpy, and her thoughts race around faster than she can catch them.
That’s when her dog, Poppy, shows her what to do. Poppy flops down beside her, ears perked and tail still. “Let’s try our big breaths,” Frankie whispers, and together they begin.
Frankie breathes in slowly, counting “one, two, three.” She holds it for just a moment… then breathes out gently for another “one, two, three.” Beside her, Poppy lets out a long, steady doggy sigh, as if to say, Yes, that’s it.
Why does this work? When we breathe deeply, it sends a message to our bodies: You’re safe. Our hearts slow down, our muscles soften, and our busy brains can take a rest. Big breaths are like pressing the “pause button” on anxiety.
Frankie likes to close her eyes and imagine her peaceful place—a sunny park where she and Poppy chase bubbles in the grass. Poppy seems to imagine it too, because her tail gives a little wag each time Frankie exhales.
The best part? Breathing tricks are easy to use anywhere—before school, during a storm, when worries sneak up at night, or even at the doctor’s office. With every slow breath, the Worry Wags grow smaller and smaller… until they’re no bigger than one of Poppy’s chew toys.
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