By Lane DeGregory, Tampa Bay Times

TAMPA, Fla. — The first time Tammy freaked out, her human had no idea what was happening.

It was summer, two years ago, afternoon sun streaming through the windows of the dog’s Port Charlotte home.

Suddenly, the happy, waggy Basset Hound started whining, drooling, shaking. She paced around her owner, Jill Powers. She wouldn’t leave her side.

A half-hour later, as the sky darkened and thunder began booming, the dog’s eyes grew huge and desperate. She couldn’t stop trembling.

Powers tried distracting her with treats, taking her into a closet, hugging and soothing her. “You’re alright, Tammy, girl. It’s OK.”

Powers was sure her dog was having a heart attack. She didn’t associate Tammy’s reaction with thunder. She’d had dogs all her life; none had been

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