Obsessive Compulsive Issues

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR
Obsessive compulsive behavior haunts John constantly. When we have a very specific routine, the circle gets tighter each day and begins to strangle the opportunities of new experiences. Having some general specifics helps John feel secure and yet gives us lots of wiggle room to add new turns in his journey. After the shave, shower and breakfast part of the morning, we go outside to start chores.
John is obsessive about keeping the barn clean. Using his Shop Vac, he sucks up every bit of hay, dirt, or twine around the pen that provides shelter for the "girls". The alpacas have become accustomed to this and show no reaction to the machine as it rolls over the concrete floor and bangs against their gate. He brings his rake out with the alpacas and gathers the falling hay in the pen. If there is snow, he cleans the roof of the sheds. So many ways to be constructive and yet satisfy these urges. He expects that we follow a routine: filling the hay baskets, filling the hay bags, refilling the hay wagons, sweeping the outside pen, the inside pen, and finally the barn floor outside the pen! Closing the pen gate is an absolute necessity to John and it sure helps when we are in a hurry and rushing around and forget!