It is me, your favorite Doxie-Jack, here to spend a few minutes with you visiting and catching up.
My friend Barbara wrote: "Abby, can we see you modelling your Thunder Shirt? We have heard about them, but really don't know exactly how they work. Perhaps you can explain, as many pups out there are afraid of loud noises, fireworks & of course, thunder."
I am very happy to talk about ThunderShirts! I have no affiliation with them, but am available if they ever want a real life spokes-dog. :-) The ThunderShirt is made of a sturdy, felt-like material. Momma wraps it tightly around my body with velcro. It fastens securely at my chest, and around my belly. The gentle pressure of the shirt makes me feel like a baby who has been swaddled. I feel secure when I have it on.
Because of my background (rescued stray) I am very frightened of loud noises. My list includes thunder, fireworks, tree surgeons, and roofers. Before, I would pace and hide and almost make myself sick because the noises upset me so much.
Now, when the noises start (or on nights where we KNOW there will be noise, like 4th of July fireworks), I get my ThunderShirt on. Momma still puts on music and fans to make happy noise to distract me as well ... but this really helps. We keep the shirt in the bedroom closet, and I go sit by the closet door when the noise starts ... I know my shirt is waiting there for me. Thankfully, I have Momma trained and she always goes right there to get it for me.
You can read about the shirts at the official website: Thundershirt.com. They are available at any pet supermarket or pet specialty store.
Fireworks have been legalized in our area this year, so we are already thinking ahead to ThunderShirts and the summer holidays!
How are you doing this week? Do you have any questions for me? I look forward, all week, to chatting with you here. I always love to hear from you in the comments, below.
Love from your friend,
Abby xoxo
