A chilled-out Skipper
So I had a brainstorm during the night. I sat up, turned on my bedside lamp, took up my iPad and Googled "Thunder Shirt." Of course, I guess everyone knows these doggie garments are supposed to allay fear and anxiety in dogs who suffer storm phobia. But anxiety is anxiety. Why not for cat excitement too?
I read that storm fear is just the beginning of what the Thunder Shirt claims to help. Separation anxiety, car trips, trips to the vet, fear of strangers, excessive barking, and I forget what all. My research turned up nothing about calming a dog down when confronted with kittens, but I decided it was worth a try. What could I lose? There's a money-back guarantee if I'm not 100% satisfied.
So first thing this morning, I got in the car and drove to PetCo (where the pets go), the closest place to me that stocks The Thunder Shirt. I bought two of them; couldn't leave Skipper out.
At home, I donned Skipper's shirt, and he went immediately comatose. My little buddy just stood in the middle of the floor, stock still, staring into space. I left him to his meditation to dress Sophie in her shirt. But it didn't fit. Too big. Not just a little too big, but way too big. I left it on her for a little while but couldn't tell any difference in her. So I have to take it back this afternoon and get a one that fits.
Skipper finally mosied over to his bed and lay down. That's where he was a little while ago when I took his shirt off. He immediately jumped up and started barking at something outside. I don't know what The Thunder Shirt is going to do for the kitten problem, but I think I've found Skipper's tranquilizer.
Huh? What?
Oh no no. I wasn't sleeping. Just thinking of soft clouds, fuzzy bunnies, and nice long walks on the beach.
My sinus/allergy/whatever condition seems much improved today. So I've put off the doctor visit to see if the improvement continues. I know he'll give me antibiotics, which I avoid taking if at all possible. During the 90s, I took so much antibiotics for sinus infections that I finally got an infection that wouldn't clear up, no matter how strong the antibiotic. I finally just stopped taking them, and in a few months time, my sinus infection was gone. I hardly ever have one anymore.
Gotta go make meatballs for dinner then drive back to PetCo (where the pets go) to exchange Sophie's Thunder Shirt. I'll report tomorrow on how it works, kitten-wise.
Oh, and by the way, thanks to all of you for your good wishes and suggestions. I consider everything that you tell me and appreciate the advise. Different things works for different situations, and I'm open to try just about anything at this point.
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On 10/03/2012, Mary W. said ...
I'm so glad the Thunder Shirt helps your doggie--I think it's a great idea but unfortunately it didn't help my dog's thunderstorm phobia at all!
On 10/03/2012, Helen in Switzerland said ...
Wow what do they put on those thunder shirts? or is it just that they hug the dog tight? What a great idea!
On 10/03/2012, Ellen in Oregon said ...
" Petco. Where All the Pet's Owners' Money Goes" is more like it. The Thunder Shirt must work like when you swaddle a baby. Kind of odd that being wrapped up like a burrito calms the nerves. I was wondering if the concept would work on people with anxiety and then I realized that had already been invented - as in the straight jacket. Sophie must find it flattering that she needed a smaller size. Don't know if Skipper will stay mesmerized when the cats appear, but it might work for everything else.
I gave your sinus bleaching problem some thought. As a a former health educator I recalled two things about bleach: (1) bleach can burn the mucosal lining of the nose & sinuses and (2) If you use bleach in a room and then use a second chemical cleaner, the combination of fumes can cause unconsciousness and vomiting. If you don't see any signs of infection, then I suspect that your mucosal linings (sorry about getting personal, but mucosal is such a fun word and I hardly ever get to use it) will heal over the next couple of weeks. I wouldn't do anything to further irritate your sinuses. I stopped using most chemical cleaners. I use white vineger diluted in water to mop floors and counters. Vineger is a natural bacterial killer. I also bought a hand held steamer that came with a zillion attachments/nozels. This kills anything that might be in the home. I love it for sanitizing everything in the kitchen & bathroom. The steam is pressurized and blast cleans shower tracks and other tight areas that are too small to clean easily. I have even used it to steam clean the washing machine and window screens. Obviously I am easily entertained and have some fun cleaning. Just thought I would offer an alternative way to kill all those nasty germs without bleach.
Sorry to have gone on so long.
Got to go watch the Presidential Debate. Hope the moderator asks very specific questions and the right questions too. I have never felt that so much was at stake for Americans as in this election.
On 10/03/2012, Barbara Anne said ...
Veddy eenteresting! Skipper looks like he's pleased with his new outfit and is sure it's just his style!
Hope Sophie likes hers just as much and that these Thunder shirts are the bees knees for solving the problems du jour.
Glad your feeling better!
Hugs!
On 10/04/2012, Jeanne said ...
Wow Susan, maybe you have something with the Thunder Shirts. I love reading your experience with both dogs. I am going to get one for Cheri'and see what happens. Her anxiety is when we leave her alone. Maybe it will help her.
Skipper is adorable. I love the photos and the captions.
After being gone for 9 days it is good to be home and visiting my blogging friends.
Happy days to you my friend.
xo, Jeanne
On 10/04/2012, Julie in WA said ...
Laugh out loud funny! Skipper going comatose...our dog does the same thing if we put any kind of dressing on her. So funny. Who knows what goes through a dogs mind at a time like that! Thanks for the humor this morning!
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