[Debbie D]

My dog got very overwrought New Year's Eve when people began lighting firecrackers. We went out to our friend's house, and their little dog did likewise.
But she got out something that's called Thundershirts. It's a swaddling wrap that velcroes around the dog, and her pup immediately calmed down!
I'm going to order one for my dog...he freaks out, especially over July 4th at the cabin where Wisconsin cabin owners shoot all sorts of stuff all evening for days at a time.
Thundershirts.com...if you're interested.

[tkrik]

Have you ever watched Temple Grandin? If not, watch it. It's a great movie. She has some type of autism and found that putting herself in this contraption calmed her down. She saw it done at her Aunt and Uncle's farm and they explained why they did that to the cows. She ended up trying it and found it worked for her. She's rather famous and has designed many things for animals. Anyhow, it's the same concept I guess as the Thundershirts.

[wkikta]

Would work similarly to a gentle hug with your arms around the animal. But, the shirt would be much more convenient since you don't have to hold it.

[SallyC]

Awwwwwwww, how sweet. I love it. Sorta like when I wrapped myelf up in DHs coat, after he died.

[aussiemom]

I've heard mixed reviews on them. But if I had a dog tat was terrified, I'd try it!

Don't know if anybody saw this, some idiot shot a gun skyward, bullet came down miles away lodged in a young boys brain. In the Tampa area. Please be careful!! Watch your kids and critters.

[Debbie D]

The others at the party discussed that movie...and it's so synchronistic-I went for a tour of a school for autistic and LD children in our town that our women's charity gave a chunk of money to...they had a contraption that would hug a child by that child pulling a lever and two pads would close in and hug him. It calms them immediately. No teacher or aide is allowed to direct a child to it or work the machine-it is up to the student.

Awww, Sal...I love the image of you swaddling yourself in your DH's coat...