We are still trying to figure out how to make Elsa-the-Rescue-Dog happy. Mostly she is tough, strong and independent.
Unless there is a mysterious noise.
Like thunder of course.
Or fire crackers.
A backfire from a distant Virginia highway.
Or just any unidentifiable noise that indicates the sky might fall.
Lately we are having regular afternoon thunder storms at the time she has her dinner and most especially when she needs to go out. And of course Independence Day was yesterday so right after the storm there were far off cracks and pops in the neighborhood. That was enough to start her shaking shivering and pacing in a mad search for safety almost all day yesterday.
Go out? Wanna go out? Ha!
Eat her dinner? Ha!
Well, she can afford to lose a few pounds.
Elsa has a “Thunder Shirt” which wraps snugly around the middle to combat anxiety. Trouble is, it doesn’t fit. We feed her well and Elsa has outgrown her Thunder Shirt! It will not wrap around her anymore.
Elsa has anxiety. Me too.
We both worry about everything.
We both worry about the sky falling.
The Thunder Shirt will not fit me either.
Lately, Elsa’s safe place to hide out and shiver is in the foot well of my desk. She is still worrying about the thunder storm from yesterday and is now under there. What a sweet blogging companion, except when the shivers hit or when the thunder claps and we both want to run for our lives.
It is all quiet now, but the prediction is for thundder storms this afternoon.
Elsa has taught me one important thing.
There is no point in worrying about the weather.
But if I could get under my desk with her,
I would be there too.
Virginia Views 
As you know Dora, we have the same problem with Koko. There is nothing else we can do to stop their anxiety . Please let me know if you find a solution won’t you.
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Will do Rita!
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Awww. Yesterday was the first “fireworks day” for new cat Sasha. They didn’t seem to bother her except she wanted to be IN the house instead of in the screened porch. Cats seem more resilient about noise, preferring to take a nap under the bed when necessary. Sounds like you both need a larger sized thunder shirt although I don’t know if they work. Hugs.
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Aw…. I think it’s so sad when dogs (or an animal) is fearful of noises. I’ve often thought I’d like to get under the bed with my kitty during thunderstorms!
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This stormy weather has been relentless! Valium needed! 😉 Maybe you can sew velcro extension bands to the Thunder Shirt?
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Poor baby-can’t you get a larger size? I guess the good news is the storms don’t last too long
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I have two friends who have two horses, pastured together in a place surrounded by fireworks afficionados. You think calming Elsa’s a bit of a chore? Of course it is, but just think — those horses would fit under your desk too, if they could!
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Please take a selfie if you get under the desk with Elsa.
Dog Sadie is now living with us until Rose and John $ find a place to live. Rose held her last night as our up-mountain neighbors shot fireworks for a LONG time. The poor dog quivered the whole time. We enjoyed the fireworks, though.
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Time and love might cure 🙂
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Our Freckles and Bucky are both terrified of thunder! Lately we’ve had more than our fair share of booms too! Bucky shivers near everyone back door on the porch as he is an outside dog, and Freckles who is an inside dog finds refuge in her blanket near me on the couch.
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We’ve been having a lot of crawling under the desk weather too! Poor Elsa, but at least she’s in good company with you.
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Poor critter! If only you could explain to her what is happening perhaps her anxiety would diminish. Just some human warmth and support seems to be all you could offer her for now, and maybe it will be enough in time.
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So blessed to have met you 3 ❤
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