Quite some time back I had the awesome idea to put this t-shirt on my dog. And no, the t-shirt in question is not made for dogs. In fact, it was too big for Donna and she couldn’t walk in it without stepping on the hem. But no big deal, because I did not have it on her for long anyway. Just a couple of minutes, long enough to find out it was too big and to snap a few pictures before taking it it off again. No animals were harmed in any way.
The dog on the t-shirt in question was not Donna but her sister Dyana. The t-shirt was one of the shelter sales items, made in memory of the dog. We first learnt of the dog’s death on the day we first met Donna. In the midst of interacting with Donna, Florence received the bad news when her phone rang.
We later learnt that Dyana died when she jumped down the building from a window, presumably because she was anxious during a thunderstorm. The dog was home alone and the window was opened to provide some ventilation. There was some speculation that perhaps the curtains flapped from the wind and drew the dog to the window.
I later sent the picture to Florence and she replied that it made her emotional. But I guess, emotional in a good way since she did not get mad at me. :P
Today is Donna’s birthday, and also Dyana’s. A good day to remember a dog who died and to remind us to always to make sure the house is secure when leaving the dog home alone. And also to remember the mother Dior, who is happily adopted, and coincidentally enough to a nearby family.
Sonel
Awwww shame, that is so sad indeed Mrs. P! A very good reminder indeed hon and Donna is so lucky to have you and Mr. P taking so good care of her. Simba is also scared of thunderstorms and he always wants me near him when we do have them here. :D
weliveinaflat
It is, I’m still trying to find the ultimate magic spell to get her to like thunderstorms!! :P
Sonel
Same here hon. The only thing that works for Simba is the No. 6 tissue salts (Kali Phos) as it helps to calm him down. I give him 2 when I see the rain approaching and then 2 every 2 hours. When the thunder and lightning starts I put on some music and keep him in my arms and kiss or brush him until he falls asleep. :D
weliveinaflat
She’s actually calm when there is someone she can be near to actually, doesn’t even seem very unhappy. It’s when no one is at home, that’s when we return to find signs of her nervousness… lots of saliva puddles on the floor and the bench and and poop/pee in the toilet. Not sure what can help in this case…
Sonel
Oh shame … yes, that is very unfortunate indeed hon. Maybe it would help if you leave some music or the TV on for her when you leave. You could try and make a video recording for her with your voice and face on it so she can hear and see you and play it on a loop mode so it can “feel” like you are there. Try it and see if that makes her feel more secure. :D
weliveinaflat
Oh that is an interesting idea! recording our voices, that’s something we can try for sure! … We’re also thinking of installing a web cam so we can see exactly how she reacts to the storm at home while we’re out… since its all guess work for us so far, based on the evidence she leaves behind!
Sonel
That’s also a great idea Mrs. P. :D