Double Whammy!

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jmcquown - 05 Jul 2005 03:47 GMT

Persia is in the closet again... not exploring; hiding :( She got hit with
a double-whammy in the last hour. First, more loud fireworks. Then,
thunderstorms moved in, taking the place of the fireworks. My poor sweet
pretty grey girl! I hope this all calms down soon so she can come out of
the closet and we can snuggle tonight.

Jill

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I used to have a handle on life...but it broke off.

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Gabey8 - 05 Jul 2005 04:05 GMT

Poor kitty! :(

I saw something on Animal Planet, I think it was a program called "Good
Dog U", where a trainer showed a family how to help their dog get over
fear of thunderstorms.

They got a CD with the sound of thunderstorms on it. First they played it
quietly. Then gradually, over a period of days, they played it louder and
louder. The goal was to get the dog used to having Normal Life continue to
go on in the house even while thunderstorm noise was going on. Eventually,
they intended to reach the point where the CD was being played at a high
volume, with no fear reaction from the dog. They did get her used to the
noise of T-storms with that method.

Also, the trainer said that if the dog hides in fear, DO NOT go talk to
her and say "It's OK, It's OK". We might think that's reassuring, but
instead it's reinforcing the behavior by telling the dog that it's OK to
cower in the closet, hide behind the sofa, etc. He said that the best
thing to do was keep normal activity going in the house and ignore the
T-storm. That would set the example that thunderstorms are nothing to
worry about. So maybe you can keep that in mind when Persia's startled by
thunder or fireworks.

I hope she recovers from the scare of all that noise soon, poor kitty.
Maybe next year, around July 4, you can talk to the vet about possible
calming meds you can administer if she's not acclimated to thunder and
firework noise by then.

Donna, Captain, and Stanley (who both gave some strange looks out the
window when they experienced firework sounds from nearby Citizens Bank
Park for the first time)

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Steve Touchstone - 06 Jul 2005 04:09 GMT

<snip>

>Also, the trainer said that if the dog hides in fear, DO NOT go talk to
>her and say "It's OK, It's OK". We might think that's reassuring, but
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>worry about. So maybe you can keep that in mind when Persia's startled by
>thunder or fireworks.

Sometimes I think that's what I've done with Sammy. She used to be
absolutely terrifed of storms, and when I peaked under the covers
she'd be wide eyed and all puffed up. So, I usually just got under the
covers with her, and read a book. Now when I look she starts purring
and comes over and goes to sleep next to me. Course I always have a
couple books I haven't finished, so maybe she's just helping me find
time to read ;-)

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Steve Touchstone,
faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and the Evil Spot
with loving memories of Rocky (RB)

stouchst@JUNKsirinet.net [remove Junk for email]
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Kreisleriana - 05 Jul 2005 04:14 GMT

>Persia is in the closet again... not exploring; hiding :( She got hit with
>a double-whammy in the last hour. First, more loud fireworks. Then,
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
>Jill

Poor little girlie. I am pretty lucky tonight- it is strangely quiet,
and I've got Chinese neighbors!

Theresa
Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

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jmcquown - 05 Jul 2005 04:27 GMT

>> Persia is in the closet again... not exploring; hiding :( She got
>> hit with a double-whammy in the last hour. First, more loud
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
> My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

You are very lucky. Nature's Fireworks. It's *pouring* down rain. And I
just heard on the radio there is another front right behind this one. Temps
dropped from close to 100F to 70F and the skies are rockin'. At least if
anyone was careless with fireworks/crackers they are definitely out now.

My poor kittie girl. But she feels secure behind my vintage dresses in the
back of the closet.

Jill

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polonca12000 - 05 Jul 2005 22:14 GMT

Poor baby!
Lots of calming purrs and best wishes,

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Polonca & Soncek

> Persia is in the closet again... not exploring; hiding :( She got hit with
> a double-whammy in the last hour. First, more loud fireworks. Then,
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Jill

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Steve Touchstone - 06 Jul 2005 04:09 GMT

>Persia is in the closet again... not exploring; hiding :( She got hit with
>a double-whammy in the last hour. First, more loud fireworks. Then,
>thunderstorms moved in, taking the place of the fireworks. My poor sweet
>pretty grey girl! I hope this all calms down soon so she can come out of
>the closet and we can snuggle tonight.

Purrs for the storm to pass and the fireworks to end soon

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