Birthday Boy

If dogs could talk then I would be in big trouble. I forgot it was Dude's birthday last week! He gave the camera a big lick when taking this set of pictures though so I think I am forgiven :-)

Dude is a rescue dog and whilst he looks very brave and courageous in today's Blip, he's actually a big chicken especially when it comes to sudden loud noises. Fireworks are a particular dislike for him and every year we go through a couple of days trauma during which he continuously shivers, whines and wets himself. It's not a nice thing for him and not a nice thing to witness. I've tried a number of different things to help him but none have been 100% successful. However, my friend told me about a jacket for dogs called a Thunder Jacket. Apparently it puts firm pressure around the dog (like being cuddled and stroked) and this is meant to calm the dog (like being cuddled and stroked). I brought one and totally by chance we had our first thunderstorm today. I put the jacket on when I saw the clouds becoming really dark and lo and behold, he actually dozed throughout the thunder claps. So all being well the fireworks shouldn't freak him out as much this year. I am SO pleased! All hail the Thunder Jacket!