Scared Dog On The 4th Of July - 4 Calming Resources-Virginia Beach & Norfolk

Every year my poor Lexus has to deal with my neighbors setting off fireworks before, during and after the 4th of July.  

In fact my neighbors will set off fireworks throughout the year for just about any reason.  

Lexus exhibits the classic behaviors associated with Anxiety and Fear.  Heavy panting, squeezing into small spaces, pacing, whimpering and shaking.  

She also acts this way during a thunderstorm.  I am lucky she isn't a runner!

I have read a lot about the many different ways to help Lexus stay calm during fireworks and thunderstorms.  Sometimes cuddling works, other times she just wants to hide along. 

I'd like to point out that it is OK to cuddle with your dog when she is scared!!  It is a myth that you will reinforce their fear.

Here are 4 of my favorite blogs/websites:  

Victoria Stillwell talks about noise desensitization in her Positively newsletter.

Lisa Spector provides 7 tips For Calming Your Dog.  Lisa has a great website devoted to using music and sound therapy for easing anxiety in both dogs and cats.

Eileen Anderson has some great tips in her blog 6 Ways To Prepare Your Dog For Fireworks
Check out her website eileenanddogs

Dr. Karen Becker wrote an excellent article titled Top 10 July 4th Dos and Don'ts for Pet Owners

Planning on going out to celebrate for the 4th?  Why not hire us to stay with your fearful pup?
Happy At Home Professional Pet Care     www.happydogvb.com

A Day In The Life Of A Not So Happy At Home Dog in Hampton Roads

Have you ever wondered what your lonely dog does all day while you are at work?

6:30am         Mom and dad leaves…back to sleep for me!

8:00am      I’m up! Saw some dogs being walked by my house, I howled hello, but they didn’t stop. Grrrrrrr.

9:00am        Gotta pee!  Hey they left the bedroom door open!  Ohhhh Yummy slippers here for me!

9:30am        What is going on outside?  I see Squirrels!!  Must. Get. To. SQUIRRELS!!

10:00am      Still Gotta Pee!  I hope mom and dad don’t mind the blinds are bent and torn but the squirrels are gone!  YAAACK!  The slippers don't taste so good coming back up.

11:00am       Gotta Pee! Gotta Pee!  I am going to try to nap on mom and dad’s comfy bed.

1:00pm      How do mom and dad sleep with the pillow and comforter like that?  I like the way I fixed them so much better!  I thought they would taste good but they didn't.

4:00pm       Awake! What is that sound?  How many times do I have to howl to make it stop?

5:30pm       I am hungry, out of water and STILL GOTTA PEE!  Wait, they left that big white bowl of water for me.  I can’t wait any longer, I HAVE to PEE…..Ahhhhh I feel so much better…OOOpsies.

6:00pm       Yiippee! They are finally home!  Oh no!  Why are they mad at me?

Imagine if you had Happy At Home Professional Pet Care’s Fun Loving Staff Come and Break Up Their Day?  

Walks. Fresh water. House check. Feeding. Loving attention.  Playtime and more!  

Happy At Home Professional Pet Care offers a FREE consultation.

Let us make friends with your little one(s) so you can stop Feeling Guilty for not being home during the day! www.HappyDogVB.com

I Wrote A Guest Blog: Top 5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Pet Sitter/Dog Walker

I am thrilled to have Aimee from Hampton Roads Dog Blog ask me to write a guest blog!

I wrote a blog on the 5 Most Important Things To Look For When Choosing A Pet Sitter/Dog Walker.

Click HERE to read the blog!

World Spay Week!

                      My Grand-pup Lilly was recently spayed at the Chesapeake Humane Society



Local Shelters are celebrating World Spay Week by holding spay/neuter clinics throughout Hampton Roads.

Click on the links below to find out where the clinics are the costs, plus where the VBSPCA Neuter Scooter will be!

Virginia Beach SPCA

Chesapeake Humane Society Care Clinic

Norfolk SPCA Spay/Neuter Services

                               My Grand-pups Luka and Chloe were also neutered and spayed.

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk

Have you taken your family to the Virginia Zoo in lately?  

When my daughter’s were young we Loved going to the Zoo!

Now that my girls are grown we do not go as often, but I have kept up with all of the Zoo happenings.  

I am so Happy to watch them grow and offer new and fun Events for families, as well as adult and Private Events!

Visit their beautiful website to find out more information on their Events, ways you can Support the Zoo and more! 

And don’t forget the Zoo offers a Military Discount!

Coming Soon! Rooftop dining in Norfolk!

I have always enjoyed eating out on a local patio, especially ones that allow dogs.  (More on dog friendly dining in another blog.)

When I have traveled I enjoyed rooftop dining,  but have not found any local restaurants that offer it.

 I found out today through HamptonRoads.com that Norfolk will soon have a restaurant that will offer rooftop dining on 21st street!  It will be called Supper-Southern Morsels and I cannot wait to try it out.

Click HERE for the link to the article.