Sleeping through the booming fireworks

Was it the ThunderShirt? Was it the Pet Calm? Or was it a day out with the kids? Or a combination of all three?

George had a lovely day out with Emily (5) and Mark (3).Both the kids love dogs but where they live, they’re not allowed to have pets.  So their daddy, who knows us really well, had asked if they could meet George and take him for a walk.  So yesterday, George met them both. They were beyond excited but also fearful – because it is one thing to love the notion of a dog but to finally encounter a real one was a little overwhelming for Emily. Mark kept wanting to stroke George – he was very gentle.  And he couldn’t stop laughing when George licked his hand. But Emily held back.

Mark couldn’t wait to get going Once they were in the park, Emily wanted to take George’s extendable lead.When they got home, he was let off the lead in their backyard.And he went to explore all the smells.  But Mark was not far behind him!Back home, Emily found the confidence to touch and stroke George. They couldn’t get enough of him.

“Really? I have to go?” asked George at the end of the day. May’s comment: When George came home from a day out with the kids, I wrapped him in the Thunder Shirt as the Bonfire fireworks started. I squirted some Pet Calm into his mouth. Closed all the curtains and turned up the telly – perfect night in – Strictly and X-Factor and then Jonathan Ross show – till the dreaded last hours of the day when we have to venture out for a last relief.  But all went well too.

He heard the noise, he stopped and listened but he wasn’t shaking. He laid down on the bed and when the big ones went off, he raised his head. And resumed sleeping. Not sure what it was that did the job. I have never seen him sleep so deeply, even snoring! Darcy’s the snorer but George did his bit last night.  George: Are you taking a photo of me while I am sleeping? The next big test will be riding in the car.

On another note, it was absolutely special to watch Emily and Mark meeting George for the first time – their faces lit up with such delight and curiosity.  George loves children and he is not afraid of them.  Emily so wanted to be brave but fear held her back.  Whenever George approached her, she hid behind her father.  But Mark was beside himself with excitement. He was very gentle with George. They both couldn’t wait to walk George in the park. Emily wanted to hold George’s lead. Eventually with time, she gained familiarity and confidence. After awhile, Mark, being 3 and a boy quickly was distracted. But Emily became even more engaged. No TV, no iPads, nothing. It was all about George. She got him to do “paw” in Hungarian – forgot to mention that they are a Hungarian family. And when the time came to take George home, there were tears as she stood by the window to wave goodbye to her new friend. Looks like George had won them over as well.