August 8, 2021

White Dog is doing an informal experiment with Dr. Julia. Based on how positively WD responds to having her paws massaged as a calming assist during anxiety, Rosie wrapped My Girl's feet with clingy sports wrap to see if  "compression socks" would work like a Thundershirt does.

WD wore them all afternoon at our vet on Thursday and into the evening at home and the wrap did seem to keep her more mellow. At home once she got back into her normal routine and was relaxed, she fussed at the binding on her feet. 

"Maybe," Steve said, "like a Thundershirt you don't wear it all of the time only when she will face an event that makes her uncomfortable." We ordered a set of noncompression paw covers with texture, some pairs of human newborn baby socks. and several rolls of sports wrap thinking we would try various options and combinations. "In worst case," I told White Dog, "the plan socks might help keep your footsies warmer. They are always chill to the touch, like momma's hands."

The supplies came today and White Dog chose the dog socks as a first trial. "I kind of like the velcro strap at the top and the grippers. Both might be an advantage. The socks are not thick like Rosie's gauze and wrap invention; I can still feel my feet and what I touch. "

We kept them on all day and they seemed to have booth a soothing and warming effect. Her after dinner trip outside left the socks damp so we removed them, rinsed them and hung them to dry overnight. White Dog was happy with a long gentle massage while held in my arms.

The human baby socks are too large. Momma is going to need to figure a way to band or tie them abouve the ankle but for the night since White Dog does not move around much once sleep hits, we simply slid them on to keep the toes warm.

The experiment continues as White Dog reacts and defines the aid she receives from them.