Thundershirt Pledges Help for Dogs in Rescue Groups and Shelters

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 28, 2009 – Durham, NC – September 24th, 2009.  Recognizing that many rescued or abandoned dogs suffer from a myriad of anxieties, Thundershirt has joined the effort to help these animals.  For every retail sale made by Thundershirt, the company will donate $1 to a dog rescue group.  “Thundershirt is all about helping dogs and their owners solve the many problems caused by canine anxiety,” says Phil Blizzard, founder of Thundershirt.  “We not only want to help those dogs already in the rescue or shelter systems, but we hope Thundershirt will also help to keep many dogs from ever getting there in the first place.”  Blizzard points out that many dogs are abandoned or turned in BECAUSE they suffer from anxiety issues.  The symptoms of anxiety can be very destructive and difficult to manage for owners that lack the necessary resources or expertise.  Something as simple to use and inexpensive as Thundershirt is usually a tremendous help.

This month’s recipient of Thundershirt’s pledge is Operation Baghdad Pups.  Operated by the SPCA International, Operation Baghdad Pups has allowed over 125 Iraqi soldiers to bring rescued dogs home from Iraq.  These dogs become extremely important to the soldiers and the soldier’s families.   Besides all of the normal rewards that dogs bring to our lives, these animals are a tremendous help for families dealing with the complications of active duty.  “Thundershirt’s efforts are not only helping us to fund bringing more dogs back from Iraq.  They have also donated dozens of Thundershirts for our Baghdad Pups to help them cope with the anxieties of growing up in a warzone,” says Terri Crisp, Program Manager of Operations Baghdad Pups.

A case in point is Tarmiyah, a puppy recently brought back and named after the Iraqi town in which she was rescued by a soldier.   “Tarmiyah suffered through untold numbers of bombings and gunfire in Iraq, and a fear of noises came back to the States with her,” says Rebecca of Pennsylvania, the wife of a soldier serving in Iraq.  “Thunderstorms, fireworks, and even my vacuum now frighten her.  But Thundershirt works great for her.   Within minutes of putting it on, she’s calm.”  

Thundershirt has also become actively involved with many other rescue groups across the country, helping to raise much needed funds.  In cooperation with rescue groups, Thundershirt frequently donates a significant percentage of each sale to help fund operations.  “Many of our members are using Thundershirts with their Cockers and love them.  And working with Thundershirt has been a pleasure.  They helped us to quickly raise much needed funds for our rescues,” says Jane Morgan with Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England.  Thundershirt also donates hundreds of Thundershirts to shelters across the country.

“Our connection to these causes just makes sense”, says Blizzard.  “Well over 15 million dogs are suffering from some form of anxiety, and we know that too many of those cases turn into rescue cases.  We believe that in this way, Thundershirt can play a role in demonstrating that there is a simple, safe, effective solution for those anxieties.”

Thundershirt was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Durham, NC.  Its product Thundershirt is sold online at www.thundershirt.com and by veterinarians, trainers and kennels across the country.  

Contact:
Phil Blizzard
Phil@thundershirt.com
732 Washington Street
Durham, NC 27701
919-599-3093