It's a strange title isn't it, and it comes from the events I've been volunteering at over the last few months with the Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary Fundraising team.
When I help at a Holly Hedge fundraising event I like to have my products on display, as I'm always happy to talk with pet owners about the wonders of the Calming Spray & Herb Pot! Many owners have been dealing with their pets' problems like stress & anxiety for a long time when they meet me, and it's a safe space to vent those worries & concerns.
Big events attract a large crowd and that in itself can cause great anxiety in dogs and for some owners it can ruin the whole experience if their dog's behaviour isn't all that it should be.
I recently had an owner come to me at an event who was besides herself with worry over her beloved dog. From the moment they had arrived at the festival it had shown great anxiety and distress and was now hiding in the camper van with her partner.
I offered advice and showed her how to use the calming products, and off she went in the hope of getting some respite for her little one.
The next morning she made a great effort to meet with me again, and was over the moon at what a difference it had made to her dog's wellbeing!
Not only it had come out from under the covers, she had been able to take it for a morning walk! I love that kind of feedback and wish I could capture the moment for other owners to see.
The weather for some of the events has seen temperatures reaching over 27 degrees and unfortunately that has meant our much anticipated dog agility fundraisers have had to be cancelled. But not to spoil all the fun, our brilliant fundraising team came up with a fantastic solution of filling paddling pools with water, to offer those dogs in need some respite from the days soaring temperatures, it was wonderful to see.
We've also had lots of fresh water on standby to fill up many of the water bowls around our stall and both gestures were a great success and much needed, because as I said, on some days the temperature pushed up to 27 degrees!
I digress...
I've now had a little time to reflect on how many lovely people I have talked to over the last few weeks and how many wonderful dogs I have met and hopefully helped.
My thoughts have turned to how much I have tried to emphasise how important it is to keep using the herbs and the calming spray after seeing it work for the first time, or not, as it may have felt for some in the short term.
Have I explained how to use it in enough detail to each person?
Has it been relatable & understandable enough to implement?
But most of all I've wondered if owners have stuck with the changes enough to make them a habit and evoke the change they needed to see?
I guess we all buy products that promise to help, but in my experience it always takes a bit of dedication to see the best results.
That's the key... you have to work at it.
Unfortunately we live in such a fast paced world where we all expect those immediate results and when they don't come quickly enough we very often disregard the product.
So, if you are still feeling a little unsure of how to use the products you have purchased from me, or maybe have half heartedly used the products, take another look at the leaflet and have a good read through the points below, and if you are still unsure, you can always text me for more details and encouragement.
So, to recap...
*Remember, shake the spray well & never directly spray onto your animal's fur.
* For separation anxiety, 20 mins before you leave the house alone, spray it onto their favourite blankets.
* For car journeys, 20 mins before, spray a blanket and pop it into your empty car.
* If you bought a dog collar tag, spray the tag 20 mins before you leave the house for a walk and pop it on their collar ready. Take the spray with you and offer on your hands if needed.
*If your cat needs to visit the vet, spray inside the pet carrier 20 mins beforehand and pop the herb pot inside for the journey too.
* In times of anxiety, spray your hands and offer them to your animal. They can smell the aroma and your dog can safely lick your hands if needed.
* Open the herb pot on vented around the home & if they want more they will probably knock it over to let you know! Let them eat the valerian and have a roll in it if needed... watch the magic happen!
It's been lovely to meet with you all and thank you so much for helping to raise much needed funds for Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary.
We are full to capacity at the moment with many more on the waiting list to come in and every penny helps us to help them.
To purchase any of the products mentioned above please click the links below.
Helen x
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