January 2004

This new year has been the worst I can remember. Kim has been so frightened from the fire crackers, that kids in our neighbourhood started playing with a week before Christmas. I have been playing a CD with sounds of fire crackers, thunder and gun shots for over two weeks with increasing volume to make Kim comfortable with the surprising sounds, and I have given him a natural remedy called Bach's Rescue Remedy to calm him down when overanxious.

Since this didn't help, I went to the health care shop and got a tranquilizer that I have given him every fourth hour during the entire weekend. That didn't help either.

Poor Kim, he has been too afraid to do his needs when outdoors, doing his best to get home as quickly as possible, i.e. struggling against the lead with panic in his eyes. Indoors he has been clunging on me for protection. We have kept the curtains closed and played loud music. Nothing helps. And those stupid kids are STILL shooting off bombs and firecrackers right outside our apartment! A total disaster in other words :-(

I keep playing the noise-CD for Kim every now and then, at least it helps him to overcome shots and other sounds that are from a distance. It's when they get too close, or are too loud, that he gets panic attacks. If you are curious about this CD, you can email Marie Hansson of Jycketryck in Sweden for further information: Click here.

We are NOT looking forward to easter this year...

I'd rather play in the snow, than listen to firecrackers!