A couple of months ago, whilst we were out for a walk, Sam got bitten by another dog. Sam was on her lead and the other dog escaped from his; she became defensive because he was charging towards her and he managed to sink his teeth in as I scooped her up out of the way. Fortunately there was only a single puncture wound, although it was deep. The following day I took her to the vets, where the wound was cleaned and she was given antibiotics (it appeared to be infected). Being a terrier, a “cone of shame” is not a viable option but still she was determined to lick the wound until all the fur came off, so I needed a different solution. Of course, Chez Snail we always look for a scrappy solution, and so I give you the doggy vest:
Not impressed, but better than a cone
It is made from three t-shirt sleeves (left over after making yarn from the t-shirt bodies), with holes for her front legs and tail. After the first night I realised that the bagginess at the back was allowing her access to the wound, so I added a popper to hold it closed:
I’m pleased to report that the vest worked a treat – it was soft and comfortable and, once the popper was added, she couldn’t get it off or access her wound and she is now completely healed and re-furred – a much better solution than a plastic cone.
-oOo-
I’ve been inspired to write this (and future) ScrapHappy posts by Kate, who provides links to other (mostly sewing) ScrapHappy bloggers at Tall Tales from Chiconia on the fifteenth of every month… do check them out.
The Snail of Happiness 
thecontentedcrafter
/ December 15, 2018Well that, my dear, is the most brilliant thing I have heard all year! ❤ I'd go so far as to suggest you make a couple and pop them in your shop – beats a cone hands down for any pup. I'm sorry poor old Sam had such a trauma, but she was in the best possible hands for a good recovery.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018She was so cross with the other dog that I don’t think she realised that she was wounded and, in fact, it was only because she kept licking herself overnight that it dawned on me there was a problem. When I did find the wound I knew I needed to get her antibiotics as soon as possible and, fortunately, that avoided an abscess forming, so after that it was just sore. The little vest was perfect for her – she didn’t fuss to have it taken off and once the bit was covered up she did leave it alone.
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katechiconi
/ December 15, 2018Ah, poor Sam, first the fright and bite, and then being forced to do a dachshund impersonation! Great solution to the problem, and inspired use of scrap, can I just say?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018I was one of those times when you look round and think “what have I got to hand?” and the t-shirt sleeves were just there and just about the right size to go round Sam. A quick bit of machining and three holes cut out and it was done… until I realised about the sagginess at the back which was quickly remedied with a plastic rivet-style popper. It’s not safely tucked away for future use should it ever be necessary.
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katechiconi
/ December 16, 2018Those press stud thingys are wonderful, aren’t they. I treated myself to a set of the ‘pliers’ for my Days for Girls work. Let’s hope Sam never needs her ‘compression garment’ again 🙂
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Going Batty in Wales
/ December 15, 2018A fantastic idea! Those cones are horrible! They annoy the dog, must rub aroud the neck – like a starched collar, make it hard to get comfy lying down and from the owner’s point of view make them knock into furniture. A big soft bandage over the whole dog seems a much better idea.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018It avoided lots of bruises for me too as they become incredibly clumsy when forced into such a collar. Sam settled really quickly with the vest and I’m sure it speeded up healing and re-growth of fur as she is an obsessive licker.
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nanacathy2
/ December 15, 2018A scrap happy doggy tale with a happy ending. Just what is needed at Christmas time. Dr Snail you are a genius.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018And a very happy doggy she is too!
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Ann Pole
/ December 15, 2018Great idea. I love the look on her face! Glad she is mended. 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018She always looks so resigned when forced to dress up – not that we dress her very often and only for her own good (a jumper for the cold, a waxed jacket for the wet and this vest). She is currently happy to be naked.
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Susanne
/ December 15, 2018You are so inventive! Bet you could patent that creation and sell it. It’s way better than a cone and just as effective.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018It was one of those times when necessity drives invention – she is so devious she can always out-manoeuvre a cone, plus she is miserable when wearing one so this was a much better solution all round.
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Helen
/ December 15, 2018Poor doggy but so cute in the little protective coat you made!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018All mended now and happily I have been able to put the vest aside until it’s needed again.
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Helen
/ December 17, 2018That’s good!
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fiftyshadesofconfused
/ December 15, 2018Awe bless the little love! Fab idea
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018And not a penny did it cost me… unlike the antibiotics!
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Kim
/ December 15, 2018Great solution to the cone of shame difficulties – and you won’t get bruised legs from that coat!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018This may have been the most positive outcome of the whole episode. They do seem to become incredibly clumsy with a lampshade on their heads!
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arlingwoman
/ December 15, 2018Glad she recovered so well! What a fright to have a big dog charge and bit you. Goodness and she fits inside a t-shirt sleeve. She does look as though she’d like to escape it, though, so it’s good you figured out how to keep her from getting out.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018It was quite frightening all round when it happened. Fortunately Daisy hid behind my legs, I got Sam up in my arms quite quickly and the owner of the other dog (who I know) got him under control after just one bite. I’m really grateful that it wasn’t worse, especially since the aggressor is a big bull-terrier/mastiff cross so could have done a lot of damage.
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arlingwoman
/ December 16, 2018Oh, goodness, you and Sam were quite lucky. A good shake and it might have been over. Glad it turned out no worse! And what a smart dog Daisy is!
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chrisknits
/ December 15, 2018The poor dear! I am wondering if that get up isn’t similar to a Thunder Shirt? Might have to consider making one for my scaredy dog.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018I think a Thundershirt is tighter and probably made with thicker fabric, but perhaps a t-shirt that has a lycra component (the ones I used were 100% cotton) might do the trick, especially if used double. Or perhaps some old leggings… depending on the circumference of the dog!
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Patricia Collins
/ December 15, 2018Lovely to see you right back at the top of your green creative game. So pleased the dog is OK, but will she give up her new outfit?
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018I think she’s really glad to be naked again!
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KerryCan
/ December 16, 2018This so inventive and SUCH a great solution to the problem. You really are the queen of scrappy upcycling!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ December 16, 2018Sometimes these things just seem obvious… and I had been wondering for a while exactly why I was keeping old t-shirt sleeves!
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Laurie Graves
/ December 16, 2018Poor Sam! But what a brilliant solution. Hope Sam heals quickly.
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colorpencil2014
/ December 18, 2018Poor little Sam!! My dog Charley was almost killed a few years ago by of leash aggressive dogs and it was traumatic for the both of us. I am so happy you and Sam came out rather good…but still! The ‘onesie’ is brilliant. Charley did not mind the cone , she even drank out of the toilet wearing it (oi!)
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dezertsuz
/ December 19, 2018Quite creative. I think the other dog needs one, for his mouth!
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