Storm Defender has been in the news.

MSNBC.com Article - Sept 11
SUPERHERO CAPE FIGHTS DOGS' STORM FEARS by JoNel Aleccia, health writer
 

The Diane Rehm Show (NPR) - July 15, 2008
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, world-renowned director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and author of "The Dog Who Loved Too Much," "The Cat Who Cried For Help," and "Dogs Behaving Badly," among other books, states that 2 out of 3 dogs with thunderstorm phobia are much improved wearing the Storm Defender cape

The TODAY Show - July 11, 2008
In the “Today’s Pets” segment, Board-Certified veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Terry Marie Curtis of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, Florida points out how the lining in the cape discharges static electricity that builds up in the fur and helps to calm your dog down.

MSNBC.com Article - June 23, 2008
Dr. Curtis describes how patients afraid of thunderstorms have responded well to the Storm Defender cape.

How do dogs know that an electrical storm is coming - often before we do?

Research shows that dogs sense the static charge buildup before a thunderstorm. This same charge, if it gets big enough, produces lightning. Knowing that, it makes sense for dogs to be afraid and seek shelter. It is an "early warning" system for lightning.

Excessive fear, like that of a phobia, is more of a nuisance than a help. Some dogs respond with extreme excitement and fear bordering on panic. They are difficult or impossible to console.

Dogs naturally try to escape the static charge by moving toward items that are electrically grounded. Many thunderstorm-phobic dogs seek shelter in the basement, around the toilet, shower, tub or near pipes. They also may try to hide or get underneath something. Favorite spots are often the bathtub (if made of porcelain coated cast iron) or the car.

When properly used, the Storm Defender cape will reduce the dog's anxiety. The cape has a special metallic lining that discharges a dog's fur and shields him from the static charge buildup reducing his sensitivity to the charge. The dog gets relief, and after a few storms begins to learn that the secondary triggers like rain, wind, thunder, barometric pressure and smells are no longer to be feared. With the cape on, the dog feels as though he has found a safe place.

The electrical activity is only loosely related to rain. We can have charge without rain such as "heat lightning" or rain without charge such as "April showers." Since humans are largely insensitive to this charge, we must take our cues from the dog. It is very difficult to calm a dog once they have reached full panic, so promptness is essential.

How to Use The Storm Defender Product

The Storm Defender cape gives relief to dogs who are excessively afraid of thunderstorms. It must be put on when the dog first begins to get agitated due to an oncoming electrical thunderstorm. The cape reduces the dog's sensitivity to the static charge that precedes and accompanies a thunderstorm. It may be removed when the electrical activity has passed. The cape is for indoor use only.

Some learning is involved. The maximum efficiency is reached after the dog has experienced two or three thunderstorms with the cape on. Timing is crucial! The cape must be put on before the dog has reached high agitation, which may or may not coincide with rain.

 Complete instructions are included with the cape. Follow these simple guidelines:

1. Put the cape on when the dog first notices something.
2. Do not give excessive attention to fearful behavior. Attention rewards the unwanted behavior.
3. Do not use in combination with tranquilizer medication. A drugged dog cannot learn.
4. If your dog has separation anxiety, do not put the cape on and leave.

Sizes:
Tiny Dog Cape- Fits dogs who are 7" - 10" from collar to base of tail
XSmall Cape - Fits dogs who are 10"-13" from collar to base of tail
Small Cape - fits dogs who are 13"-16" from collar to base of tail
Regular Cape - fits dogs who are 16"-20" from collar to base of tail
Large Cape - fits dogs who are 20"-25" from collar to base of tail
XLarge Cape - fits dogs who are 25"-30" from collar to base of tail
Giant Cape - fits dogs who are 30" + from collar to base of tail

Invented by Tom Critzer who was desperate to help his dog, Cody, overcome his storm phobia. Cody's reaction to thunderstorms would begin before there were outward signs of a storm or heat lightning. If he was inside the house, Cody would pant, pace, continually bark and claw at wallpaper in fear. Once while outside during a storm, Cody panicked and ripped through the canvas on a camper.

Tom, with degrees in psychology and electrical engineering, began to research. He came across a theory that the static charge before and during thunderstorms was the trigger that upset dogs. He developed a cape with a special metallic lining that discharges the dog's fur and shields him from the static charge buildup.

His patented invention, the Storm Defender cape, has since helped hundreds of dogs. To date, over 1000 Storm Defender capes have been sold with an over 95% success and customer satisfaction rate.Since Tom's untimely death in February, 2005, his three children have continued the family business.

"Maybe you've been looking for love in all the wrong places. A dog will treat you better than anyone you'll meet at happy hour. Trust me. I've been to happy hour."