songkran is ruining mochi's week

Mochi has been under the bed since 4pm. It's not even proper Songkran yet, just some kids on the soi with a box of cheap fireworks from the 7-Eleven, and he's already shaking like a leaf.

I tried the usual stuff. Aircon on, blanket in the bathroom, a bit of chicken. He wouldn't touch it. Last year I read that you shouldn't fuss too much because it reinforces the fear, so I just sat on the floor on my phone and pretended everything was normal. That was hard when a rocket went off right outside the lobby and he yelped so loud the guard came up to check.

What helped most, honestly, was the thunder shirt my sister sent from the UK. I was skeptical. It's basically a tight vest that presses on him a bit. Within twenty minutes he had crawled out and was lying across my feet. Still nervous every time a bang went off, but he stopped trembling.

He's 8 now so I think he's just getting more sensitive. He used to be fine with the trucks and the monks chanting at the temple. Not so much anymore.

The vet in Bang Bo mentioned something for anxiety but I'd rather try the natural stuff first. Mochi is asleep on my feet as I type so I'll count today as a small win.