Australian Shepher Jumps From Second Story Window
Jeffersonville, Indiana (PRWEB) November 13, 2014 -- September 22 started out a day like any other, but when the storms began to roll in Haley, a nine-year-old Australian Shepherd, became spooked. At one point, the thunder became so loud, Haley leaped from the second story window of her home, resulting in a broken leg.
Haley was confused, frightened and disoriented during the storm, and not understanding the danger, she fled through the window seeking to get away from the thunder.
“She has been frightened of loud noises since she was about a year old,” said Scott Beegun, Haley’s owner. “She seems to be getting worse with the storms as she gets older. She actually jumped while I was out of the house. I came home to a hole in the screen, and my first thought was she was dead since I could not find her for over an hour. She had made her way about a mile when I received a call from a neighbor—that hour was one of the worst of my life, not knowing.”
Luckily, Haley suffered minimal injuries given the scenario. Her femoral fracture required an emergency vet visit, x-rays, fluids, hospitalization, surgical repair and medication.
Because Haley has been insured with a PetFirst policy since 2007, Beegun received a reimbursement of $2,500 for the veterinary care costs
Beegun is focused on keeping Haley safe during storms, and warns other pet owners to do the same. “I would suggest have a safe place for your pet to go to where they can be calm,” Beegun said. “A crate is what I have been using since and it seems to calm her down.”
“Dogs and cats can get scared during storms just as many young children do,” said Fran Mitchell, claims manager at PetFirst. “Show them gentle love, and keep them away the windows and noise. Many pets will take comfort stowing away in the bathroom for the duration of the storm.”
To minimize a similar situation with your pets, create a safe place for your cat or dog that they have clear access to when a storm approaches.
Some common safe places your pet may flee to include:
• The bathtub
• Your pet’s kennel
• Under the bed
• The back of the closet
• Under the stairs
• The laundry room
Make sure the destination is clean and safe, and try not to soothe your pet or give treats. This results in reinforcing the fearful behavior. To be further prepared in case of an incident like Haley’s, we recommend getting a quote for pet insurance.
About PetFirst
PetFirst is the fastest growing pet insurer in North America offering easy-to-understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst’s comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic and breed-specific conditions with no per-diagnosis limits. PetFirst offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies, retailers, employers as well as other partners. PetFirst polices are underwritten by American Alternative Insurance Corporation (Munich Re) which is rated by A.M. Best as A+. Additional services are underwritten by Lloyd’s. For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.
Domineque Heath, Petfirst, +1 8122066982, [email protected]
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