The vet and many blog readers have suggested I try the Thundershirt, a jacket that applies gentle pressure, to help relieve Waffles' anxiety about being in the crate. Personally, I'm not all that sure it is anxiety. I think Waffles just doesn't want to be confined. She grew up in a house full of dogs where she basically had the run of the place and rather than being a nice little dog den, I think she views her crate as a prison. But, in any case I'm willing to try anything if I can get her to feel better about being confined while I am out on assignment or teaching. The vet also thought the Thundershirt might keep her from scratching her stitches from the spaying, so it seemed like a good investment. I purchased one today and am going to give it a try. So, here comes the Thundershirt!