Thistle, a nine-month-old chihuahua from Bellingham, Washington, is very attached to her owner Kymberli Aeschliman. Thistle came into Aeschliman’s life after someone reserved her and then changed their mind, thinking she may have health problems due to her small size. Aeschliman flew to Texas to pick up Thistle, who has since thrived and become a beloved pet in the family. Thistle’s favorite activities include playing with her siblings, doing dog puzzles, and being close to her owner.
A 2016 study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that dogs have a similar or higher level of caudate activation in their brain when they hear praise from their owner compared to when they smell food. Thistle, in particular, is very drawn to Aeschliman and loves being as close to her as possible. She is described as a “big-time momma’s girl” who is always on her owner’s lap and trying to be as close as possible. Thistle’s attachment to Aeschliman is evident in her behavior and interactions with her owner.
Thistle was left heartbroken when she was made to sit in a car seat rather than on her mom’s lap during a car trip. Aeschliman, knowing the importance of the car seat for the safety of her pets, insisted that Thistle needed to sit in it. Despite the initial resistance and dramatic reaction from Thistle, with lots of treats and good behavior modeling from her sister Cricket, she eventually settled into her seat with only occasional outbursts. Aeschliman shared footage of Thistle’s emotional reaction on TikTok, which gained attention for its adorableness.
The waterworks from Thistle did not last long, and Aeschliman is now looking forward to traveling with her special pup by her side, safe in her car seat. The video of Thistle’s emotional reaction to the car seat garnered attention and praise for its cuteness and humor. Aeschliman is happy that Thistle has adapted to the car seat and is now comfortable in it, ensuring her safety during car rides. This experience highlights the importance of ensuring pets are secure and safe when traveling in vehicles, even if they initially resist or react dramatically.
Aeschliman’s dedication to Thistle’s safety and well-being is commendable, as she made sure to have a car seat for the chihuahua despite the initial resistance. Thistle’s adjustment to the car seat shows that with patience, treats, and positive reinforcement, pets can adapt to new situations and environments. The bond between Thistle and Aeschliman is strong, with Thistle being a loyal and affectionate companion who loves being close to her owner. This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the special relationships between pets and their owners, and the importance of prioritizing their safety and comfort.
