Independence Day is always a favorite time of year in this country, especially for kids. Parades, barbecues, and of course, fireworks. The louder and brighter the better! Whether they are sparklers on your front lawn with the neighbors or full-on professional displays in the sky, fireworks are what the Fourth of July is all about.
Except, of course, if you are a dog.
Few things strike fear into the heart of a dog like the booming and crackling of fireworks. Every July 5th I see fliers posted on sign posts and in store windows of lost dogs that ran terrified from their homes when the noise and flashing of fireworks filled the skies. I was dreading this time of year, as technically speaking, this was our dogs first July 4th. Last year at this time they were three days old so I really don't think they could appreciate the sheer terror of it all. And let's face it, we have already established that my dogs are not the bravest beasts on earth. They still live in abject fear of the family cat, spray bottles, chihuahuas, bicycles, falling leaves...trust me, I could go on. It's not much a stretch to figure out that pyrotechnics are not going to be high on their list.
Many counties in California, this one included, have banned fireworks from being set off in the streets for fear of brush fires. While I get that and begrudgingly comply, I remember having a blast as a kid, holding sparklers or lighting off Picolo Petes in the court I grew up on. I wish my kids could experience the same fun. Apparently I am not alone in my thinking, as law-be-damned, there is NO shortage of street-side firework shows going on in the neighborhood and beyond. Some ballsy families even go as far as shooting the illegal type up in the air to get the Full Monty of fireworks displays and keep their fingers crossed that the police are too busy to hunt them down. Since we don't have any professional displays nearby to us, I applaud these law-breaking families, as that is the only way my kids get to see fireworks and experience what July 4th is all about. We would get in the car and drive around town and point out "There's some fireworks now! Look at the felons!"
This year, I opted to stay home with the scaredy-dogs while my husband drove the kids through town. I did not get them any tranquilizers or any calming meds that many vets suggest, as I don't really believe in that, but had my arsenal of biscuits and other treats to try and distract them when the stress level got too high. Both dogs were crashed out on the fireplace hearth when I hear the first pops of firecrackers nearby. I braced myself for the onslaught of 170 pounds of hysterical Bernese to come flying into my lap any second. Then suddenly a neighbor somewhere behind us lit off what sounded like an M-80 that exploded with a deafening BOOM that made even me jump. I looked to dogs to see what I could do to calm what was bound to be obvious terror.
The dogs could have cared less.
I watched them in amazement as they continued to stretch out on the hearth, sometimes yawning or rolling over, as the barrage or booms and cracks played outside. After a string of firecrackers went off somewhere in the distance followed by the sounds of someone laughing, Leila actually opened one eye and perked up an ear as if to say "Did you hear something?" But that was quickly followed by an expression that said "Meh!" and back to snoozing she went. The only time they jumped to their feet and barked is when the kids came barrelling in the front door to excitedly tell me all about the cool fireworks they saw. My husband told me about how he saw several terrified dogs running loose through across the streets and asked how our two did and how many pee puddles I had to clean up. "None!" I proudly exclaimed. Although I thought there might be one from me when that M-80 went off.
In July 4ths of years past, my old boy Jack had a terrible time with the sound of fireworks, so I was ready for battle with the current chicken-dogs. I was surprised when I really didn't have to put anything to the test. I guess these guys can still surprise me.
So on our next walk, when we come across a chihuahua or small poodle and my two leap in fear into a nearby bush, I will say "It's okay! It's just a firework!"
