Happy Fourth (or Fifth, or Sixth, or Seventh)

Image from House Call Vet Care.

I admit to perpetrating my share of critter craziness. Over the years I've bought hats, colorful outfits, and sunglasses for dogs. I've put jingle bells on cats. I've even photographed critters with a sign around their neck labeled with phrases like, "I pooped in Dad's shoes." But I've never dyed a dog red, white, and blue. Well, probably in this case dyed a dog red and blue. I assume this poor pup is usually white. We can only hope he didn't have to wait for his hair to grow out.

Fourth of July is nearly upon us again. Fireworks are blazing, blasting, and generally bloodcurdling just about every animal around, from pets to wildlife. Oh the joy of trying to get your dog to potty outside when the neighbors own a bigger arsenal than the United States did in World War II.

I thought my poor Indy boy had grown deaf enough not to care, but let me tell you, he cares. He really cares. So we're trying to have potty time when there's a lull in the action. Unfortunately we're having a lot more action than lull.

There's no one that enjoys a holiday more than me, but I must say I always look forward to July 5th (or 6th or 7th) so I don't feel like I need a helmet and combat boots every time I go outside. Alright, go ahead and give me some cheese with my Fourth of July whine.

So tell us what you think. On Fourth of July do you prefer action or lull? Whatever it is you want, we hope you get it...safely.

Fourth of July Blues

Dear Neighbors:

I love the Fourth of July as much as anyone. It's wonderful to celebrate our country and the freedoms we enjoy. But do we really need to do it via explosions that have rocked the street pretty much non-stop since, say, about July 1 and continue (so far) through last night?

It's not only loud, but a little scary, too, since the grass and plants are dry as tinder. I have my hose hooked up and read to go just in case anything gets out of control, but still...

We love you all, but please, please, pack up the bombs until next year so our house can get back to normal. Bogey keeps glaring at the door with his tail poofed bigger than a feather duster and I'm not sure how much longer Indy can wait for a potty break. He could totally have his own explosion any minute.

Thanks for understanding,

Pat

Thoughts on the Fifth of July

We've finally returned to relative peace and quiet after the Fourth of July boomed a rather unwelcome litany...hours and hours of litany.

On the evening of the Fourth, Indy needed to go outside. He'd been in his crate and potty-time had long since passed. I knew he'd be reluctant to do it, since we were surrounded by people who felt the need to demonstrate their patriotic spirit as loudly as possible. So I planned to go with him as a reassuring presence. Perhaps it wouldn't be too bad. With his hearing loss, would he even notice what was going on?

Let me tell you, that dog still has hearing enough to detect fireworks.

He planted all four feet so firmly that I had to carry him outside. Booms and flashes of light filled the sky. Even I had to duck my head as missles and rockets exploded above us.  Did we somehow get shipped to Afghanistan? And if so, where were the ruby slippers that could get us back home? Indy and I walked circles around the house, but no area was safe from the artillary. Pottying was not an option. I finally gave up and took him inside to wait for things to calm down. Sometime after midnight, we ventured back out. Luckily all that remained was a hazy cloud of blue smoke and blessed peace.

Somehow it seems the Fourth of July has gotten a bit out of control. Mega-monster gunpowder-packed explosives used to be reserved for professional Fourth of July displays. Now every wannabe G.I. Joe has them. Why do we need to detonate bombs to prove our patriotism? And am I the only one who thinks this practice is at best foolish, and at worst downright dangerous?

I liked the good old days of picnics, flag flying, and marching bands. Seeing straight precision lines of our armed forces never fails to stir patriotic feelings in me. Keep the fireworks. I'd way rather have my heart swell with pride than my ears ring with pain.

On July 5, I went outside to clean up litter from sticks and burned paper scattered in the yard. I glanced at the front porch and saw our old flag still waving gamely amidst the carnage. Faded red, white, and blue had never looked better.

And that's my idea of patriotism. 

Happy Fourth!

The Fourth of July...a day for food, fun, and fireworks. It's also a day to keep your critters at home.

Many animals become terrified by the alarming sounds of fireworks. They'll jump fences and bolt from the area in an effort to escape. On the other hand, some dogs are fascinated by the sounds and sights and will literally chase and attempt to grab fireworks causing burns or worse to their mouth.

A better option is to keep your pets in a darkened area of your home with the radio or television on to help disguise the loud pops and explosions.

And just in case...please make sure your dog is wearing identifying tags and is microchipped in the event he scoots out the door despite your best efforts.

I won't be blogging tomorrow, so enjoy your barbecue and relax. And if you're traveling, be extra careful.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!