And so it begins, dogs’ least favorite holiday, the 4th of July.  It’s not even July yet, and the fireworks have already started!  Seriously, fireworks on July 4th are bad enough.  Why extend my torture by randomly shooting them off days ahead of schedule?  As far as I can tell no other holiday is celebrated days in advance.  For Halloween we don’t randomly go trick or treating days ahead of time.  My grandmother doesn’t serve big turkey dinners multiple times in the week leading up to Thanksgiving Day.  Heck, even though Christmas decorations are on sale months in advance, Santa is polite enough to wait to break into our houses on the same day every year.

Could someone at least give me a warning about this holiday?  One minute I’m enjoying a movie on TV.  The next the sky is raining fire, deafening explosions are echoing in my ears, and the cool breeze coming in the window is now choked with a strange smell.  It boggles my mind how there is no warning that the sky is about to explode above my head.  At least with thunderstorms I can sense changes in the atmosphere so I can prepare.  Please explain to me again why Humans call this a celebration?  Oh and don’t get me started about the added danger of unexploded fireworks littering the beaches and parks in the coming days.  Dogs, be very careful what you sniff and step on during your adventures this weekend!

But enough ranting.  I know that I have 5 long nights ahead of me filled with explosions.  My plan is to shelter in place under the safety of Mom’s desk with Asa, and no amount of peanut butter or promises of endless hot dogs at a cookout will lure us out before July 5th.  Independence Day – HA!

[Editor’s Note: More dogs go missing on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year.  Dogs do not enjoy fireworks, nor do they understand it is a celebration.  So please secure your dog in a safe location.  There is no need for your dog to attend events where fireworks will be present.  Keep them indoors with plenty of “white noise” such as TV, music, or air conditioner to help block the scary sounds.  Check that their collars are secure and their ID tag is up to date.  Also when letting dogs out, even in a fenced in yard, it is good to keep them on a leash the next few days if your dog is easily startled.  If your dog does get frightened and escapes, here are some helpful tips on Finding Lost Dogs in Maine.]