As you know, I am an American Doggie, and a very patriotic one at that, so as I sit in front of my colonial Virginia home, I think back to my forefathers (even though I am pretty sure I only had one father) and I ponder what it means to be free. Free from chains, free from tyranny, free from living in a puppy mill. Freedom means so many things to so many people. It is a cherished gift and I salute all those who fought for my freedom, both in the past and today.
Now, with all of this patriotic celebration going on during the height of summer fun and vacation, we must always think of how to be safe, and how to keep our loved ones safe, especially with things like Fireworks and being outdoors. It's easy for us pets to get spooked, lost or hurt during this fun time of year. A perfect example of how a dog could get lost is when fireworks are going off.
I live in the country, and some of the locals believe that recreating the original "Battle of Fort McHenry" (that inspired Sir Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner") with fireworks for an entire week before, during, and after Independence Day, is a grand idea. Luckily we've had heavy rain everyday for a week, so it hasn't been as bad as it could be.
My sister Dixie Mae is scared of anything that sounds even remotely like gunshots because, horrifically, she was shot when she was a forced resident of a puppy mill before she was rescued and became a part of my family. She actually still carries the bullet. She's a brave girl, but she gets so scared with loud bangs that she dashes off and hides. This actually happened to us this last night. As Dixie, Mommy and I stepped outside and off the porch onto the grass, we heard and felt "Boom, boom, boom!!" Poor Dixie literally ran and threw herself against the front door! Mommy scooped Dixie up into her arms, then more fireworks went off as Dixie dug her head into Mommy's arm and tried to "escape". We ran back inside and Dixie was shaking so bad. If Dixie had not been on a leash, we could've lost her easily if she ran off terrified. That is just a risk no one wants to make.
My good friends at PetFinders are always thinking of how to keep dogs and cats safe, and they have a great "Summer Pet Safety Campaign" that has all kinds of tips and helpful advice on how to keep your precious furry loved ones safe at all times, and still have fun. Since PetFinders is the number one place to either look for lost or missing pets, or find a new forever best furry friend, they really have some fantastic information for keeping this summer fun and safe.
Some things you can do now to ensure your dog is safe:
1. Make sure they always wear a collar or harness with identification tags.
2. Always keep them either on a leash or in a secure fenced in area when outside. Even the most obedient dog can "catch a scent" and be gone in a a flash.
3. Keep your pet away from loud noises or Fireworks areas. Fear can be a highly motivating factor for a pet to run away.
Don't forget to visit PetFinders for more helpful hints to keep your pets safe from Independence Day festivities and other summer fun.
Speaking of the "Star Spangled Banner" (I mentioned it earlier in this post) has really put me in a singing mood. It is such a magnificent song to sing, don't you think?
"O say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
~ "Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key
Thank you everyone who fights for freedom, justice and democracy! Your service and sacrifice, wherever you may be, is greatly appreciated! And thanks to everyone who makes a special effort to keep their pets safe. May we all take a moment to be grateful for what we have and cherish our freedom and loved ones. Happy Independence Day!!!! Now, go have fun, stay safe, and remember your heritage and history.