My small, nuclear family has cultivated a Fourth of July ritual over the years.
At about 7:15 PM, my wife, Susan, our Boston terrier, Lilly, and I pile into the car and head to that sweet little enclave tucked against the foothills of Burbank. We’ll stroll the neighborhood before settling along the margins of the community park with a blanket and a couple of folding chairs.
Lilly curiously eyes the other dogs tolerant of the fireworks’ whistles and pops that have gathered with their human families. Meanwhile, my wife and I focus on the approximate location of the Starlight Bowl from which a spectacle of pyrotechnics will be launched. Above, the deep blue gradient of dusk rolls down over the hills.
This year would have likely been our last trip to Burbank given our impending move to Oregon. As it turns out, last years trip was the last.
As COVID cases resurge across the U.S., many celebrations of our nation’s birth have been cancelled. But this hasn’t stopped scofflaws from procuring illegal fireworks and discharging them from wherever they please.
Apparently, many have gotten a head start. Every night for the past month and a half, my wife and I hear what sounds like a series of near and distant artillery bursts outside our windows. Fortunately, our Lilly is minimally reactive to these sounds (the chirps of dying smoke alarms is a completely different story).
Many other dogs and cats are not so fortunate. Some of my pet-loving colleagues at work report the same nightly serenade resulting in crouching pups and high-strung felines. But at least they haven’t bolted.
Each year around this time, thousands of dogs spooked by the rockets’ red glare bound over fences. Cats can tear through screens or shoot our open doors. Disappointed by the scarcity of public displays of patriotism this year, people may opt for homemade fireworks shows in backyards, street corners or other makeshift venues. As “celebrations” draw closer to home, more pets may dart from the din — and away from us. Shelters, normally seeing a spike in intakes at this time, may overflow. Time to double down on pet safety during this long, holiday weekend:
Give your dog or cat a few drops of pet-grade CBD oil an hour or two before nightfall. Just enough to take the edge off without making them loopy.
Take a hearty hike in the hills or a dash along the boardwalk where trails and sidewalks are not closed due to the pandemic. A tired dog is a happy dog.
If it’s a particularly warm night where you are, consider herding your pets indoors, closing doors and windows and cranking up the A/C.
Patrol water bowls and refill as necessary. Nervous animals may pant heavily which can leave them dehydrated.
Be a pal. Lavish attention on your best, furry buds. Engage them with extra-long play sessions and cuddle time. Remain calm, despite any chaos outside.
Use a crate or carrier to create an enclosed “den” for your pet. Leave the door open. It’s not just we humans who need that man-cave or she-shed retreat.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but make sure your pet dons a collar with ID tags at all times. If you haven’t already, microchip your pet as soon as possible.
Hopefully, Americans will celebrate this years’ 4th in ways that are both safe and sane. By this same time next year, my family may be camped out by a meandering river, marveling at the starbursts’ reflections in the water.
Remember your pets on your birthday, America!