By Judi Curry
The adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words” is shown here for those of you that insist on shooting off firecrackers all night long. Not fireworks – firecrackers. I only wish that I could shove one of the “crackers” where the sun don’t shine in defense of Buddy, who is absolutely scared to death.
Judi Curry
High school dropout who decided to show the educational community what learning is all about. If it's the status quo something's wrong with it and I'll scratch the itch!
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By the way – those firecrackers are illegal in San Diego!
When I was a kid growing up, I had a dog who was an outside dog. He never came in the house with one exception and that was the 4th of July. We couldn’t keep him out. He was deathly scared of all the fireworks and firecrackers going off. Dogs have sensitive hearing and all that noise is a travesty to their ears.
We were at a friend’s on Saratoga up on the hill, and his dau brought their dog who was deaf, but when fireworks that went off a block away, the poor dog started shaking and had to be calmed down. These were fancy ones, like the ones down on the beach which he didn’t react to. You’re right on with your comments, Judi, and sure wish people would wise up. There are many people with dogs and sure feel for the poor animals.
Last night, my 10 year-old dog was inconsolable. He was panting and shaking so hard that I was worried he’d have a heart attack. Every year, I dread 4th of July because I know he’ll be terrified. I had all the windows closed and the TV on to try and deflect the sound, but to no avail. Thank you, Judi, for bringing this to the attention of your readers. My little Jasper looked just like Buddy although he was hovering in dark corners. (He would never get into the shower for fear of getting a bath!)
One of the things that concerns me is that people are still shooting off fire crackers today. Last night Buddy was sick to his stomach; like Jasper he was panting so hard that I almost put him in the car – which he hates – and wanted to drive him away from the noise. Today he is lethargic and seems to startle easily. The shirt Buddy was wearing was my answer to the $28 shirts that are being sold to help calm dogs during stressful times. (He loves the shirt because it smells like my husband but it did absolutely nothing!) Like you, I dread July 4th!
I know a LOT of you are not going to like this, but I used to sedate my horse who would go crazy at New Years and the 4th. Would you really let your dogs suffer when you could totally calm them down with some prozac or something?? I think it would be ok for just ONE NIGHT!
Also, have you ever heard of the Thunder Shirt? For dogs afraid of thunder and other loud noises. I’ve heard people say it works great.
Honestly, I do NOT understand letting your poor dog or cat suffer when a vet I’m sure would give you a pill to let them chill.
I tried the pills, Mercy. It zonks him out. At 12 years old the Vet said to give him 1/2 the dose. Even that was too much for him.
I tried the Thunder Shirt also. It didn’t do anything for him. Returned it and got my $28 back. (That’s why he was wearing one of Bob’s shirts in the picture.)
I do not let him suffer. We have tried every method to calm him down. Last night someone in the neighborhood was shooting off fire crackers. He was a wreck from 5:40pm until almost 11. I can’t keep him sedated; and I can’t keep a shirt on him anticipating the assholes that think it is fun to shoot off illegal firecrackers.
I’m sorry, that sucks Judi. I hate the firecrackers too. I guess some dogs and/or cats are more sensitive than others as your fur kid seems to be. I’ve noticed a lot of animals seems use to it because of hearing the Sea World fireworks all the time. Poor baby.