BOOM ... BOMBOOOOM ... CRACKLE ... CRACKLE ... B0000MM!
pant, pant, pant, whimper, whimper, pant, whimper.
BARR0000M ... BOOMMMMNIMMMMM ... BOOMBOOM!
Alarmed by the loud noise, Max cries and runs aimlessly around the house, searching in vain for someone to comfort him, but no one is home. The awful noises become unbearable for Max. He crashes through a window in the living room and runs down the street. Terrified of the noises and strange bursts of light in the sky, he continues to run, and run, and run ...
Bbbbbringgg. "Good morning. Plainview Shelter." "
We are frantic. The window is broken and our dog, Max, is gone. We've looked all over for him. He's a 2-year-old shepherd mix. Has he been brought in?"
"You'll have to come in and check. Dozens of dogs were picked up last night."
So it goes. July 5th is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. Dogs are found miles from their homes, confused, disoriented, and exhausted. People call hoping to locate a missing dog that, terrified, crashed through a window, jumped a high fence, or broke its leash or chain.
Protect your dog this July 4th. If fireworks upset him, make sure someone stays with him. If you wish to tranquilize him, consult with your veterinarian. Or call an animal behaviorist to work with your pet, but call well in advance of Independence Day. Be your dog's best friend. Help him with his fears.