Some dogs (like mine) would rather take a bath than watch fireworks

Happy Fourth of July from The Pack! I hope you enjoy this photo of Penny in her Uncle Sam hat. It was taken a month after I adopted her in 2005, when I tried to my hardest to capture picturesque moments of her wearing clothes and accessories. Now I know it's wasted energy; she's lost all tolerance for appeasing me and rips the hat off almost as soon as it touches her head. I've pretty much given up on that old song and dance, but she does look super cute in this picture. It's still a favorite of mine.

Penny despises fireworks, always has. It makes sense. She hates the vacuum, hairdryer and anything else that makes a lot of noise, so it's par for the course. I found out she hated fireworks the hard way — at a fireworks display at my grandma's house. Penny cowered under my lawn chair through every bottle rocket and roman candle. I felt awful for bringing her and eventually convinced my grandma (who believes dogs have no business inside and, also, that all dogs are male) to let me bring her in the house until the show was over.

Unless you have one of those well-behaved, calm dogs I've heard tales about, it's probably best to leave your dog at home while you're enjoying a fireworks show. This creates its own issues, since many dogs may be bothered by the sounds of firecrackers and explosives set off by neighbors. I found this list of tips to help you and your dog have a fun, terror-free July Fourth. Have a wonderful holiday!

TIPS TO HELP YOUR PET SURVIVE

1. Unless you know for sure they love it as much as you do, don’t take your pets to the fireworks show.

2. Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can go nuts, tearing up stuff, so remember to remove items that could be destroyed or harmful if chewed.

3. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pooch company while you’re attending Fourth of July festivities.

4. Let your dog run around at the park earlier in the day so they tire out.

5. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

6. Make sure your furry friends are wearing identification tags. Animals found running at large should be taken to a shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

SOURCES: Veterinarians, Humane Society of the United States

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