4th of July and Fireworks

The day after the 4th of July is the busiest day of the year for animal control officers, shelters and Humane Societies. Each year thousands of pets are lost across the country due to the fear and panic invoked by our celebration of Independence day with the use of fireworks. Many owners are not even aware of their animals sensitivities until this time of year and many, caught unaware, fail to take the precautions necessary to keep their pets safe from injury or escape.

This year think of your pet. If you know your pet has sounds sensativities, stay home with him. Make sure he is secured in a safe place where he is unable to harm himself with escape attempts.

Debbie Wood, Award Winning Pet Columnist with the Oregonian will be writing a column on pets and fireworks, to be published in 2 parts, the first on June 29th. Take the time to pick up a copy and read some of the hints and tips she offers for both the safety of your pet and what to do if you encounter a lost and fearful pet.

A photographer from the Oregonian will be coming out today to photograph Chance as the "poster dog" for what can happen when you mix dogs and fireworks. As many of you know, I lost Chance for a couple of hours at this years OSU Pet Day as a result of the fireworks going off at Reser Stadium.
Thankfully OSU has chosen to end this form of celebration at their sporting events due to the outcry of pet owners having to watch their pets be tormented by the noise.

No one will be cancelling 4th of July though, so it is important that you take care of your pet on this, the most frightening day of the year for many pets. Do celebrate! The day of our Independence is an important holiday to mark.
But do it safely....for both man and beast!

Julie