According to several expert sources there is one day of the year that contributes to more lost dogs than any other and that day is the 4th of July.

Between parades, picnics, barbecues, busy get-togethers with families and friends and of course fireworks displays the day we celebrate the independence of the United States is also the day many dogs seek the same. With your attention and eyes upon other things pets often get forgotten about and find opportunity to wander off unnoticed. The endless stream of noise from firecrackers, band music, gun salutes and fireworks assaults our dog’s very sensitive hearing and sense of smell. Once sensory overload occurs you can find yourself at the end of either a very panicky dog or one that is cowering with fright – either way can lead to a slipped collar or a leash yanked out of your hand and off Fido runs into a huge crowd. With any luck you may be reunited but sadly this is not always the case.

In today’s world pets are often included in everything their family enjoys. But the noise and confusion of this particular day is devastating to many animals – pets and wildlife both. If heading out for a picnic or celebration it would be best to leave the pooch home. If entertaining at home the pooch needs a hiding place away from the maddening crowd that is secure with no possible escape. Also if you know that your dog becomes anxious and/or sick during this extremely noisy day speak with your veterinarian about some suggestions and possible sedation.

Other animals to consider are our horses and livestock. These animals are peace-loving grazers. They neither enjoy nor tolerate such an assault on their lives. Living in an agricultural community many a cow or horse has crashed through a fence as they run panicked from the noise, lights and smoke. Despite the usual heat that accompanies this time of year in Western New York I always have the horses in early and the barn doors well secured. Even with such precautions the horses did not fare well one July 4th three years ago.

Just three doors down in the parking lot of a village church a group decided to put on a fireworks display that put the city’s display to shame. I was awakened by colorful explosions of light that were ignited over my pasture – I am sure this elicited many ooos and aaahs by those in attendance. Running straight to the barn I discovered what I expected - the 14 horses in my charge were going insane with fright. Being just a mere 200 yards away from this fast-paced display of rocket power and lights we may as well have been directly under it all. I was unable to leave the barn to put a stop to it as I feared for the safety of several horses that were very close to bringing down the walls as well as a distinct fear of a spark starting a blaze. I soothed the horses the best I could and pulled the fire extinguisher close. After 45 minutes of what was as close to a military firefight as I would ever like to be near the explosions finally stopped. I opened the doors to a wall of smoke so thick that I could not see the fence just 30 feet ahead. I wondered over to have a word but found a large group of very drunk people so decided to put it to rest for the night. Needless to say I was banging on their trailer doors very early the next morning to have “a word”. When all was said and done I felt sure we would not have any further trouble.

Being a real animal lover I can honestly say that July 4th is not my favorite holiday. I hope you enjoy the day as you see fit but ask you please to consider the animals – they simply don’t understand.