Today is July 1st and thus begins the worst week of the year–fireworks going off in celebration of July 4th. Did you know more pets are lost during this week than any other week? A few years ago someone asked me why I was anti-patriotic because I challenged their setting off illegal fireworks in the alley behind my house. Being a naturalized citizen (meaning it was a conscious decision to become an American), I take my patriotism very seriously. Blowing up fireworks has absolutely nothing to do with patriotism and I wish people understood that. I know that two hundred and forty-seven years ago, a bunch of rebel-rousers in the New World declared their independence from their British rulers and they continue to remain as scrappy ever since. These days, much of that ‘scrappiness’ is not necessarily attractive or positive and each political camp deludes itself into thinking its side and vision for the country is a ‘more perfect union’ than was originally sought. Nonetheless, the Ranch hands continue to pray that we can somehow achieve it for all, not just for power’s sake.
Of course, there has been progress made by removing loud noises in fireworks, and there seems to be a trend where some cities have begun to favor laser shows over fireworks. With the recent heat dome covering much of the U.S. I applaud municipalities who are switching to laser shows, drone and LED light displays to avoid the potential for igniting fires in tinder dry conditions and the terrorization of vulnerable groups. Eventually I hope fireworks will become a mere memory and folks actually understand what this holiday is all about.
We hope you’ll support organizations who are working hard to help pets and those individuals suffering from PTSD especially this time of year.
Elsa, the House Pony and I wish our U.S. based readers a safe and happy Fourth of July week. To everyone, we hope you have a great Monday. With temps still in the ‘sizzle’ category, we hope you are able to stay cool without taking flight or hiding under the bed.
It’s true, I am passionate about not using fireworks to celebrate the 4th, but it’s still important to begin the week with a smile. Stay cool and make it a great day! Oh, and don’t forget to bring the poop bags with you like I did this morning {head smack}.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Java Bean: “I’m not afraid of fireworks or loud noises or booms at all! However Lulu does not feel the same way.”
Lulu: “NO BOOMS!!!”
Java Bean: “Mama and Dada are ready with the Sileo and the cranked-up ‘Empire Strikes Back’ on TV for when the fireworks start going off.”
Lulu: “NO FIREWORKS!!!”
Java Bean: “You’d think with all the wildfires and dry brush out here, people wouldn’t be shooting off explosives, but …”
Lulu: “NO WILDFIRES!!!”
We’re with Lulu. #smartdog
I had no idea as to the advancement in fireworks celebrations, but I’m all for it. Personally, if you’ve seen one exhibition, you’ve already seen them all. Sadly, the idea that peeps here are gonna give up their “blow shit up” mentality anytime soon is hopeful at best.
Have a great week Monika
And ‘hopeful’ is a stretch at this point. So called silent fireworks have been around for a number of years and are quite common in Europe (how is it they are so much more civilized about stuff like that?). It really should be such a simple fix as silent fireworks are made with a reduced amount of flash powder which reduces the level of noise that is produced. It’s that flash powder that is responsible for the loud bang that fireworks make. We started out as a country of “you’re not the boss of me” rebels and haven’t changed our tune. 😵💫
The problem is that we haven’t changed, and as ancient Rome coulda told us, that ain’t the best long term strategy.
It’s practically human nature, or at least the evolved human nature where we find ourselves.
Evolved in a manner of speaking.
Two of us are scared to death of fireworks. Mom doesn’t have a problem with the professional shows putting on fireworks displays on the 4th, as it has been a thing forever. It is controlled and only for a short time on one day. The problem is all the morons with their own fireworks that are set off for weeks on end at all times of the day and night. Lots of us have to get up early and get no sleep because of the nonsense. It is not about a pretty display, it is about the loudest boom which should never be the point. We dread this weekend but are thrilled it is supposed to rain a lot. The bummer is, they still buy the crap and will shoot it off as soon as the storms pass. Ban fireworks for regular citizens and leave it to the pros for one night a year.
My kids and I were attending a professional display hosted by the fire department when a spark ignited the entire batch of fireworks, sending people scrambling for cover. It was absolute chaos. My daughter had suffered a severe cute requiring stitches and wasn’t able to run for cover. I huddled over her under the bleachers-while my son was able to reach the parking lot in the opposite direction from the exploding fireworks. We were all traumatized by the event and are not fans of fireworks in general. Laser shows seem far more safe.
We are hoping for RAIN on the 4th – we need rain anyway but if it keeps the boomies from happening around here we’re DEFINITELY hoping for rain! That noise is scary and for some people it’s BEYOND scary…..we can celebrate our independence by being quiet and proud instead!
Hugs, Teddy (and Mom Pam)
We’re with you though I think the forecast calls for hot and dry. 😵💫 Blowing up things isn’t a measure of someone’s patriotism. If only these folks would understand that.
There have been episodes of boomers around here since last week…and even though here too they are illegal at certain times of the day/night/ Thankfully so far our pups do not seem to be too much bothered by them…at least the peeps across the street have moved…they always had a professional fireworks show set up in their field…they hosted an employee 4th of July party. Imagine that, right in front of our house! Our angels were not impressed and yes they hid…except MJF who would go and try to bark them away…as if his little noise had any effect, other than to have hime actually hoarse the next day. Sheesh! 🙁
At least around our area now, its is not tinder dry at all…and we are forecast to have showers the next three days…maybe at night on the 4th! YES!
I hope you and your pups will get through this noisy time, relatively unscathed.
Thanks. I’ve lost all patience with people who continue to set off fireworks. The professional displays are bad enough. Fireworks in neighborhoods is prohibited by law yet way too many people completely ignore it and terrorize pets and many people. Unfortunately our forecast is hot and dry. A good rain shower would be welcome for multiple reasons. 😈
We’ll probably have someone shooting off fireworks in the area all week long. It’s just an excuse to make a scene for many. I always think of pets and wildlife when the explosion stupidity starts. Hoping for as quiet a time as possible for y’all!
It’s funny how this holiday in particular brings out the dumbest in people. Add lots of alcohol to an already explosive situation and there’s enough trauma to go make things terrorizing. I feel badly for pets, wildlife and humans that struggle with mental health issues and PTSD. When the potential for fire is so great, it’s even more sickening. Let’s hope we can all enjoy a quiet time to reflect on the true meaning of the celebration.
Such a stressful time for our beloved pets and their families. When we moved to the foothills which can be a little like the Wild West sometimes, I was pleasantly surprised to not hear fireworks of any kind. Risk of major fires are prevalent just about anywhere these days. But when one lives in the forest, as we do at The Golden K, a spark can be devastating. Fingers, toes, and eyes crossed that your community heeds all caution when deciding how to be “patriotic”.
In our neighborhood, houses are fairly close together. One spark could burn down a garage so easily, especially in the drought conditions and high temps that we’ve been experiencing. I truly do not understand how people think fireworks is an indication of patriotism. We hope you and the Golden girls have a safe ‘howliday.’
Thanks M. Safe and sane wishes for you and the Ranch hands?
Right back atcha, Michael.
I have a neighbor and someone at the church where I work who both have had PTSD. A for the pups, the fw don’t bother Chia or Riley. But Lucy has already been a mess when they started in our neighborhood around 9:30 one night. Xena is terrified of them, but that night she was already cuddled up under the covers in bed with me, and I think she felt safe. I’ve got plenty of Valerian and CBD oil that I’ll combine and dose them up later this week. The combo works better than either one by itself. I guess I’m unpatriotic, too.
Hardly. I may just try that valerian/CBD combo. For myself and the pups (in case they need it as well). Fireworks terrify me especially since I’ve had personal experience with them when they go ka-blooey. Hugs and gentle thoughts to all the pupsters.
I have been battling fireworks my whole life. Every time I have a discussion with someone shooting off illegal explosives the result is the same. I’m the one who is called names. Laws don’t seem to help since the Police look at you like you are crazy for calling in Firework complaints. I do wish fireworks would go away.
I empathize 100%. It’s so stupid. When I was much younger, I was hit with a bottle rocket and burned. Then as a young adult, I was at a professional display where a spark ignited the entire contingent of fireworks. They went off like scatter shot. My daughter and I huddled beneath the bleacher seats as she suffered a bad cut that day and could only hobble. I’ve never been so terrified. Needless to say, I h-a-t-e fireworks. Period. Hope your holiday is peaceful.
Wow you have every reason to hate them. Thanks for sharing, Monika. I hope your holiday is peaceful as well.
Thanks John. I hope yours is peaceful as well.
😊
Is there? I would go there too. 🙂
I keep looking for that place! Here’s hoping your holiday is relatively quiet.
Years of wrapping the dog in a Thundershirt and trying to coax the cat out from under the couch are behind us, but I still wish the fireworks would end. They bother people, too. Our town has a show in a nearby park. It lasts 15 minutes, but it’s loud. The local contributions are usually worse. I feel bad for your pups. And your neighbor who associates fireworks with patriotism is nuts.
Thanks, Dan. The neighbor in question is that and a lot more. All not so great. Actually I’m grateful he’s no longer in the ‘Hood. I can totally do without drunk people playing with explosives in a narrow alleyway during a severe drought. This will be Wilson’s first July 4th here so I’m hoping he survives the boomers. I just don’t understand why we can’t go exclusively with laser shows and be done with it. I think I’ll close all the windows, crank up the AC and binge some TV program for major white noise and have the dogs hang out in my lap. I think the CBD will be flowing liberally as well, just in case. While I have a new Thundershirt, I don’t want to take a chance it isn’t effective. Hope your holiday is safe and on the quiet side.
Our dog loved her Thundershit, but it’s sad that we have an industry that exists to deal with things thta could easily be avoided.
Amen.
Not a fan of big noises, here, either. Even though we live rurally, there usually are home fireworks– firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and such. Wren has a hard enough time with thunderstorms. 🙁 I love the idea of laser shows, esp. better for states at risk of wildfires.
Not to mention keeping those with PTSD calm. It’s such a simple fix, still makes me wonder why it’s so hard to affect it. Hope it’s a quiet holiday. Give Wren an extra calming ear rub from me.
Mee-yow today iss Catnada Day Miss Monika an Elsa an Wilson….wee been heerin Firewerkss efurry nite since mee got sick! Tonite will ruff. At eest there iss a new Feliway plugged inn to keep mee calm.
There will bee noise til July 4th….peepell heer shott Firewerkss off fore any reeson 😉
**nose bopss** BellaDharma an **covurrss earss** BellaSita Mum
I’m so sorry. I know people want to celebrate but holidays; I just wish they could do it quietly. Not everyone enjoys those obnoxious boomers. Here’s hoping things quiet down on your end. Hugs and tails wags.
totally agree w/ regards to the fireworks. and thanks for the smile.
Thanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed the smile. Happy Monday.
That last cartoon was hilarious, but they were both funny. The person who did this “….anti-patriotic because I challenged their setting off illegal fireworks in the alley behind my house” is certainly intelligence challenged. I can see it happen but boy is that dumb.
Our Rollo is terrified of fireworks. During a walk, in the morning, long before the fireworks were supposed to start, someone set off an illegal fireworks rocket in the neighborhood that misfired and landed close to us. Even I was shocked. Rollo ran all the way home full speed with me behind him. It was probably teenagers. It had happened the night before and the police was looking for the kids shooting off the dangerous illegal fireworks. Our Leonberger Bronco was never bothered by fireworks or any loud noises.
It breaks my heart to see pets terrified by thoughtless humans. I hope your boy isn’t too traumatized and the rest of the week is easy on his (and your) nerves.
Despite my cats being non-reactive to fireworks, I hate them. Yes, they are pretty but i love the laser and drone shows better. I’ve been to displays where babies and toddles bawled through the whole thing because of the noise. I apologize to my squirrels and chippies every time!
Growing up I was the victim of separate and professional fireworks displays and have always feared them because of it. When you live close to neighbors, it would be so easy to set a roof or garage on fire. It breaks my heart watching pets freak out from them. There really is no need to make them noisy-they can take that component out and yet…
Locally, the hand specialist in the area puts an ad or maybe a PSA about fireworks out. He always works on the 4th because…well…people…
If only more people would sign on to that way of thinking.
He includes pictures of actual xrays. It’s enough to make me think twice. It doesn’t take a doc degree to see when fingers are blown off.
Somebody was setting off fireworks in our neighborhood last evening. Tegan slept *on* me for the rest of the night. It’s always a looong week here.
It’s always a circus in my neighborhood. I find it fascinating that while fireworks are illegal in the City and County of Denver, there seems to be little enforcement judging by all the pop up stands in north Denver. 😬
I agree with each and every word written in your blog! In a word…YES!
Thank you. As you can tell this is something that winds me up. I keep wondering how patriotic is it to traumatize veterans like these bozos do. Usually over a case of beer and a BBQ.
As the owner of 2 senior cats and a resident of a high fire area of Southern California, I heartily agree with your position on fireworks!!
It’s simply unfathomable there isn’t better enforcement of city ordinances, and particularly in drought conditions. I know a few Viet Nam vets whose PTSD is triggered during July. We pay for that in higher health insurance costs for treating them when it could be easily avoided and that money could be used for medications they may need. Apart from being considerate and respectful, it’s just the most economical thing to do.
Yes, those damn fireworks. It is so difficult for so many dogs.
We’ll have them today as it is Canada Day. Not that I’m going anywhere where they will be banging them out!
That last comic was such a hoot. And I swear they do that!
When I found that comic, I thought…”yup…it’s like they plan it!” 😆 Happy Canada Day. 🇨🇦 Hope the fireworks are kept to a minimum and you are able to enjoy a Happy Monday.
Hahaha!
Thank you. I actually hear the fireworks (every Thursday for the annual competition) from my house, even though they are 8 miles away.
It’s a gorgeous day that I will spend by my pool, drink in hand.
Ugh. I often hear them after baseball games since I’m less than 3 miles from Coors Field. Let’s celebrate traumatizing veterans and pets after watching a crappy team. Yup…count me…out! Grrr
Right. I was in bed at 10 and was wondering what that sound was at first. It’s not overly loud but definitely heard. Windows shut, to boot.
Yeah. We’re never going to be able to get rid of them.
You may be right on that but I keep hoping for miracles.
I hear ya. Especially when it is super dry out there…
Those were good funnies and such a true message on the fireworks. They are legal here and we dread those loud boomie days.
Thank you, Terry. Glad you enjoyed the smiles and hope the fireworks don’t freak out your kitties. Happy Monday.
That last funny made me laugh out loud.
I know our babies aren’t going to like all the noise.
I linked this post to Awww Mondays.
Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups and a big hug to you. ♥
Thank you, Sandee. Glad you enjoyed the last comic…I walked out of the house shortly after dawn and realized midway, I left my poop bag hanging on the hook at home. Oy. Luckily I had one in my pocket. Happy Monday.
Happy Fourth … and good luck dealing with the noise. Let’s hope for no fires. The political discourse is embarrassing and discouraging.
Thanks, Frank. No fires, no trauma for pets and peeps too. As for the political discourse, after this morning’s Supreme Court ruling, I think that ship done sailed. Sigh.
I’m with you on the fireworks. And I hate it when I forget my poop bag!!! So embarrassing.
It rarely happens, but as sure as it does, it’s invariably (a) a big pile and (b) right in front of someone’s house who just came out to pick up their newspaper. Argh.
No July 4th horrors here…but New Year is another matter! Luckily there is nothing this side of the mountain even then, but I make sure the thugs are indoors with us.
Unpatriotic, my backside! For objecting to fireworks!
We have them at New Year’s too but at least in winter, the house can be shuttered and the effect greatly diminished. There are a few older veterans in the neighborhood and I always worry about being traumatized by those fireworks. Not caring about the effect on them seems just plain inexcusable!
we will have the same in two weeks… why people have to make always loud noises? it’s because they can not bark right?
What other reason could it be? I’m sure Bastille Day will be similar to Independence Day here especially with the polarization of the parties being at an all time high in France (just like it is in the US). We hope and pray you guys stay safe in your village. Happy Monday.
The use of fireworks is highly dangerous and upsetting.
It is indeed. Plus it’s just unnecessary in modern times. There are fireworks that have the ingredient removed which makes those booming sounds and yet the noisy ones continue to be available. It makes no sense to us. We hope the week is gentle on you and the pups.
I have my doubts though….Thank you. I trust will have peace too.