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A Plea to Dog Loving Warriors

by raydp
6 replies
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I would like to wish all Warriors a happy new year. At the same time I wany to remind you of the effect fireworks can have on our dogs.

Please spare a thought for you dogs and any other pets. Some are not affected, in fact, I once had a Great Dane that used to love them, but generally, a lot of dogs are terrified of loud bangs.

I have two rescued Greyhounds one of which was $10 kgs underweight when he arrived, terrified of sticks, and covered in scars. After 3 months of tlc he was happy, healthy and getting more confident every day.

A week before Guy Fawkes night (weird UK bonfire celebration on 5th November) 2007 someone nearby let of three huge fireworks with tremendous flashes and bangs in the "shock and awe" category. He ran indoors and hid, shaking and panting. It took at least another three months to get him into the garden again. My wife and I had to stay up and take him out well after midnight when all was quiet and, to him, safe.

He still gets in a state and winds up wearing his ThunderBand and wrapped in a blanket behind the sofa. At least he now gets back to normal when the noise dies down.

I know he's not alone in this so I am making a plea to remember your pets when the New Year fireworks start and ensure you are able to provide the comfort and reassurance they may need.

Happy New Year!

Ray
  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    It's a good reminder. I have one dog (Doodah) who hides under my desk when there are fireworks or thunder and another (Gracie) who runs outside to bark back at them. (She thinks they want to play with her)

    What people too often forget is that a dog's height puts them at risk of debris being blown into their face/eyes - and they don't know to turn away as people do.

    kay
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Kerr
    I propose that fireworks be banned except in certain designated areas (and this is the case in some places) as they do disturb the sleep of my puppy (my avatar) and much more than that for the more sensitive types.

    What is it with fireworks? I really don't get them.
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    Ron
    The Gadget News

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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      I understand fireworks in a professional display - they're beautiful to watch.

      I've never understood fireworks where individuals are lighting things that make loud noises and smelly smoke - and leave debris all over the street or lawn. Unfortunately I live in one of the few areas of the US where there is little or no restriction on fireworks. Only upside is that the fireworks are only sold locally from temporary trailers over holidays and not year round.

      It's the only bright side to the economy I've seen this year - usually there are kids (and adults) banging off fireworks for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after every holiday. This year it's been minimal - guess people can't afford them.

      I also make sure my cats are in during these times (they have their own door) as they also can be traumatized and injured by fireworks.

      kay
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      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      ***
      Live life like someone left the gate open
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  • Profile picture of the author raydp
    I'd love to see fireworks banned, except for public displays but there's a problem. Certainly in the UK, a number of ethnic minorities celebrate birthdays, weddings etc with fireworks. I dread to think of the repercussions if attempts were made to stop the practise.

    Ray
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  • Profile picture of the author write-stuff
    Well, I don't want to encroach on other people's wishes to enjoy fireworks, but I do share the scared-dog syndrome. My lab goes into total meltdown, hyperventilating and trying to dig/eat his way through the floor to China (from the US).
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  • Profile picture of the author Adam Jackson
    I lost a german shepard years ago when someone started shooting fireworks nearby. She climbed over the fence and ran a 1/4 mile to the highway and was hit by a car later in the night.

    As soon as I realized she was missing, I went looking for her but could not find her. I guess she was running through the woods.

    I found her early the next morning. I think she may have been coming back home and got hit while crossing the road.
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