Boom with a View

It’s confession time again:  I have an embarrassing and irrational fear of loud noises. A popping balloon sends me into a frantic fit and a backfiring car sets my heart racing like nobody’s business. I quake at the sound of thunder and I become rattled at the mere thought of a gun being fired. And don’t even get me started on those blasted cell phone ringtones. I finally started wearing earplugs to bed to help diminish the din of our noisy world.

Given the fact that I fume over all things that go kaboom, I was pleased to hear that Mayor Blum is planning a quieter fireworks display on July 4^th.

The mayor contends that the earthshaking explosions are difficult on veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and she knows first-hand how upsetting they can be to pets. Several years ago, her Golden Retriever, Barney, became frightened by the fireworks and ran away. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan found the panicked pooch and returned him the next day.

Fireworks by Boom Boom, Inc., the producers of this year’s Santa Barbara fireworks show, will be removing the salute shells, which create a white flash and loud noise. The fireworks will still make the same whistling noises and muffled pops.

“You will still hear [the fireworks],” Mayor Blum told the Daily Sound last month, “but hopefully this will be better for both the veterans and the animals.”

I think we can all agree that pets and pyrotechnics don’t mix. To help keep Fido and Fluffy safe on the Fourth, follow this advice from The Humane Society of the United States :

*          Leave your pets at home. Fireworks displays can be disorienting and frightening to pets, even those used to going places with their people.

*          Create a home sanctuary. Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An inside room, where the pet normally spends time and is comfortable with no windows or doors to access the outside may be best.

*          Protect your property. When scared, some animals can become destructive, so be sure to remove anything that can become damaged or might harm your pet if it was to be chewed.

*          Never leave pets outside and unattended. Even in a fenced-in yard, panic can lead a pet to escape and get lost or injured.

*          Make sure that your pet is always wearing identification. In the unfortunate event that your pet does get lost, an updated identification tag greatly increases your chances of being reunited, even if your pet is microchipped.

*          If your pet fears loud noises such as thunder, fireworks won’t fly. In that case, consult your veterinarian on how to lower your pet’s stress level and consider having someone remain at home with your pet.

*          If you plan to go away for the holiday, decide what will be the best option for your pet. The HSUS Web site (www.humanesociety.org) features information on traveling with your pet, choosing a professional pet sitter and finding a boarding kennel.

Just when I thought it was safe to venture out for a festive Fourth, sans the nail-biting noise, I received an invitation to a party that will be anything but peaceful. “We’ll celebrate with all-day firing of our 17^th century cannon and blowing locomotive horns,” the invitation read.

Holy Red, White and “Blew”! It sounds like I’ll need to take along an extra large box of earplugs. Let’s just hope there won’t be any balloons around to deflate my celebratory mood.

 

Karen's Fourth of July will include pyrotechnics and parties, but no pets. What are you doing to celebrate Independence Day? Let Karen know by sending her an email message at karenleestevens@cox.net.

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By Karen Lee Stevens,
Founder & President, ALL FOR ANIMALS, Inc.
Copyright © 2008. All Rights Reserved.

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