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Dear Zelda, Foreclosures, rising food and gas prices, job losses… what’s happening? I want to celebrate this 4th of July. Help me Zelda! Ms. Liberty Dear Ms. Liberty, I may be an English Bulldog, but I was “made in America” so the 4th of July is a day for you, me and a lot of other folks to celebrate. Why don’t we start by getting out of bed and being grateful for what we’ve been given? As an old dog, I know how important it is to stretch and be happy to have another day. On the 4th I plan to run, romp and play with my pals. I will be thankful for the freedom I have to speak my mind and sometimes even howl when I disagree. I will savor the sunshine and share licks along with laughter and love with my friends and family. I’ll dress in my best red, white and blue t-shirt that says, “Patriotic Pooch,” because what would the 4th of July be without haute-dogs eating hot dogs? I’ll gobble those dogs with gusto and then relish some time to scratch and sniff. I’ll probably pick a nice spot of grass, lie on my back and listen to fab-fifties tunes on my iPaw (You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog comes to mind). If I’m lucky someone will rub my tummy and take time to tell me what a wonderful, tail waggin’ world we live in. I’ll enjoy a nap under a shady tree. If my iBone rings, I just might ignore it. I’ll take time to remember the folks who gave their lives to make this country free and I’ll thank them in my thoughts. Sure we are going through tough times now, but I’ll try to remember that tough times never last, tough people (and dogs) do. Perhaps the 4th of July fireworks will spark our economy and get us back on track. To paraphrase an old rockabilly 60’s song… let’s think about living, let’s think about loving, and be oh so grateful for every moment of every day. Let’s think about life! Wave that flag. This 4th of July I say…”God (and Dog) Bless America!” Zelda Dear Zelda, July 4th is quickly approaching. Although I am a mature and intelligent eight-year-old Boston Terrier, it shames me to admit I am terribly afraid of loud noises created by FIREWORKS. I feel the same way about THUNDERSTORMS. Furthermore, I am totally petrified of LIGHTNING. I cannot recall an incident from my early puppy hood that would have instilled such an onerous fear in me. I shake and shiver, and my prominent brown eyes feel as if they are going to pop right out of my head from fear. I refuse to go out for a walk, or eat food until the noise has abated. Meanwhile, I pace and pant, and lose lots of my fur. This behavior has my human very upset, and she tries to soothe me and talk to me rationally, but logic goes out the window when it comes to fireworks, lightning and thunder. Can you advise my human and myself how best to cope with this situation? 'Fraid of Fireworks Dear 'Fraid of Fireworks, Hot dogs and fireworks make a great combination on the Fourth of July, but that doesn't mean that real dogs and fireworks were ever meant to mix. You, my friend, are not alone. Every year many dogs (and cats, and birds, and any other animals with any sense about them) experience fear and confusion on this holiday. Seriously, who wants to be surprised by bright lights and loud explosions when no one even bothered to tell us what was going on in the first place? Well it may be a little late this year, but your owner can still try to prepare you for the fireworks on the Fourth, as well as help you manage your phobia problems with thunderstorms and lightning. For one, there are specially made recordings of fireworks and thunder that can be used to train you not to react to the noises. A CD with instructions can be obtained from www.SoundsScary.com. You need to start the CD quietly, and gradually increase the volume over the course of a few months. It may take from three to six months to complete this kind of training, and you may need to continue the desensitization indefinitely. However, this kind of treatment can be very successful when used over time. But the Fourth of July is just around the corner, so here are some other short-term tips to help ensure that you get through this year's fireworks without too much hair loss. First, stay indoors during the fireworks. We dogs have such acute hearing that fireworks sound like volcanoes exploding. Second, get your owner or someone in the family to stay with you during the fireworks. It's best if she remains cheerful and in control. Tell her that soothing and comforting you will only increase the problem. It will either make you feel like she's scared too, or you might interpret her soothing as a reward for your behavior. Third, stay in a room where you feel safe. A crate is a good place because it feels like a den. If you have your favorite toys and a Kong filled with something yummy, all the better. It's always best to have the windows and curtains closed as well. Fourth, I always like the TV tuned to the Discovery Channel or Animal Planet, which distracts me from the loud noises outside. If Bach suits you better, go for it. Finally, be sure that you are wearing identification. Many pets have run away from home and become lost during firework displays. Not that you'd do this, you picture of calm and composure, but it's a good idea to be prepared in case the spirit moves you. So my friend, get out there and celebrate the 4th of July, canine style. Picnics at the park, long before dark, are a lark with a bark! Did I really just say that? Zelda Share this column with a friend! |
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