Monday, July 2, 2012

4th of July


Independence Day. It only comes around but once a year. Oh, how I love this federal holiday!! The celebration of America. Freedom. Patriotism. I have, ever since Tuesday, September 11th, 2001, dressed myself--literally from head to toe--in the Red, White and Blue on July 4th!! I go insanely outlandish!! It is the only time, during my entire life, when I actually care about clothes, because, frankly, I'd rather like anything else!! Anything else. I know, I know, I'm weird for a girl!! But on Independence Day, I wear brightly colored clothing, which is often matching!! Shockingly!! Because the only times when I am ever even remotely color-coordinated, is accidental!! Seriously.... My "Independence Day Getup", as I call it, is even planned and prepared!! Also shockingly!! Because I am not the type of person who prepares for anything!! Ever. On Wednesday, I intend to wear my "star-spangled bandanna" atop a ponytail. This is tradition!! I wear it every year!! I recently purchased this new men's T-shirt, which resembles a draped Old Glory. All the way down!! I own a patrotic cross necklace. Wearing it is also tradition!! My fingernails will be painted Red, White, and Blue. Every other didgit!! I painted my fingernails Red, White and Blue last year!! I looked like some eccentric, immature teenager!! Sweet!! And, yes, I want to look like some eccentric, immature teenager again!! Just for one day.... On my feet, I will wear American flag socks. This, too, is tradition!! However, if you're me, who shares her existence with a Beautifully Unique mutt that suffers from "Noise Phobia" issues, there's only one part about Independence Day which you dread. One word. Fireworks. Our suburban cul-de-sac has actually, surprisingly, been quiet. Oddly. No pops, whistles, or bottle rocket "bomb"-like explosions. Nothing!! Until Saturday that was. Now, as soon as night falls, inevitably, we hear several resounding BOOMS. Which cause poor Rose to unsteadily stand up on all fours, resembling some newborn foal. She hides. Anywhere. Under beds. Beneath tables. Under our computer desk while I type. She glues herself to my side, like magnets on a refrigerator. Tremors work their way through poor Rose's body. And, like last year, she has made a return appearance as my stubborn little girl who refuses to walk at night!! I gently, yet firmly pull Rose halfway down our cul-de-sac. It is like some highly competive human-canine game of tug 'o war!! Last night, I even offered Rose a baby carrot. Which she snubbed!! Snubbed!! Imagine that!! My "food-lovin'" Beagle mix was not interested in a treat!! Then, after minutes of silence, bottle rockets exploded!! Sigh.... Here we go again....

This information was taken from a Summer 2011 local dog newsletter issue:

"Every year, many companion pets escape and are lost or injured because of their fear of fireworks. While many of us love the big bangs and beautiful lights, our companion pets do not share our sentiment. Many dogs and cats escape their homes, some never to be reunited with their families. We encourage each of you to please take the necessary precautions to make sure your companion pet remains safe, at home and healthy. If your pet is easily frightened by sudden noises or bright lights, talk with your veterinarian about a mild sedative to ease your pet's anxiety. Keep your pet in a safe place when the fireworks begin. Options include the pet's crate, a safe room or the basement. Turn on a radio for background noise to help muffle some of the bangs. Provide a high quality chew toy to help keep them busy and distracted. Provide their favorite stuffed toy, blanket or other item that helps them feel safe. Every year all animal shelters see many pets that have escaped over the July 4th holiday."

And.... Its veterinarian writes:

"With the Fourth of July right around the corner, fireworks and loud noises are plentiful and for some pets, it's anything but a happy time. They can become anxious, stressed, terrified or uncomfortable and can suffer from a fear of loud noises known as noise phobia. Learn to recognize the signs of a noise phobia. Signs commonly seen are: shaking or trembling, excessive drooling, barking or howling, hiding, and trying to escape from the house, fence, or other enclosure. Some animals will lose control of their bladder or bowels and some may experience prolonged diarrhea from the stress. Keep in mind, dogs that escape can end up with wounds, lacerations or worse-hit by a car. To help you manage your dog's anxiety, try these tips: keep you dogs at home. Keep dogs inside in a safe, quiet room, turn on music and pull the window blinds. Remove any items that might be chewed. Take your dog for a walk prior to the start of the noise. Provide a safe "escape" place. For safety measures, make sure your pet's ID is current. If needed, visit your favorite vet for medical help with the noise phobia/anxiety behavior to ensure a safe holiday for you and your pet."

I acknowledge completely that some facts were repeated in this Blog post. My apologies for that!!

This may turn out to be a long Summer of fireworks exploding daily, then, when the bottle rockets are over, and our nighttime skies seem silent, they will still be booming within Rose's head. Still booming. Like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in humans. This happened to us last Summer. But on the bright side, God has given me perseverance, plus an iron-will that, along with surgeons' skills, and His Grace, I employed to fight for life as a sickly infant. I can endure this!! I can!! Even though there may be many failures, tears, impatience, and frustrations along the way....     






24 comments:

Unknown said...

Wishing you a happy 4th July and nice informative post. Have a happy Tuesday!
Best wishes Molly

Alison said...

Hi Raelyn! You are excited about the 4th as I usually am about Halloween.

Have you heard of something called a thunder shirt? It's for dogs with anxiety just like rose.

Mary Lou said...

Molly....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Yeah.... I do not often write informative Blog posts, but sometimes they are necessary!! ;op

Mary Lou said...

Alison....
Thank-you for commenting!!
I have a friend who anticipates donning her green on St. Patrick's Day more than the Fourth of July Red, White and Blue!! Well.... To each one her own, I guess!! ;-D
Thank-you for the Thundershirt suggestion. ;op

Stacey said...

I hope you have a wonderful 4th July! I'm so glad you mentioned about dogs and fireworks, we have the same problem on Bonfire night in November and it's a time we need to make extra special care of our pups!
Great post as always :-)

Mary Lou said...

Stacey....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Oh, I will have a wonderful Independence Day!! Even if I need to spend part of the night sitting on our cold "boy's bathroom" floor while stroking Rose's velvet-soft fur!! Oh well.... I have seen fireworks before!! ;op

Rama's Mama said...

I hope you post a photo of your outfit! It's awesome how you are so into dressing up for Independence Day! I hope you and Rose have a great day!

Mary Lou said...

Rama's Mama....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Well.... I cannot promise anything, but posting a picture of me in my "Independence Day Getup" is an excellent idea!! Ooh!! I should make it tradition!! ;op

Sketching with Dogs said...

Hope you and Rose have a very Happy 4th July - enjoy it!
Lynne x

Remington said...

Great post! Happy 4th!

Mary Lou said...

Lynne....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Oh.... I intend to enjoy my 4th of July.... But Rose will not, sadly!! :op

Mary Lou said...

Remington....
Thanks for the comment!!
Happy Independence Day to you, as well!! Stay safe!! ;op

Lorenza said...

Sure you are ready to celebrate!
Happy 4th of July!
Aaand of course I hope everyone is going to be safe!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Mary Lou said...

Lorenza....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Yes, I am ready to celebrate!! Dressing up in my nation's colors is so much fun!! And, sans the nail polish, plus a few slight changes, I'm Red/White/Blue--matching!!--from my feet to my T-shirt!! ;op

Fizz said...

I don't understand why they haven't invented something better than noisy fireworks. Purhaps laser light shows or even fireworks that don't go BANG!!!! Why should we dogs have to put up with being scared witless. To be so scared you run away from home must be so horrible. My mummy makes a den for me where I can hide if I get scared (fireworks are on 5th Nov in the UK) it's all dark and almost sound proof. Take care of Rose, make sure she feels safe.

Mary Lou said...

Fizz....
Thank-you for the comment!!
I know, right? I love fireworks--bottle rockets, especially--for their brilliant explosions!! Yeah.... Guilty as charged.... ;-}
However, their booming noise.... I swear that it feels like we are in some war-torn country!! :-(
I intend to take care of Rose, and I'll make sure she feels safe!! No worries there.... ;op

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Happy 4th of July to you!
love
tweedles

Suka said...

Fun post! I bet you look super all decked out in your 4th of July gear! How fun! You should have posted a picture! :->

It is such a fun and wonderful holiday and I think it is great that you have fun with it. Age is a matter of mind, not a number. Hope you and your family had a super July 4th!

Yes, the dreaded fireworks. Suka is not too bothered by them. But my other dog, Silvius, is terrified, probably even worse than your sweet Rosie. So I know how it is. But a lot of love, calm talking, petting, and favorite treats usually helps the fear and terror pass - once the noises is all done! Good luck and hugs to Rosie!

Suka and K

Mary Lou said...

tweedles....
Thanks for the comment!!
And I hope that you enjoyed a happy Independence Day, as well!! ;op

Mary Lou said...

Suka and K....
Thank-you for the comment!!
My family and I did enjoy ourselves a "super" Independence Day!! I hope the same for you!! ;op

Dachshund Nola said...

Hope you had a good 4th!
Nola

Mary Lou said...

Nola....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Oh, we did have a good Independence Day!! ;op

Finn said...

I can't believe I missed this post from this week! It's totally fun to dress in red, white and blue for the fourth! Hope you had a great holiday!!

Mary Lou said...

Finn....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Isn't it? Do you dress up in the Red, White and Blue on Independence Day, too? ;)
I did enjoy myself a great holiday!! ;op