Independence Day

Blogging Friends.... Thank-you for your comments on yesterday's post. I appreciated them!! As per usual, all of my feelings and thoughts concerning Teresa's passing remained numb until today. Yes, numb. Then, they spilled out of my soul!! Although we mere humans cannot understand why some loving Catholic family would adopt a Beautifully Unique then-three year old--from China--just to eventually watch her suffer and die, I can still see God's Sovereignty in this sad occurrence. See, if Teresa weren't adopted, chances are, she never would have lived as long. It is China, not America. We have more advanced medical technology here!! Correct? Plus, they prefer boys over there!! Teresa might have died alone, rather than being surrounded by her large loving adoptive family!! How tragic would that have been? And, as I wrote in Ann's Blog post, they made a cosmic difference throughout Teresa's short life. They shared the Love of Jesus with this very special child. She knew her Lord and Savior!! Not that any of this wipes clean the pangs of her passing, or makes grieving any easier. It doesn't. {Sorry. I did not mean to get all "preachy" on you!! I will stop.} 

 

Not to distract from the sorrow of Teresa's death, but I'm afraid that it overshadowed my Independence Day post about fireworks!! Whoops. For it is an important post, if you are like me, and love a noise-phobic canine!! So. I am now re-posting it!!

 

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!!

 

Have a happy--and safe!!--Independence Day, Friends!!