Here in the States, the Fourth of July (and the weeks surrounding) is a high anxiety time for pets — thanks to the fireworks. They’ve been setting off fireworks in my neighborhood for at least a week now, with the big day itself still to come. My dogs have been relatively mellow about the firecrackers so far — despite a bad experience in the past where they were thrown at us while we were walking. Perked ears, a little bit of barking and running to the windows… definitely not as bad as it has been. But for some pets, fireworks … Continue reading →
Summer time is so much fun with a baby. From splashing in a kiddie pool to talking long walks in a stroller, going to the beach and spotting fireflies, it is always a great adventure. what do you and your baby love about summer? June 30th Baby Blog Week in Review: June 23rd Through June 29th Having you been following along on the issue of tricking a spouse into parenthood? I’ll reveal what I did in my own situation and how it all turned out. If you missed that article or any other, you should check out this past week’s … Continue reading →
If you caught yesterday’s blog about fireworks, you may remember that Moose and Lally were invited to attend a barbeque with me. I wasn’t sure if I should bring them, but in the end, since I was going to be out of the house for more than eight hours, I let the pups tag along. They’re good car riders. Moose flopped out on the back seat of my station wagon; Lally rode half the time in the passenger seat next to me and half the time in the way-back of the wagon. I was the one who had trouble — … Continue reading →
Last night around nine o’clock, somebody started in with the fireworks. I live across the street from the local high school and middle school, and there’s lots of open space available between the sports fields and parking lots. Through the open window, I could hear the crackle of the fireworks, followed by a whole lot of hooting and hollering. Right around the same time I was hearing the beginnings of Fourth of July celebrations, a friend posted on her blog about her dog’s reaction to fireworks. Not fear — as is a common reaction to fireworks and other loud noises … Continue reading →
Will you be celebrating the Fourth of July with a fireworks show? If so, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that everyone, including the baby, has a wonderful, fun and safe celebration. First let’s mention that very young babies shouldn’t be taken to a fireworks show. The loud noises and crowds can make your baby uncomfortable, scare or cranky. While it may be inconvenient, in the long run it might be easier to get a sitter or to watch the fireworks on television or from very far away. Speaking of far away, pick out a spot … Continue reading →
With the Fourth of July on the horizon, this is a good time to take another look at pets with noise phobia. Some veterinarians and behaviorists believe that as many as one out of five dogs suffers from noise phobia. For some pets, reactions to noises can be mild. Perhaps they shake or hide. For others, the reactions can approach full panic. Some pets go into total panic and can hurt themselves trying to escape. Shelters can end up with lots of pets who got spooked and took off during a thunderstorm or the Fourth of July fireworks. Storms and … Continue reading →
Another day, another year begins and another resolution. Today, many resolutions will be made, resolutions about planned changes in behavior, attitudes and lifestyles. I know at least one friend whose New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. For some people the changes may only be minor. For others they could mean a major shake up. But the reality of New Year’s resolutions is that that are easily made and often just as easily broken. A recent poll in the South Coast Register asked people what they thought about new year’s resolutions and most decided they were a waste of time. … Continue reading →
Don’t let this picture fool you. Murph may be sporting a patriotic bandana, but the 4th of July is not his most favorite day of the year. For some pets the annual trip to the vet is the most dreaded day of the year. Not for poor Murph. Vets are a piece of cake compared to the whistles, bangs, and pops exploding in the sky outside. Nothing phased our first dog, Budly. Not thunderstorms and definitely not fireworks. (But take his beloved tennis ball away and that’d spark a meltdown.) Murph, however, is very different. He’s more sensitive to loud … Continue reading →
Visitors at Walt Disney World will be celebrating the 4th of July along with the rest of the country and there will be parades, fireworks and nighttime spectaculars. Keep in mind that many of the parks have extended hours today – the Magic Kingdom for example will be open until 1 a.m. For those of you there, visiting or planning to head there this afternoon, here’s a schedule of events to keep track of: Magic Kingdom – the Disney Dreams Come True Parade will proceed at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Magic Kingdom – The Fantasy in the Sky fireworks will … Continue reading →
We are decidedly not fireworks people. I have never set fire to anything more grandiose than a sparkler on the 4th of July. I do, however, take pleasure in viewing firework displays – both the amateur local and impressive, highly structured professional varieties – and do so from a far. This holiday, our gal is really enjoying the mini-light shows some folks in the neighborhood have been putting on during the evenings leading up to America’s birthday. We will sit out on the driveway with some milk and cookies and look skyward for the glittering flashes of red, white and … Continue reading →
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