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 — but barking. Lots and lots of barking. (Which kind of reminds me of landscaping day!)
Poor Lally was torn between huddling behind the desk shaking and running from door to window barking. The farther away the fireworks were, the more inclined she was towards the barking sort of reaction. When somebody set off a firecracker right outside the building, both Lally and Moose came running into the office.
This afternoon and evening, I’m planning to be at a barbeque. Lally and Moose are invited to join me, and I’m debating whether or not it’s a good idea to bring them along.
The pros of bringing them along:
- They’ll have momma around if they do get scared by fireworks.
- They’ll have the distraction of lots of people and lots of noise.
The cons of bringing them along:
- Watching the door at my friends’ house to make sure they don’t escape.
- Worrying about Moose and Lally frightening my friends’ two cats (who would be barricaded upstairs for the party).
- There will still be fireworks visible/audible — I’m just not sure how close they’ll be.
If the pups stay home from the party, I can leave music and fans on to help block the noise, and close the blinds to help block the light show. I’m pretty sure they’d prefer to be with me tonight… I just don’t want it to disrupt the party. What do you think?