The following letter was reprinted with permission by the author:
Stephen McKay, CPDT-KA, Port Chester Obedience Training Club Instructor.
Dear Friends:
With July 4th coming closer, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that the manner in which we humans celebrate our nation's independence requires that some measures be implemented to protect our pets. Fireworks are often a source of great fear in many dogs and cats and many shelters become busy in the days following the 4th as dogs are recovered after fleeing their backyards or homes.
Please make plans now to shield your pets from the trauma caused by loud fireworks. Identify a quiet spot in the home that pets can occupy while fireworks are taking place. Keep windows closed in that area and A/C on. Check on them during the evening times when fireworks are busiest.
Exercising pets in the morning and afternoon to tire them out is helpful. Get them out for a potty break prior to sunset so that you don't have to take them out while fireworks are occuring. If medication is required to help your pet through the celebration, seek the aid of a qualified veterinarian now instead of waiting till it's too late.
Also, make sure your dog is wearing an identifying tag and if you haven't yet done so, be sure to microchip your pet and register/update the information on the microchip company's website. If you are travelling with your pet for the 4th, attach a temporary tag to their collar containing your local contact information in addition to your home contact information.
Instruct other family members, including children, of the precautions that must be excercised to help safely navigate through the 4th. Plan ahead now so that the 4th of July may be as enjoyable as possible for everyone, including our pets.
Stephen McKay, CPDT-KA, Port Chester Obedience Training Club Instructor
REMINDER: Kirek is still missing. Please keep looking.
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