[PyrNet-L] CARE, BEHAVIOR, CHAT: Beware of snapping dogs on Fourth Of July

[MagEBroD@aol.com]

I realize this is after the Fourth Of July, but I witnessed something this
Fourth that we should all be aware of. I went to a Bar-B-Q at some friends
that we've known for many years and cared for their dogs when they traveled.
Their dogs have never nipped at us or our children. This is the first time
I've been around their dogs on Fourth Of July though. One dog is totally
freaked out by fireworks. A guest went to pet this dog and got nipped. Later,
thinking I had a bond with the dog that this other woman didn't and also
"feeling" for the dog and wanting to calm the dog down, I went up to the dog
and she was looking frantic and slobbering and really in a panicked state. I
knealt down and reached out to pet the dog and it was looking at fireworks
instead and seemed suddenly startled and snapped in my direction. I said her
name and talked to her a while and then was able to calm the dog down and
eventually pet her and reassure her some. My heart continued to go out to this
dog so much. 
   I hate the loud fireworks on the Fourth Of July!  I have never understood
why they are allowed. You can have beautiful displays without the deafening
noises. So WHY????  These poor animals suffer so. (Plus my own ears don't
appreciate it either!)  I'm lucky in that my dog doesn't freak out with storms
and fireworks, but so many do. 
   We need to be aware that dogs that are normally the sweetest dogs in the
world can when stressed and scared to the MAX, react in ways they normally
wouldn't and may snap, bite, run away, etc. Be especially cautious with
children around dogs at this time. 

Janice Vocke
MagEBroD@aol.com