July 4th is Not Maddie's Favorite Holiday
>> Saturday, July 4, 2009
Look at this face. Would you leave it home alone if you knew that it was terrified of thunder and fireworks? Not me.
Who knows what makes dogs afraid of things, but for as long as I can remember, Maddie's been afraid of anything that goes KABOOM! That noise can't be avoided on July 4th....3rd....5th.....anytime around this noisy holiday weekend.
I try not to feed into any of my animals anxieties. I act as though nothing is wrong and go about whatever I'm doing. But, if it's at all possible, I do whatever I'm doing so that Maddie knows I'm nearby.
Last night some high school friends came over. For old time's sake, we built a bomb fire in the backyard. Around midnight, it got chilly but I wasn't cold. Why? Because of course Maddie was warming my lap. We could hear fireworks in the distance, but they weren't so bad.
I wish there was something I could do to help Maddie through storms and the 4th of July celebrations. I don't really want to use medication so I just stay close after 10:00 at night. I figure it's the least I can do for her...especially right now. She seems even more vulnerable since Kelly's gone.
Happy 4th of July to all of you!
