The Party's Over!

The 4th of July has come and gone and it was a blast, (get it... a blast... funny.) Our family spent the day with friends and enjoyed hamburgers and baked beans and cupcakes and cobbler... oh my! We felt like the pups should stay back this time just for the sake of peace of mind. Although none of them show aversions to loud noises, (hunting breeds shouldn't, but you never know,) we felt the occasion would best be put in the "better safe than sorry" category. Our beloved Dalmatian, Maggie, used to have such a horrible response to the 4th because of the LOUD fireworks. She would absolutely come unglued! So, we wanted to make the 4th a bearable, if not pleasant experience for the pack. Of course conditioning is the key, so we gave special treats to mark the day... Cheetos! (I know they are not that healthy... we don't judge here :) ) We made a little game of getting the Cheetos before we left for our celebration and it looked like this...

Ruby is about to "speak" for a treat. We also made sure everyone had plenty of exercise to tire them out and the little one went in his crate for added security. We don't know if any of our neighbors shot off fireworks, but everyone looked relatively calm and relaxed when we got home. At our friend's house however... this little guy came ready for the party and completely undaunted by the unfolding events...
This is Scooter and he is one of the most laid back fellas I have ever met! He lives in a retirement community with his Dad Harry and visits his Mom in a nearby nursing facility, often. Harry says the ladies at the nursing home love him so and practically jump out of bed to touch him. That's the miraculous power of a dog... no? Scooter wasn't scared of those nasty fireworks and he made sure to protect Harry from them! Good boy Scooter. It was a great day for all, human and canine alike, and we look forward to another celebration next year. Hope ya'll had a great one too!