Happy 4th!

I hope everyone is having a great 4th of July holiday. We've spent weeks doing noise sensitivity training in prep for the fireworks tonight- and if last night is any indication, it should go pretty smoothly! I spend time before the 4th every year using the small snappers (that you can throw on the ground or snap between your fingers) to get the dogs used to the sound and smell of fireworks. Basically, snap, treat at the same time. Repeat. Once they are totally fine with the snappers, I move on to the pop-its (the party poppers where you pull the sting and it shoots out ribbons and makes a bit of a bang noise). Again, pop and treat. And you know what? There was no shaking from Koira at all last night when the day-early fireworks started up.

For tonight, I plan on giving some melatonin before dark, just to help keep things mellow. I also picked up some braided bully sticks (Trader Joe's carries some made in the USA that the dogs love) to keep the dogs busy with something fun. I'll be playing music in the house as well as having the fans running. All of this is for Koira's benefit, as she is generally pretty sound sensitive. But I have pretty high hopes that this evening won't be any big deal for her.

As for Pallo, he couldn't care less about fireworks. I actually did a big no-no in the dog world last year, and took him with me to a fireworks show. I brought a ton of treats, some toys, and was 100% ready to get to the car and leave as soon as he showed even the slightest sign of not being okay with the chaos. But he was totally cool with it. I am thinking we will stay home this year, though, since Koira has stitches I want to be double sure don't come out if she does panic, and I have ear infections in both ears, making staying home seem pretty awesome really.

Our holiday pictures were taken early this afternoon, hanging out in the hammock in the back yard in the sun.

Hope everyone has a great holiday!