Creatures of any kind do not like loud noises  so I was pleased to see that the country of Italy was touting “silent fireworks” to reduce animal stress during this year’s celebrations. Obviously, they are not celebrating Independence Day today as we are in America, but rather Liberation Day on April 25. For Germany it’s May 23, the United Kingdom May 1, Greece Feb. 3, Portugal June 24, and Turkey Oct. 29, just a few of the occasions around the world for lighting firecrackers and scaring pets & small children. Our two schnauzers, Tinker and Tally, are wearing festive red, white, & blue collars in anticipation of the big bang.

Tinker will probably not hear the bottle rockets, M-80’s, and roman candles that are inevitable in the neighborhood tonight. We intend to drive downtown for the Blues Festival fireworks that we’ll be observing from a quieter distance, so both dogs will probably ride along. Tally freaks at any loud noise, so she’ll probably be on my wife’s lap. Frankie our cat will be hiding under the bed, as she does every day. Of all the pets we’ve owned together, my wife’s first dog Belle was the most sensitive to noise and usually required some sedation. Like Tinker, as she got older her hearing began to fade and the Fourth became less frightening. We would later discover through X-rays that there was a “BB” lodged in her leg, so at some point prior to adoption, she was shot. As a result, she would always associate fireworks with pain.

I would prefer quiet tonight, but there were times in my life when I enjoyed making things explode. (See Post #107) We would also make frequent stops in Tennessee on our way home from Florida to buy legal fireworks, and illegally bring them into Indiana for Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve fun. I used to collect colorful firecracker labels like Black Cat, Dixie Boy, Lion, Silver Bird, Double Dragon, and Lone Eagle, and would display them on a bulletin board to show-off their unique oriental designs. It’s ironic that most of the brands featured animals that we now realize are the biggest victims of the noise. Fireworks were not the only insensitive thing that I did as a young boy, but at least now I’ve outgrown it. Anymore, firecrackers are nothing but dangerous noise pollutants.

Prepare your pets for a noisy night, and be thoughtful of those who earned us Freedom. Our soldiers and Veterans have made it possible for this night of celebration. However, the sounds of fireworks probably only remind them of the terror that they faced in battle. They fought for peace and instead we honor them with loud noise. “Thank you for your Service” is the only noise that I want to make tonight. Happy Fourth, and may your pets be safe on the Fifth.