The Braley Blog

“Pete’s Daily Connection”

Happy 4th! Now Hug Your Dog!

Happy Fourth of July friends! And yes, it’s time to hug your dog, or cat. If the cat will let you.

Fireworks have been a part of the July 4th holiday as long as any of us can remember.


Yeah, the memes have been pretty funny but also very thought provoking.


It can be hard to relate if you’ve never been in a combat situation but I’m sure, for many, it brings them right back to a terrifying time while they were serving.

One of my children was actually near the finish line the year of the Boston Marathon bombing and she still doesn’t like the neighborhood booms on the 4th. One year I was staying with her over the holiday and we closed all the windows, turned on the AC and watched “The Greatest Showman” and turned the musical numbers WAY UP LOUD so we wouldn’t hear any of the neighborhood activities!

How is your pet with the noise?


Our dog, Charlie, is actually okay with them. People started shooting off some fireworks in our neighborhood on Friday. That’s when I figured this was going to last a few days. There were some more Saturday, then Sunday and Monday. I can’t see how people have any left but I’m sure tonight will get loud. Charlie does hear them. He lifts his head and his ears perk up. It’s almost like he’s saying, “What’s that? What’s going on?” We did have Humphrey, a big ole Rottweiler/Husky mix that would climb in the bathtub during thunderstorms.

I have friends who tell stories about what their dog or cat does. We have a good friend who said her cats dive under the covers when the fireworks start going off. Our friend is not really a fan, especially when they shoot them off on random days and not just the holiday.

Oh I guess it’s time for the annual disclaimer: “Remember, fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts.” Yeah, right.

It’s pretty much a fact of life we have to accept that people are going to light off fireworks for the 4th. So maybe make some arrangements to try to make the night easier on your pet. While it may be tempting to have your pet outside with you enjoying the night it might be a better idea to keep them inside with the windows closed and the television on. You probably shouldn’t leave the TV on the live coverage of the Boston fireworks. Kinda defeats the purpose don’t ya think?

Here’s hoping everyone has a safe and happy 4th! I leave you with my favorite meme from this year.

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