Fourth of July - Independence Day - it’s a day of celebration, BBQs, family, friends and, of course … F I R E W O R K S!   

As we gear up for 4th of July festivities, let’s not forget about our precious pets who may not understand what all the hoopla is about.  It's not like we can ask them about how they really feel. 

As far as pets are concerned, the festive explosions, bright flashes in the sky, and the thick, smokey air may just be one big terrifying nightmare (i.e. the A-PAW-CALYPSE!!!).

In fact, there is an influx of LOST/RUNAWAY pets who scare themselves silly during these celebrations and end up on the streets or at the shelters! So we urge you, as pet owners, to take precautions to keep your pet secure. 

As much as you love having your pet around you during every special occasion ever made, you may have to show some tough love for his/her own safety!  

SAFETY TIPS

• Make sure your pet has identification - ID tags or microchips will let people know how to contact you in case your pet manages to get away from you! Be sure to keep your listed contact information current.  
  • Don't have an ID Tag? You can still get ID tags engraved at PetSmart of Ace Hardware today or tomorrow (check holiday hours).  
  • If your pet is already microchipped, make sure your contact information is registered and up-to-date on the microchip's website! (Microchips are a permanent and reliable form of ID. For more information on microchipping your pet, www.midlandhumane.org/microchips)
• Keep your pets safe at home. Avoid bringing them over to someone else’s house for a party or to outdoor festivities. They’ll be more comfortable in familiar surroundings - not in a crowded, strange and noisy place, where they will be more prone to freaking out.  
• Do not lock your panicking pet in the car while you’re out enjoying the fireworks display either. It’s not the safe place you may think it is. They may suffer heat strokes or accidental injuries. It will also make for a very traumatic experience for your poor pet.   
• Keep your pets indoors, in a safe room or crate. Don’t leave them out in the yard where they can be tempted to hop/destroy the fence while they’re in full-on panic mode.
• Create noise to distract from fireworks - turn on the television or play some soothing music in the background. 
• You may need to calm your extremely anxious pet down by spending some time with them and speaking to them in a soothing voice until they're more "manageable" and no longer a danger to themselves. 
• Keep your pets away from the hot grill - they’ll surely be sniffing around for whatever is emitting that delicious aroma. Also, keep your pets away from matches, charcoal and lighter fluid.
• Keep your curious pets away from fireworks that they may accidentally ingest. The day after 4th of July, keep an eye out for any firework debris in your yard or surroundings that your pet may encounter and eat. 
• Avoid feeding your pet table scraps. Certain seemingly harmless human food can be toxic - such as onions, avocados, grapes, raisins, yeast, etc. If you’re not sure if something is safe for your pet, better avoid it. 
• Human products can be harmful to animals. Don’t spray your pet with insect repellent or sunscreen that is not made for animal use. Citronella products and insect coils can also be irritating to pets.
• You may be tempted to self-medicate your highly nervous pet - but PLEASE don’t use meds made for humans. Talk to your vet about proper medication to safely sedate your anxious pet. 

 
The best way for your pet to enjoy Fourth of July is by NOT joining in the festivities. Yep, they may have to sit this one out for their own good. 

Push that guilt aside because while you are enjoying the colorful lights and loud bangs, your pet/s will be safe and sound (albeit may or may not be suffering a panic attack) in the comforts of your home... and not lost in a dark alley somewhere. 

FOUND A LOST/RUNAWAY PET?  
Check for ID tags or get it scanned for a microchip.  MHC can help scan pets for microchips at our Adoption Center inside Midland's PetSmart.  

HOWEVER, our Adoption Center  WILL NOT be able to provide shelter to lost pets. 

Check out some helpful tips on what to do with Lost & Found Pets here. 

Aimee Neusch 
Aimee loves animals. She has 4 dogs and 5 cats at home. But that isn't enough -- she makes room for foster kitties who need temporary homes. As a pet foster, Aimee helps save lives by taking cats off the streets or out of the shelter (where they can be euthanized) until we can get them adopted out to good homes!  

Thank you for your kindness, Aimee! 

***

MHC Volunteer since:  About a year, but it's been wonderful!

Volunteer position/s?   
I foster cats, kittens and meowy families. 

Fun Facts:
I have worked for Ben E Keith Foods for 15 years as a district sales consultant.  
I have a son, Liam, who is nearly 3 (thinks he's 23)and keeps me and my husband on our toes!

My hobbies are playing in my flower garden, reading, and keeping my 2 and 4 legged kids entertained.  ​

​Got pets?
My family has 4 dogs and 5 cats. 

Why do you volunteer with MHC? What motivates you to stay involved?
I've always been an animal advocate and being able to help save lives and educate the public is very rewarding.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that this organization does? 
​I think the Coalition's ability to reach out and interact with the public and improve not only an animal's life, but a family dynamic through their pet is priceless.

Has volunteering with MHC had a positive impact on your life?  Tell us about a time/incident  that was especially meaningful for you while volunteering with MHC.  
Not only does this have a positive impact on me, but my family as well.
My personal cats are not fans of my son. But I took on a foster that at first I believed was feral. However, it turns out she is simply extremely afraid of other cats. She actually cuddles with my son and will sleep next to him on occasion. It's been very sweet to watch them bond.

If you could encourage someone else to volunteer with MHC, what would you tell them?
Nothing feels better than knowing you can make such an impact by working with this amazing group.