Awake with the lightening sky, I look blearily at the clock on the nightstand. 5:32 it glows just as it stoically announced 4:29, 3:15, 2:30 each time another round of mortars went off. The dogs are curled up as close to the bed as they can get seeking the comfort of proximity to their peeps. They almost trust us to keep them safe from the chaos outside which began early yesterday evening.
It was the 3rd of July and in the Republic of Mentone, that means we haul out the BIG guns. Minor holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. day or Veteran’s Day are celebrated with the more modest types of almost “safe and sane” sparklers that are legal in less fire prone areas. In our area, Bic lighters are discouraged and possession of anything more entertaining is punishable by a fine. Not to be deterred, my scofflaw neighbors believe that New Years Eve is the penultimate, with the 4th of July being the pyrotechnic climax of the entire year.
Tonight, or even this afternoon, as deferred gratification is not the strong suit of this group of pyromaniacs, we will be surrounded by world class, military grade explosives that set off car alarms and drive pets mad with fear.
What screw is loose in the heads of these people who spend hundreds of dollars on something as ephemeral and potentially destructive as illegal fireworks? Why is it more entertaining to risk burning your neighbors’ house down than to watch the display put on at the local university, from the comfort of your front porch? Seriously, won’t someone please ‘splain it to me?
I guess I’ll see if the pot store is open today. I’m told they have a doggie CBD oil that takes the edge off the dogs’ anxiety.
judyrutrider 
I just closed my balcony door before heading out to the parents’ and Myrtle looked at me like she was being punished…if only she could read a calendar, she’d thank me!
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I hope you don’t come home to clawed woodwork or shredded pillows.
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We will be giving the pug lots of hugs.
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I gave the girls their first dose of CBD chews. So far they appear no more lethargic than normal. I wonder how they can sleep 20 hours a day when I’m not around and then hike six hours with me without complaint.
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The CBD oil doesn’t always work on dogs and the results vary so widely that the vets around here don’t suggest it… there is controversy equal to or greater in the veterinary community as in the human medical profession. Unless they are howling and climbing the walls they are able to adapt to the stress and prevent it from becoming distress! Sometime just being with a person or in a comfortable environment is enough…. Mochi is happy as long as a hand is on her somewhere and she knows you are there. So far no medication needed!
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So far, it looks like it was a waste of money. They are both sitting at my feet panting and drooling on the floor. Ear plugs might be better.
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Your dog looks stressed indeed , Judy . Like you I don’ understand well those people who play with fire ! But this turmoil allowed you to take a superb romantic photo of your dog (I don’t remember the name )
Love ❤
Michel
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I did get a picture of my own dog cowering behind the bath towels but it was too blurred for publication. The one above is a stock photo from Unsplash. I liked the worried expression the photographer captured.
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I agree , Judy . I like the expression of the dog on the photo . Yes it looks worried :
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I hear ya. My dog cowers too, and the booms go on for hours. Around here, no occasion is too insignificant for the rednecks to bust out the Coors Light and fireworks.
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I know, right!? Everybody in our area is complaining on Nextdoor and Facebook but we seem to be powerless to stop the fools. We have found fireworks debris in our driveway and on the roof. Even though all fireworks are illegal in our fire prone area, there’s obviously no enforcement.
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Yes, I feel bad for the poor pets on the 4th!!! Did the CBD help at all?
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Not a bit and Sadie has been depressed ever since. She’s reluctant to go outside and wants to cut our walks short to go back home. I’m making reservations to rent a cabin in the mountains for next year. I don’t know what I’ll do for New Year’s Eve.
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That’s a great idea! My brother took his dog into the back country last 4th so that he would have peace. It worked.
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I jusst found a Xanga post from January 2013 where I spoke of you and your horse : ” the adventures of our dear @ judyrutrider and her horse Gemela: an impredictable andalous horse .” hope this pleases you
Love ❤
Michel
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I remember her fondly. She was a beautiful animal with a sweet disposition, but yes, she was a little unpredictable at times.
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Around the 4th, I often notice that dogs are not around when I go running, so I know the owners are trying to keep them safe. But this year was the first time I noticed the disruption to the birds around my son’s house when fireworks were going off. At dusk, I thought they were bats until I got a closer look at the frenzy.
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That’s just sad to me. I hadn’t noticed our bird population suffering being so preoccupied with my dogs and cats.
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Hello Judy ! I hope you are well . No news for a month !
I hope you are not thirsty at the bottom of a canyon! 🙂
Love ❤
Michel
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?
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