Keeping Pets Safe during Firework Season

Whether you are hosting your own fireworks display this weekend or just sitting back to enjoy a show, your pet likely does not share your enthusiasm for all the festivities. All the noise created from 4th of July celebrations can have a traumatic effect on your pet and can potentially lead to a dangerous situation. More pets are lost over the 4th of July holiday than any other time of year. Don’t let your pet become a statistic. Keep them safe by following these simple steps. Give your pet the opportunity to exercise early in the day before the fireworks start. Keep your pet inside and don’t forget to close your doors and windows. A frightened dog could bolt through a screen door or could easily push out the screen on a window. Designate a comfortable area, possibly in an interior room of your home, for your pet to escape the noise. Play music or turn on a TV to help drown out the fireworks. Check your fence for any openings or loose boards your pet could slip through. Do not let pets outside unless on a leash or within an securely fenced yard. Even within a fence it may be best to keep a pet on a leash as a scared dog may leap over a fence. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with current identification tags to help reunite you and your pet in case they do get lost. Consider microchipping your pet for more permanent identification.

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Supporting Lincoln Animal Ambassadors

Lincoln Animal Ambassadors is a wonderful nonprofit organization to be a part of. Not only do we care for animals by providing them with pet food and protection via the spay/neuter program, but we also give those who don’t have pets a chance to help out. Perhaps you are reading these blogs and feeling a little left out. Well, no more, because there is always something that needs to be done. Three big ways you can help out, even if you don’t have a pet, is through donations, volunteering your time, and attending LAA events. Let’s start out by talking about donations.

As most nonprofit organizations do, LAA can use money to continue to fund both the pet food bank and the spay/neuter program. Without funding, these programs may not be possible. LAA took a chance that people would help out, and sure enough, people did. Still, funding is always necessary. While donating your money is important, donating your time will also contribute to the cause.

Perhaps you are looking for a place to volunteer. LAA may be the place for you. Volunteers are needed to return customers’ calls, help plan events, and assist during the events. Not to mention, there is the dog food that needs to be transported to the pet food bank along with volunteers needed to assist in distributing the food to those who come pick it up for their pets. There is also the occasional person who may need the food delivered directly to their home. All of this takes effort and work. Also, people are needed to register pet owners to these programs. There is always something that needs to be done, and besides, isn’t it fun to volunteer for an organization whose mission and goal is close to your heart?

While people are needed to work and plan the events, it is also necessary for people to attend the events. One such upcoming event is called Wine & Howl. Now, maybe you don’t have a dog, but you enjoy picnics, outdoor music, and wine. So, come on over. Besides, some of those dogs there might want to socialize with you. This means that, even if you can’t have a dog but you love them so much, you can satisfy your need to play with and love on a dog at the event. Joba and I both plan to be there, so stop and say hi. Joba would love to meet you. When you take time to attend these events, you are supporting LAA’s vision and programs.

Pet owners should never feel left out. LAA has something for everyone. LAA wants to reach out to the community of Lincoln, Nebraska, but we need your help. We simply can’t do it without you. After all, most goals and missions can only be accomplished through teamwork. So, won’t you join our cause and advocate for Lincoln’s animals?