I admit it, I am a Fireworks Scrooge.
Snap, crackle and pop? No thank you, I will pass.
And I do pass, except it appears my neighbors aren’t quick to pass on this relatively new tradition of backyard fireworks for my state. Our law was changed in 2011 to allow the sale of fireworks, prior to 2011, only sparklers could be sold. Our city law also states fireworks are allowed the three days surrounding July 4th – and – we are in week two of nightly boom, boom, kaboom.
Every night it is one neighbor or the other shooting off fireworks at dusk. (Hello, some of us are trying to sleep!) Last night I was walking the dog at 7 p.m. and ran into a family shooting fireworks in the backyard; needless to say neither I nor the dog were thrilled.
Tradition of Gunfire And Fireworks On New Year’s Eve
My dislike of fireworks stems from growing up in a city where snap, crackle and pop meant… TAKE COVER … gunshots. If you heard gunshots, you hit the ground. period. Unfortunately, backyard fireworks tend to sound very similar to gunshots. A few cities throughout the United States celebrate New Year’s Eve with gunfire and as a police officer would tell you with a raised eye and a smidge of sarcasm, what goes up — must come down.
I’d say the same about fireworks… every year people are injured, roofs are set afire … is it worth it? I think you already know my answer. And if you own a pet who hates fireworks, you know this is a major problem.
Dogs And Fireworks
Fireworks and many pets do not mix. I once dog sat a mild mannered sweet and very large dog who turned into drywall eating cujo if he heard a firework. A legacy of drywall holes were left by the dog one night before they knew he was so sensitive. It is disheartening to watch any pet react to loud sounds with anxiety, trembling, fear or hyperactivity.
It is very hard to explain to your beloved furball to ignore those sounds which trigger fear, anxiety and discomfort. However there are natural products sold over the counter to assist to help calm a dog scared of fireworks. If your dog is sensitive to thunder or your dog is scared of fireworks or has separation anxiety these products may assist. I delve further into the products available to assist our beloved furry family members at How To Calm Your Dog During Fireworks.
This Fireworks Scrooge Does Respect The Law
In my urban suburban area it is not difficult to find a municipal sponsored fireworks beginning in mid June for the July 4th holiday. And as a gentle reminder to our neighbors, fireworks are allowed July 3, 4, 5 except after midnight and before 8 a.m. I’d say that is generous. I may not like it… but respect the law. Looking forward to July 6th! Bye, bye fireworks…
For More Information
On Natural Calming Remedies For Dogs
Affiliate links may be used in this post. Read the full disclosure policy here.
tab says
Agree! Safety is key..
Susan says
We enjoy the fireworks show and concert that our city presents each year on the 4th of July. However, we have someone near and dear who has a very difficult time handling fireworks (PTSD) so we are very much aware that others may share that problem. Then yes, there’s the dry weather to consider and we have had summers during which fireworks were banned. So very much to consider. I don’t blame you for being a fireworks Scrooge!
tab says
Excellent point – loud sounds can negatively affect many for so many different reasons or medical conditions. My heart goes out to your friend, this must be such a difficult time of year.
Cynthia says
We have a city fireworks show that people turn out in droves to watch. It is supervised by our local firefighters. For me, that is the happy medium because it is a lot safer for everyone. However, it does not help our furbabies which are also terrorized by them.
tab says
We actually are surrounded by different village and cities displays and they are a huge attraction. So plenty of venues for the neighbors to go see fireworks vs. the front lawn route!
MmrliRuddy says
You are not alone. My hubby hates fireworks he is a totally fireworks scrooge. He is so not impressed by them at all and to him they are just “meh.”
tab says
It may be a small scrooge club, but new members are always welcome!
tab says
I agree – a nice safe setting is a good venue for fireworks!