July 4 is not exactly a holiday for most pups same as New Year’s. And it can be a nightmare with the fireworks and other loud noises. We can hide under the bed, but the shelter dogs aren’t so lucky. But a brilliant idea came out to give shelter to these homeless pups relax through the blasting holiday.
Veterinarian Marty Becker said, “When they have these noise phobias, it’s horrible. A lot of times these dogs will self-mutilate. I’ve had dogs come in that have run through a plate-glass window. They think they’re going to die, and when you think you’re going to die, you do crazy things.”
Image credits: Wesley Nitsckie
A new Independence Day tradition is “Calming the Canines” at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC). One thing they prove is nothing is as patriotic as kindness.
Image credits: maricopa
There were over 300 local community members at the shelter’s two locations around Phoenix, Arizona to comfort the scared dogs in last year.
Ben Swan, the shelter’s development director, said in a press release, “It was overwhelming to see how the community responded. It really helped spread our message that MCACC is here to help.”
Image credits: maricopa
According to Amy Engel, who is in charge of the AZ Dawg Saverz Facebook page said that she definitely plans on attending this year as well as she attended Calming the Canines last year too.
Engel said, “Some people sang to them, some people read to them, some people just sat there and gave treats. It was so, so awesome because the dogs absolutely love the attention and were focused on the people and not the fireworks going on outside.”
Image credits: maricopa
People have developed a strong and lasting bond with the dogs that they looked over after the event.
The MCACC wrote, “Many participants developed lasting relationships with the shelter, returning to provide foster care, adopt a pet or volunteer.”
According to the shelter staff the kindness will spread even wider, and even more meaningful connections will be made in this year.
Image credits: maricopa
sources used: boredpanda.com