Fireworks on July 4 are an integral part of the American Independence Day. While millions of US citizens thoroughly enjoy the bursts of colour in the sky, shelter dogs are terrified by the loud sounds and take refuge in dingy alleys and shelter homes.
But this year, hundreds of Americans have decided to skip July 4 celebrations to comfort shelter dogs who have nowhere to go when fireworks are on in full swing.
Much like Diwali celebrations in India, fireworks on July 4 go deep into the night and dogs, especially strays and ones living in shelter homes, get petrified by the sudden bangs. Shelter dogs suffer the most as they do not get the same comfort as a pet dog. But some good Samaritans from Phoenix, Arizona will be looking after a bunch of scared dogs at shelter homes when the rest of the nation will be engaged in celebrations.
The members belong to a club called ‘Calming the Canines’ that was started by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) in 2018. Last year, more than 300 people turned up at shelter homes when Independence day celebrations were on.
“It was overwhelming to see how the community responded. It really helped spread our message that MCACC is here to help,” Ben Swan, the MCACC’s development director, said in a press release.
MCACC said in a statement that many volunteers returned to the shelter homes even after July 4 last year. A few even adopted the adorable dogs.
“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,” said Amy Engel, a volunteer who attended Calming The Canines last year.
Story Courtesy: Times Now
Image Courtesy: LAD Bible
