Q: Someone in my neighborhood has already started lighting off fireworks. Isn't it a little early to start that? How long do the fireworks last in your neighborhood? Our's usually start a week before the 4th and end a week after...apparently they are getting an early start this year. I agree...they go well into the night...I'm talking 3am at times (I'm usually laying in bed fuming...don't other people have jobs). For me I have the added annoyance of one of my dogs being terrified of the sound. Sadly Independance Day has turned into the holiday from hell for us. Oh ya...and they are illegal here (supposedly), but the police don't enforce the laws. Honestly on the 4th and new year's I don't mind...it's traditional (and I like watching) :D...I don't even mind being up all night listening to them on those days. It's just excessive and it scares the crap out of Lacie. Thanks Love :-) Lacie is so funny...she won't even lay on her dog bed she either goes to her crate or flattens herself on the ground (like I yelled hit the deck) :D I bought a fireworks sound conditioning CD, but I think I'm too late...I just got it yesterday. Fingers crossed that by New Years 09 she'll be cured of her fear :-)
A: I know I'm a little late in answering this but I had to respond... I feel your pain! Where I live it's totally legal to have and use fireworks, and yes, they have started already * sigh * Honestly, I have no idea why they start so early. Maybe they buy them early in the month and they see them sitting there and just can't help but to use them. They shouldn't buy them early if they know they are going to use them all before the actual holiday. When I lived in another state that banned them, it was easy to call the authorities and rat them out. But now that I live here there's not a damn thing I could do. Luckily though my kids and my dogs have all gotten used to it...they all sleep right through it. Even last year when my Am. Bulldog was just 6 months old and it was his first time hearing this awful racket, he didn't even flinch...just kept right on sleeping!! Yup, he fits in with our house perfectly!! Hang in there girlfriend, it won't be for too much longer. When the noise goes off and the dogs get scared, tell them to get into bed with you and give them extra pets. Good luck! ;) Edit: LOL...I just got the image of your dog flat on the ground in the "hit the deck" position!! Too cute!!