As I sit at my desk I can hear the distant pounding of guns. Oops, for guns read fireworks!
Personally I can take or leave fireworks. I understand the attraction to children and the role fireworks play in celebrations such as Chinese New Year and, of course today’s event, Guy Fawkes or Bonfire Night. Unfortunately my guide dog, Trigger is not so relaxed in his view of fireworks. Like most animals he hates them.
On Saturday evening I had popped out for a couple of pints in my favourite local. On the way home heaven was rent asunder by the sound of fireworks going off. A few bangs and Trigger starts to shake, however a continuous stream of explosions causes him to freeze, begin to tremble violently and to seek shelter in the nearest building. Fortunately, when the noise started we where passing my local Sainsburys and Trigger almost dragged me in there so keen was he to escape what must, to a dog with very sensitive hearing be an incredibly distressing experience. After purchasing a few items (I didn’t really need them but felt, being in the supermarket that I should buy something) I telephoned a taxi so as to avoid Trigger having to experience the racket outside. I live some 10 minutes walk from the supermarket but, by the time the taxi arrived and conveyed Trigger and I home some 40 minutes had passed.
Today I chose to work from home in order to avoid Trigger being subjected to fireworks again. I took him out at lunchtime for a walk and he is now curled up in his bed. Unlike some animals Trigger is fine inside where the sound of exploding fireworks don’t bother him but he won’t go out again this evening, the explosions would only distress him.
I don’t wish to be a killjoy but it strikes me that fireworks should be limited to a few times a year and, possibly to designated displays only. At present, even when November 5th ends people will, no doubt still be letting off fireworks into late November/early December. Then, of course we have New Year’s Eve so Trigger won’t have a complete rest from fireworks until mid to late January. There surely must be a better way than this.
K Morris - Poet 
As much as I love fireworks, that must have been awful for Trigger. Aragorn and Rico stayed in and were a bit jumpy. (not like Rico, to be honest) I lie stretched in the floor with them in the foyer for about half an hour. They rubbed against me several times and seemed to calm down a bit. It’s funny, ’cause last year, it didn’t seem to faze them. I’m thinking two reasons for this: They were still kittens and excitedly exploring the world of sights & sounds and, the fireworks were not as close to the house.
They actually had a big bonfire on the lawn just outside of our back gate with fireworks all around… I didn’t care for it to be honest and kept my eye nervously on the height of the fire. It was all a bit out-of-hand if you know what I mean. I told Pat at one point that if the flames went any higher, I would be calling the fire services. We didn’t enjoy it. It all felt a bit too intrusive and most certainly wasn’t kosher.
The aftermath is a huge circle of black with lots of burnt rubbish left in it… I’m on the verge of calling the council to come and clean it all up as it seems no one else has done so. The magic of Guy Fawkes died for me this year, I do hope it rekindles.
Sorry you and the cats had a bad bonfire night. I would have hated to be in your position, with a huge bonfire just outside my home. I’m glad that everything passed off without incident. I am not sure what I will do for new year’s eve. I would like to go out for a drink, however, when the fireworks start Trigger gets upset. I may well do what I did several years ago, take a taxi home to avoid the fireworks. It’s only a 25 minute walk to my home from my favourite local so I would usually employ Shanks Pony but, with the fireworks a taxi is, I think the best option. Thanks for your comment. Kevin
You could always opt for a night in with Trigger and a few beers… sure he won’t mind. 😀 I think that’s what I’ll be doing with my beauties. 😉
Yes, I may end up doing that. Thanks for your comment. Cheers. Kevin