Fireworks are notoriously bad for the environment, especially in drought-stricken areas prone to wildfires.
But they’re also especially unpleasant for survivors of gun violence, veterans — and pets that are sensitive to loud noises.
But for pets who aren’t safe at home, comforted by their families and pampered with all kinds of anxiety interventions, Fourth of July festivities can be extra challenging.
A volunteer reads to a cat at Bradshaw Animal Shelter. Photo courtesy of Bradshaw Animal Shelter/Facebook
As one of Northern California’s largest open-admission shelters, Bradshaw Animal Shelter in Sacramento has found a way to help every animal in need as much as they can.
Six years ago, the shelter began hosting Comfort Sessions the evening of Independence Day.
“While the skies light up with color, our shelter pets will be facing the loudest night of the year,” the shelter wrote in a Facebook post ahead of this year’s event. “And that’s where you come in.”
Volunteers can play soothing music or read to the animals. Photo courtesy of Bradshaw Animal Shelter
Volunteers are invited to provide a little comfort to the animals during two sessions on the evening of July 4th: 7 to 8:30 p.m. or 8:30 to 10 p.m.
“Come sit beside them,” the shelter urged. “Read a book. Strum a guitar. Sing a song. Your calm, soothing presence can ease their fear and help them feel safe through the pops, cracks, and booms.”
Individuals and groups up to five people are welcome to attend, including children with adult supervision. All volunteers have to do is sign up, bring a camp chair, cushion, or yoga mat, and a good book to read or a soothing instrument to play.
The comfort sessions are popular, with many volunteers signing up to attend. Photo courtesy of Bradshaw Animal Shelter/Facebook
As of the writing of this article, all sessions are fully booked, with volunteers eager to do something good on the big day.
“While many of us spend the Fourth of July looking up at the fireworks,” the shelter wrote in a Facebook post, “our shelter pets are hoping someone will simply sit beside them.”
For those who weren’t able to sign up in time, one supporter commented on Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s Facebook post with another idea.
“I just made a monetary donation to Bradshaw Animal Shelter in lieu of buying fireworks. It has become my annual tradition,” the commenter wrote.
“The fireworks are torture for most animals, and it breaks my heart to see all the pets that end up in our already overwhelmed shelters.”
Soothing sounds help drown out the sound of fireworks. Photo courtesy of Bradshaw Animal Shelter/Facebook
Why is this good news?
The unpredictable sounds of fireworks can overwhelm pets’ senses, triggering a fight-or-flight response. Dogs, especially, can experience pain from loud noises because they hear higher frequencies than humans do.
Animals that are calmer and less stressed are more likely to display their natural personalities, helping potential adopters see them at their best.
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Header image courtesy of Bradshaw Animal Shelter/Facebook
