[WEST KENNEBUNK, Maine] June 29, 2009 – Family, friends, BBQ, sparklers, fireworks...all elements for a great Fourth of July celebration. And, while many pet owners think of their dogs as family, the Animal Welfare Society encourages you to leave your dog at home for the fireworks.



"While you might be used to taking your dog everywhere with you, crowds of people waving flags, excited children, loud noises, bright flashes of light...it’s a lot to ask of a dog to deal with that amount of unexpected stress," said Kim VanSickle, the AWS’ on-staff Certified Professional Dog Trainer. "We have to remember that dogs are incredibly sound sensitive. What seems loud to a human is extremely loud to a dog."



VanSickle’s years of dog training have taught her a lot about canine reactions in certain situations. "When a dog is unexpectedly scared by something in his environment, he can no longer think rationally. He will run, because it’s his natural instinct, and will hide all night long and has a higher potential to get hit by a vehicle or find himself in some other sort of danger," said VanSickle.



So, what’s a dog owner to do when you’re enjoying the holiday with friends and family?



"I recommend a crate with comfortable bedding and some soft music to help drown out the ‘scary’ noises. If you have not previously crate trained your animal, confine him to a space where he has been sleeping or that is his ‘safe’ place," suggests VanSickle. "And, always have an ID tag on your dog’s collar that includes a phone number where you can always be reached, even if you’re out of town – a cell phone number is best. It’s the first place someone will look if they find your frightened dog."



ID tags can be purchased and engraved at the Animal Welfare Society for less than $10. "It’s priceless," said Kirstin Minnini, shelter co-manager. "Dogs that arrive as strays can go home right away if we know who to call. It saves them a night or two in the shelter wondering where their family is."



About The Animal Welfare Society

The Animal Welfare Society exists to provide humane shelter and care to animals temporarily in need of housing, and to further the cause of responsible animal adoption and ownership through education and public awareness. The society actively promotes kindness, the elimination of cruelty and neglect to all animals, and the lifelong commitment of people to their pets. The shelter cares for more than 3,200 animals annually. For more information, please visit www.animalwelfaresociety.org.



# # #