Fireworks and Thunder/THIRTY-FIVE

I have to put this blog in-- it's about the Fourth of July. That's a time of celebration for all of us, but not for the dogs! So many dogs are terrified when fireworks (or thunder) start, and many dogs escape from their homes and yards. Some find their way home, but some end up in shelters or worse. Here are some tips:

1. Make sure you pet has a name tag on. ALL THE TIME. Some people remove collars when the dogs are inside. I don't understand this. Dogs can get out unexpectedly-- and with no name tag, no one knows how to help get them home. Keep a collar and name tag on your pet all the time. (I take them off when they get a bath, but they go right back on.)

2. All my pets are microchipped-- this is in addition to the collar, it's not a replacement for a collar/name tag. There are pets whose owners get them back because of microchipping. Sometimes, a collar can come off, and a microchip helps. But, it only helps if someone will have the dog checked for one. Some people put up signs in their neighborhood and if no one claims the dog, it might never go home (it could stay in the new place or just be put outside, or taken to a shelter). You want your precious pet back if it's lost.

3. When the fireworks begin, make sure your pets are INSIDE. Do not leave them unattended in the yard, because they can just be so afraid that they somehow get out of your fence. Dogs that are afraid of fireworks (thunder,too) are not "thinking" and just want to get away from the sound.

4. Some of my dogs have to be sedated before a thunderstorm. That means they will be sedated before the fireworks begin. I get medication from my vet.

5. Use "white noise" to block the sound of fireworks. I have a mega-fan and it makes some big white noise. This helps keep them calm. You can also have a TV or radio on louder than normal to block outside noises.
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Here is an article on safety. Please do all you can to keep your pets safe over the holiday.

Click here: June Newsletter
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I just wanted to say "YEA TEAM" to all my foster homes!! We've had THIRTY-FIVE adoptions so far this year! That's amazing. I have some incredible foster homes and I want to thank you all!! Here are some who have been adopted. (MAKE THAT THIRTY SIX-- SNUGGY JUST GOT ADOPTED!!!)
Polly Pockets loves her new life in Virginia.

Oscar now lives in Fredericksburg. His mom fosters for us, too.

Oreo lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. Isn't he cute! You can see why he is named Oreo.

Sweet Lacy now lives in Annapolis. And she has a pink bed!!

Douggy lives in Virginia Beach-- he has pink pillows!

Cocoa was our "Peke for a day" and now lives near Richmond.

CoCo, now Chloe, lives in Richmond, too. I think Richmond is winning on adoptions!

And sweet Caleb lives in Maryland. And he loves it!! He has a new best friend, Fu-Shing and they play a lot. Love you, Caleb!!! (He was one of my fosters, so he's extra special!)

To see the rest of our adopted dogs, just go to our web site--www.potomacpekes.org THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO PLAYED A PART IN HELPING THESE DOGS FIND A NEW HOME!!!