Fourth of July pet safety

The 4th of July is a festive time of year when we celebrate our nation’s independence with barbecues, fireworks, and gatherings with friends and family. However, while we humans enjoy the excitement, keep in mind that these celebrations can be a source of stress and danger for our furry friends. The loud noises, crowded spaces, and unfamiliar activities can cause anxiety and even harm your pets. Here are some essential tips and precautions that you can take to ensure the safety and well-being of your pets during the 4th of July celebrations.

1. Create a safe space: Fireworks and loud noises can startle pets and cause them to panic. Create a safe and secure space for your pets indoors, preferably in a quiet room where they feel comfortable. Close the windows and curtains to muffle the noise and provide a sense of calmness. Consider playing some soft music or turning on a TV to help distract them from the outside commotion. If possible, stay with your pet and offer comfort.

2. Keep identification updated: It's crucial to ensure that your pets have updated identification tags or microchips with your current contact information. In case your pet escapes or gets lost during the festivities, having accurate identification will significantly increase the chances of being reunited.

3. Avoid bringing pets to fireworks displays: Fireworks displays are not pet-friendly environments. The loud noises, bright lights, and large crowds can cause immense stress for animals. It's best to leave your pets at home, even if they appear to be comfortable in public settings. Instead, provide them with a secure and comfortable environment to retreat into.

4. Provide a distraction: Distraction can be a useful tool to help alleviate anxiety in pets. Offer them their favorite blanket, engaging toys, puzzle feeders, or treats to redirect their focus and keep them occupied during the celebrations. Chew toys or interactive games can help reduce stress and provide mental stimulation.

5. Consult your veterinarian: If you know that your pet is particularly anxious during fireworks or loud events, consider consulting your veterinarian beforehand. They may provide you with strategies or recommend anxiety-relieving medications or products to help keep your pet calm during the 4th of July celebrations.

6. Firework safety precautions: If you are planning to have fireworks at your own celebration, take extra precautions to ensure your pets' safety. Keep them indoors, secure all fireworks in a designated area out of your pets' reach, and never light fireworks near them. Even unused fireworks can pose a danger if your pet chews or ingests them.

7. Seek alternative options: If your pet's anxiety is severe or you anticipate a great deal of stress, consider seeking alternative options to help them cope. There are products available, such as anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers, that can have a calming effect on pets. You could also consider moving your pet to a different location for the evening that is further away from any large fireworks shows. Perhaps you could ask a relative or friend if they could offer a calmer environment to your pet for a short while, for example. 

   The 4th of July is a time of celebration for many, but it's crucial to remember that our pets may not share the same enthusiasm for loud noises and fireworks. By taking preventive measures, creating a safe environment, and being mindful of their needs, we can ensure the well-being of our furry companions during this holiday. Let's prioritize their safety and make the 4th of July a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone in the family!

Sierra Calaman, this month’s Volunteer Spotlight, has been involved with animal rescue for many years and has been part of TLC for the past five. She and her husband began fostering with another rescue in 2017 before discovering TLC in 2021. She was drawn to TLC’s mission, strong sense of community, and the support provided to volunteers, as well as the organization and structure that help the rescue run so effectively. She says that while other rescues may be more selective with the dogs they rescue, TLC truly gives a second chance to all dogs.

Sierra primarily serves on TLC’s social media team and fosters larger-breed adult dogs. However, she loves that there is something for everyone at TLC from fostering and helping with transports to more behind-the-scenes opportunities, such as helping with applications. Outside of TLC, Sierra works as a high school counselor, and she and her husband stay busy as parents to a 3-year-old, no doubt part of what helps explain the patience and care she brings to fostering. Sierra’s own rescue, Adelaide, a Catahoula Leopard/GSD mix, has been an excellent foster sister to over 60 foster dogs and is a sweet big sister to her son. She says friends and family would describe her, unsurprisingly, as a huge dog lover who is kind, social, creative, and quick to laugh.

When Sierra joined TLC, she was immediately impressed by the strong support system for fosters, including the Foster Follow-Up program and the wide range of resources available for just about anything you might need from training to supplies and beyond. Having worked with other organizations, she has also seen how the emotionally demanding nature of rescue can sometimes lead to negativity; however, she notes that TLC’s positive, encouraging community sets it apart, as “the focus remains on what matters most: saving dogs and helping them find loving homes.”

Though she has had many rewarding experiences and created countless memories since joining TLC, her favorite moments are seeing the progress that formerly shut-down dogs or dogs who have had a difficult start in life can make once they are in loving foster homes. For Sierra, one of those dogs was Anderson. Anderson was found with his muzzle zip-tied shut, leaving both physical and emotional scars. Over time, Anderson learned to trust, play, and just “be a dog.” While the physical scars remained, he gradually shed his emotional scars, showing himself to be a “big snuggle bug who, from that point on, got to know nothing but love, comfort, and the good things in life.” Sierra and her family took a break from fostering when her son was born and started up again recently. She says that one of the most meaningful parts of fostering has been watching her son become a partner in the fostering process. Like many children, he loves to snuggle fosters, but he also shows a deeper understanding of foster dogs, stating that the dogs are “still learning” and cheering them on when they have adoption appointments. Watching her son develop empathy, patience, and understanding has been an unexpected reward in an already rewarding experience for Sierra. She says that fostering “has become something that has shaped our whole family.”

Rescue is not easy, but as Sierra shares, it is deeply worth it. She notes that many people hesitate to get involved because they worry about getting attached to a dog and experiencing heartbreak. However, she says that when you shift the focus from potential heartbreak to the reality of saving a life or even multiple lives it changes everything. And, as she points out, “if we can manage both working full time and raising a toddler and a dog of our own, anyone can get involved!” With all of the different ways to help, there is space in rescue for anyone willing to step in and help. In the end, Sierra’s message is simple but powerful: the love and lives saved through rescue far outweigh the challenges along the way. 

We are incredibly grateful to have her as part of the TLC community, and lucky to benefit from her compassion, dedication, and steady presence in the organization.

Seeking Happy Tail: Gideon

Some dogs just have a way of making the world feel a little brighter... and this happy boy is one of them.

Rescued all the way from Mississippi alongside his mom, dad, and siblings, he's ready to leave his past behind and start the next chapter of his life with a family to call his own.

His foster family will tell you the first thing you'll notice is his never-ending wiggle butt. Seriously... it has its own personality. Once he knows you, the tail starts wagging and it simply never stops. He's a little shy when meeting new people in unfamiliar places, but give him a few minutes and you'll discover an affectionate, goofy little love bug who thinks you're the greatest thing since sliced cheese.

Speaking of cheese... this guy LOVES food.

Need a training partner? You've found one. He's incredibly food motivated, eager to learn, and will happily trade his attention for a tasty snack. Training sessions with him are less "work" and more "negotiating with an adorable professional treat enthusiast."

When he's not accepting payment in snacks, you'll probably find him:

Sunbathing on the deck like he's on vacation.

Racing around the backyard showing off his Olympic-level zoomies.

Performing delicate "stuffing removal surgery" on his favorite toys. (The squeaker never survives.)

And can we talk about those ears?! Honestly... they may be the best ears in the entire world. We don't make the rules.

He's also a dream around the house. Crate trained, Sleeps through the night, Housebroken, He happily waits to go outside and has no accidents when kept on a schedule.

He's wonderful with kids, dogs, and even cats, making him an easy addition to almost any home. Whether he's attending adoption meet-and-greets, making new canine friends, or strolling through the neighborhood, he handles it all with a happy spirit. He's even a great walking buddy and does especially well on a harness.

Oh... and one more thing...Blueberries.

If you ever need to win him over forever, blueberries are apparently the way to his heart.

This sweet boy has already overcome so much, and now all he's missing is a family who will love him as much as he'll love them. We know his forever home is out there—and we can't wait for the day his happiest tail wag is reserved just for you.

Could your family be the happy ending he's been waiting for?

National Pet Hydration Awareness Month

Summer is here and keeping cool is important not only for us, but for our dogs too.  The month of July is dedicated to Pet Hydration Awareness and the importance of making sure our dogs stay properly hydrated especially during the hottest days of summer. 

A Dog’s Weight and Water Stats:

• A dog’s body is made up of approximately 70% to 80% water

• Dogs generally need 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight on a daily basis

Fun Facts:

• Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting and releasing small amounts of sweat through their paw pads. This is because dogs don’t have sweat glands over most of their bodies.

• Wet food and raw diets, which can contain 75% to 80% water, contribute significantly to a dog's daily water intake. This additional moisture helps maintain proper hydration and may reduce the amount of water a dog needs to drink from a bowl.  

• If you are concerned about whether or not your dog is dehydrated, you can use the skin tenting test.  Gently pinch the skin at the base of the dog’s neck.  You should see it snap back into place right away.  If it does not, and it “tents” or returns slowly, your dog may be dehydrated.

Signs of Dehydration and Prevention:

• What to watch for if you believe your dog is dehydrated

• • Lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive panting, and reduced urination.

  • Sticky or dry gums and a dry nose can often be red flags and are the most noticeable of all symptoms for dehydration.

• Offering treats such as chicken broth frozen into an ice cube or a frozen seedless melon are hydrating treats that can help reverse the effects of dehydration.

• It is important to encourage your dog to drink.  Make sure to have multiple water bowls available and make sure to keep them clean.  

  The National Pet Hydration Awareness Month was introduced by PetSafe to help raise awareness about the importance of water intake of domestic animals.  With the hotter months arriving quickly, National Pet Hydration Awareness Month reminds us that it is easy to miss the signs that your dog is dehydrated.  It is important that we keep our dogs properly hydrated and watch for signs that your dog could be suffering from dehydration.

LAST CALL TLC ALUM!

Whether you adopted yesterday or 13+ years ago, this opportunity is for YOU!

Carol Arscott Photography is creating a stunning TLC Alumni Coffee Table Book featuring your adopted TLC pups, all while raising funds for future alumni pups.

For a $100 donation, your alumni dog will receive a professional photo session and be featured in this beautiful, keepsake book. The $100 session fee goes 100% directly to TLC Rescue

Your pet is featured in the full-color coffee table book (book sales also benefit TLC!)

Every featured pet is entered into our Cover Contest, where votes equal donations.

The top-voted pets will appear on the front and back covers!

Multiple pups? They can share a page or each have their own!

Ready to join? Fill out the form at the link below to get started. https://forms.gle/pUEdkZmi7tz42ewU6

Let’s celebrate your rescue story and help future TLC alumni at the same time.

Summer Dog Training Tip: Teaching Your Dog to Swim

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not born knowing how to swim. Some are natural water lovers... and some look at a lake like you've just suggested they file their own taxes.

If you're introducing your dog to the water:

• Start in shallow, calm water where they can comfortably touch the bottom.

• Let them explore at their own pace—no forcing, dragging, or reenacting a dramatic movie scene.

• Use treats, toys, and praise to build confidence.

• And yes, a properly fitted life jacket is a fantastic idea, especially for beginners or breeds that aren't built like Olympic swimmers.

Things you should not do:
❌Throw your dog into the water to "teach them." That's not swimming lessons. That's a trust exercise... that you're going to fail.

❌ Assume because your dog has four legs, they're automatically Michael Phelps.

Remember, the goal is to create a dog who loves the water—not one who starts side-eyeing every puddle for the rest of their life.

Pro Tip: The first successful doggy paddle deserves a celebration. The first full-speed cannonball back onto you after they get out? That's just your reward for being such a supportive coach.

July Photography Tip: Your Dog Is Not a Solar-Powered Supermodel

If you want gorgeous summer photos, stop scheduling your photoshoot at high noon.

Yes, the sun is out. Yes, it's bright. No, that does not mean it's good lighting.

Midday sun gives your dog tiny squinty eyes, harsh shadows, and an expression that says, "I'd like to file a complaint with management."

Instead, shoot during golden hour the hour after sunrise or before sunset. The softer light makes your dog's coat glow, their eyes sparkle, and magically hides the fact that they rolled in something questionable five minutes earlier.

🌞 Bonus Tips:

• Get down to your dog's eye level instead of photographing them like you're conducting an aerial wildlife survey.

• Use treats or a squeaky toy behind your phone to get those adorable head tilts.

• Keep sessions short. Your dog signed up for snacks, not a three-hour Vogue cover shoot.

📸 Pro Tip: If your dog refuses to cooperate, don't panic. Professional photographers take hundreds of photos to get the shot. Your camera roll should contain approximately:

• 37 blurry zoomies,

• 14 photos of your dog's butt,

• 9 where they're aggressively sniffing a stick,

• and one absolute masterpiece.

Congratulations you've successfully documented summer with a dog.