Damn Fourth of July

This year's Fourth of July felt...different.

Normally, if I'm not working, it's one of those holidays I genuinely enjoy—a day filled with friends, family, good food, and fireworks. I can't say being an American has been a bad thing. I know the opportunities and privileges that living here has given me, and I'm grateful for them.

But this year has been complicated.

It's hard to celebrate when the world feels like it's on edge, when we're involved in conflict overseas, and when the political climate leaves so many people feeling anxious or uncertain about the future. At the same time, I still love this country. I still believe in what it can be. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I hope this difficult chapter is just that—a chapter—and that we continue moving toward something better.

So we celebrated anyway.

We went camping with friends, enjoyed good company, and watched the local fireworks show. But, as always, the hardest part of the holiday had nothing to do with politics or patriotism.

It was watching our sweet boy, Doug.

Doug has always been an anxious dog, but for the most part his daily medication keeps things manageable. There are only three things that send him into a full-blown panic: riding in fast-moving vehicles, thunderstorms, and—worst of all—fireworks.

Every year we try everything we can think of. Extra medication. Loud music. Blackout shades. Cuddles. Giving him space. A Thunder Vest. A calming stuffed animal.. A calming headband. If someone has suggested it, we've probably tried it.

Nothing seems to help once the fireworks begin.

His teeth chatter so loudly you can hear them from another room. His tail stays tucked tight. If one of us is sitting, he climbs onto our shoulders. If we're lying down, he tries to sit on top of our head, desperate to feel safe. If he can't be touching one of us, he paces nonstop and often even if we are present.

This year was especially heartbreaking. Even three hours after the fireworks ended—or after a thunderstorm passed—he still couldn't settle down.

It's exhausting to watch someone you love be that terrified when there's nothing you can do to make it stop.

So...happy 250th birthday, America.

I truly hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I hope you enjoyed the celebrations, made memories with the people you love, and stayed safe.

As for us, we're hoping the next 51 weeks are quiet ones so Doug can recover before we do it all again next July.

How was your Fourth of July? Did you celebrate, stay home, or maybe skip the fireworks altogether?

I'd love to hear how your holiday went.

– Anne