Firecracker and Dog Slobber

A while back our household received a visitor: Micah. He's a black and white border collie mix (a little hyper if you ask me) that's a lot of fun. He stayed overnight for a couple of days while his family went white-water rafting. I always enjoy a good visit with Micah. He's just never stayed overnight before. THAT was a challenge- RileySue tried numerous times to take him out. What's up with that? I love having company that doesn't bite me and just wants to play. She, on the other hand, is kind of anti-social. Most of the time at least she tolerates me. Whew! There are times, though when a dog comes to visit and no human is involved. Take today, for example. Maggie, the local Terrier mix, came by and wanted to see my mom. Now granted, the last time Maggie stopped by she was "directionally challenged" and had lost her way home. This time, she just stopped by for a visit. Somehow she got out of the fence at her house and decided to come by. Could have been the amount of firecrackers that people were setting off near her house. Me, I liked her. RileySue, not so much. Riley put her head down and got that "look" in her eye...it was scary. Fortunately, Mom noticed it and snapped her back before a fight occurred. Maggie has come along way since last year when we first met. She allows sniffing now and is obviously more socialized. Riley simply doesn't like anybody. My sister the 4-legged sociopath. Great. The 4th of July is a tough one for dogs anyway- all that noise is hard on them. Riley can't see so good, so she cowers and acts weird. Me, I can't see or hear very well so it doesn't bother me much. Most dogs freak out at the sound of fireworks. You can tell when a dog is stressed by their slobber and panting. If they are slobbering like crazy and panting like a freight train, they are excited and concerned. Teaching them to be calm is a good idea to keep from any unfortunate biting issues. Mom has found several dogs since she's been here that need calming down on the 4th of July. She seems to attract them, for some weird reason. One ran into our garage one year and right into the back yard! Then the door got shut the poor thing sat shivering in the rose bushes until Mom came to the rescue. It's just important that you all take note: firecrackers and dogs don't generally mix very well. Find a place that's relatively quiet, and don't leave the dog alone in its pen or fence. They do better with people around.