Underdog ResQ saves adoptable dogs of all breeds and ages whose lives or well being may be in jeopardy through rescue, foster care and permanent placement in safe, nurturing homes.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS FOURTH OF JULY!

The Fourth of July means family, friends, cook-outs, parades, and fireworks; a little something for everyone to enjoy. Although, the enthusiasm that we may have for those things aren’t ones that we necessarily share with our pets. In fact, the Fourth of July can actually be a scary time for our pets between booming firecrackers and the unfamiliar commotion from crowds whether they are at your house or at a parade. With a few simple steps, everyone can ensure that they and their pet will have a safe Fourth of July.

The best thing you can do for your pet is to leave them at home. It is easy to forget that dogs have very sensitive hearing and to be so close to bright lights and sounds can be frightening. Add a couple hundred people to the mix, and you have one overwhelmed dog. If you have to bring your dog with you, never leave them in the car, even if the windows are open. Dogs and hot cars are not a good combination and can cause serious harm. Open windows are also an unwelcome invite to strangers who steal pets.

If you are celebrating the fourth of July at home, there are a few things you can do for your pet to make sure that they are comfortable. It’s never a good idea to leave your pet outside on the Fourth of July. In extreme distress, your pet will find a way to escape or seriously damage themselves trying to do it. One thing you can do is to keep them inside with a radio or television on to keep them company and drown out some of the sounds of the fireworks. If you are not going to be home, make sure that all doors and windows are locked tightly. When scared, pets are known to escape from unlocked doors and open windows during the Fourth of July to go and find their owners.

Out of fear, pets can cause destruction. If you are home with your pet and they start to get anxious, pull out a favorite toy or play with them to keep them occupied. Pull down the blinds and close the windows. It will block out some of the noise and the lights if there are fireworks nearby. It’s always a good idea to take your pet out for a nice, long walk before the nightly festivities set in. A tired dog won’t be as high strung as opposed to one that hasn’t had much activity.   

If you are having guests over for a cookout, keep your dog somewhere in the house where they have a room to themselves. That way they are not in the way and won’t be underfoot if people are coming and going from the house. Being around a lot of unfamiliar people in such a chaotic setting that they are otherwise used to can be stressful. Also, you can have some piece of mind that your dog is not sticking his nose into any food that he shouldn’t be near.

Lastly, and most importantly, make sure your pet is wearing identification tags that are readable. You can never always be fully prepared for the unprepared, and if that happens, you want to make sure that your pet is safe.

Support our Mission - Buy our products!" An Underdog Poem A sniff of the grass, A breeze through my ears, A gentle hand to pet me, And ease all my fears Soft rays of sunshine, warming my back, A bowl full of kibble, the occasional snack… These are the things that I may never know, yet I sense in my heart—it's not my time to go. All that I ask is a chance to be known, A chance to be loved…and maybe a bone. Yes I'm an underdog, caged and unseen A diamond in the "ruff," a snuggle machine. Is there someone to love me? Will somebody care? Can somebody save me? This just isn't fair. What is that I see? A beacon of light… It's Underdog ResQ…my savior, my knight! They'll give me good care and a stroke of the comb! They'll take me from this cage and find me a home!!! Now I have a chance to experience the world. And I can show them all that I'm a good boy (or girl). ~ Michelle Chaison, Underdog ResQ volunteer