Fourth of July can be terrifying for pets

While we get a kick out of high-pitched screaming bottle rockets and thundering colorful explosions overhead during Independence Day celebrations, our pets are scared.

I had one dog, Zoey, a 40 pound Lab/pit mix, who would wedge herself behind the toilet during thunderstorms and when fireworks exploded. Calming the poor girl down took a long time.

But, some pets become so frightened, they'll run, anywhere, to escape the screeching and booming. As this news report says, this time of year can be busy for shelters with dogs that have run from their owners or their owner's property because they were frightened by fireworks.

So, this Independence Day, leave the dogs at home, inside, where they might feel a little bit safer, and where you KNOW they're safe.