07/05/2026
🇺🇸 I love America and the freedom we have to celebrate it. Everyone has the right to celebrate Independence Day, and I wouldn’t want to take that away from anyone.
But after watching my sweet dog, Piper, over the past several days, I was reminded that our celebrations affect more than just us.
Leading up to the Fourth, every now and then we’d hear that sudden BOOM—the kind that shakes the house and makes your dog jump out of their skin.
Then came the Fourth of July.
From sunrise until the early hours of the next morning, the fireworks just kept coming.
What should have been a peaceful walk turned into Piper nervously scanning every direction. Every unexpected pop would make her stop in her tracks. I’d kneel down beside her, put my hand on her, and tell her, “It’s okay. Everything is okay, sweet girl.” But her whole little body kept shaking.
This post isn’t meant to criticize anyone or take away anyone’s celebration. It’s simply a reminder that our celebrations affect pets, wildlife, veterans, and neighbors in ways we don’t always see.
America just celebrated an incredible milestone—250 years of freedom. It was a celebration worth having.
Now that it’s over, let’s also celebrate the peace that follows. Pick up a broom and a garbage bag and clean up the debris. Give the skies a chance to be quiet again. Let our pets relax, let wildlife return, and let’s show the same care for one another that makes this country so special.
Thanks for listening to my little story.
Love,
🐾 Piper (and Lance)
