Let Freedom & Fireworks Ring

I used to hate The Fourth of July. Now, before you go accusing me of being unpatriotic, let me explain. I like the idea of the Fourth of July. Celebrating freedom of any kind is always a good thing. I just hate fireworks and because fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July, I had come to dread the holiday.

I have Cerebral Palsy, and like a lot of people with CP, it comes with a startle reflex. Fireworks, thunderstorms and any loud, sudden noise trigger them. Ironically, I really enjoy going to concerts and musicals because even though the music is loud, it stays at a consistent level. I must admit I jumped when the chandelier fell in Phantom Of The Opera and the gunshots in Les Mis and Hamilton, but I wasn’t the only one.  I think half the theatre jumped, so I didn’t feel bad at all.

I have often said that Gabe is my Spirit Animal. He and I have a lot of the same personality traits. We are passionate and live life to the fullest. When we set our mind on a goal, nothing can stand in our way of reaching it. Like me, Gabe is also afraid of loud noises and fireworks.

As this particular Fourth of July approached, I knew it was going to be a big one as it celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States. I considered giving Gabe pills to help him deal with the celebrations, but decided it would just be easier to let him sleep in the house for a few nights instead of the garage.

That turned out to be a wonderful decision for the both of us. Gabe got to sleep in the house for several nights and it was like having a slumber party with my furry best friend. It has been about 30 years since I had a Chihuahua-mix as a true house dog and having Gabe come in just for a few nights made me realized how much I missed having a dog that you could pet anytime you wanted, one that could sit by the recliner as you watched TV or take up more room in the bed than you do.

Together Gabe and I made it through the fireworks. I like to think we were a mutual comfort to each other through the brightest flashes and the loudest bangs. While I got the privilege of spending extra time with Gabe, he received plenty of extra Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats. Now he is even more spoiled than ever and thinks he is supposed to come in the house every night and looks at you with woeful brown eyes if you do not let him.

My recent indoor adventures with Gabe made me realize that you can find a silver lining in almost every situation. I used to dread the Fourth of July fireworks. I would get mad at people for shooting them off. But if fireworks mean getting to spend more time with Gabe, I welcome them. It’s a tradeoff that is well worth it. I say let Freedom and Fireworks ring!!!