A blog post by Clutch, the watermelon-loving Yorkie
The Fourth of July is coming up. Miss Janet told me it’s this week, so I can be prepared. I like the day of the Fourth, but I don’t like the night.
The daytime is great because it’s a warm-weather holiday. Miss Janet is home all day. That means long walks through the woods. The path is shady and cool, and then we walk through the meadow for a little warmth and sunlight. We sit outside in the shade while Miss Janet reads, and I hunt for bugs.
Miss Janet is very relaxed on holidays, so there’s lots of snuggles and treats. My favorite treat for the Fourth of July is watermelon. I can’t eat the seeds or the rind because those aren’t healthy for dogs. But the juicy red fruit is really yummy. It’s got a lot of water in it, so it keeps me hydrated.
Miss Janet only gives me a small amount of watermelon because too much of anything isn’t good for me. She is obsessed with my digestive health.
She breaks the watermelon into small pieces, so I think I’m getting more than I really am. It’s not that I’m easy to fool. I’m very smart. But when it comes to food, my taste buds overpower my brain.
Later in the day, Miss Janet gives me my calming chew. That’s a chewable vitamin that helps me stay calm. Your vet can tell you what works best for your dog.
I know what comes next. As soon as the sun goes down, explosive sounds surround us from every direction. This is the part of the Fourth of July I don’t like. It’s time to crawl under the nightstand for the next hour.
I can’t understand why there’s so much noise, and for so long. Sounds like people are blowing up the neighborhood.
Miss Janet says the Fourth reminds us how at one time, there was a war.
Are you sure the war is over? Because it doesn’t sound like it.
She explains that we’re celebrating that the war is over.
You celebrate that a war is over by blowing up more things? Humans!
Eventually, the worst of the noise is over. I feel safe to crawl out from under the nightstand. I’m ready for a comfy nap on the couch.
I still hear popping and crackling in the distance, and it’ll be that way for at least another hour. You’d think people would run out of things to blow up.
Those lingering sounds are always a little stressful. But they don’t make me want to run and hide. The immediate threat is over.
Miss Janet sits on the couch with me. I don’t think she likes the noise either. She treats me to another piece of watermelon and tells me I’m a good boy. I get a glimpse of how much watermelon is left—enough to snack on for a few more days.
As things get quieter, I curl up for my nap and ignore the few lingering popping sounds outside. I’m thankful the loudest upheaval is over. I won’t have to endure that again until New Year’s Eve.
The American Veterinary Medical Association offers tips on Fourth of July pet safety.
Care Credit also has helpful tips about keeping your dog calm on the Fourth of July.
For more summer tips, read about how I navigate thunderstorms.
Enjoy your holiday and help your pet have a safe and fun holiday too.
Happy Fourth,
Clutch
The Inquisitive Yorkie 