Melvin Durai
Independence Day in the United States is also known as “Fourth of July,” a day of celebration that excites many people. While most Americans are happy to celebrate independence, some are happier when it’s over because they can finally get some sleep. No more mini-explosions in the middle of the night.
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By “mini-explosions,” I’m referring to the sound of firecrackers. Some of them are extremely loud, a barrage of bangs and booms that make it seem like fighter planes are dropping bombs in the neighbourhood.
Millions of Americans enjoy setting off firecrackers. They enjoy it so much, they can’t wait until Fourth of July. “What’s the harm in celebrating early?” they ask themselves.
Thanks to such people, Fourth of July celebrations in America begin around Fourth of June. For an entire month, in many parts of the country, the sounds of firecrackers can be heard at night, sometimes an hour or two after midnight.
Yes, Independence Day has gradually turned into Independence Month.
This is a boon for all the companies that make firecrackers and fireworks, but it’s a headache for all the people who enjoy sleeping at night. They keep getting woken up.
Wife: “Oh no, what was that? Are the Russians attacking us?”
Husband: “No, honey, it’s the Mexicans.”
Wife: “Mexico is attacking us?”
Husband: “It’s the Mexicans next door. They’re setting off firecrackers again. Do you want me to go over and complain?”
Wife: “No, it’s okay. They’ll just say we aren’t patriotic enough.”
It’s not just Mexican-Americans who love firecrackers. It’s all kinds of people, many of them seemingly unconcerned that they’re disturbing their neighbours, and also frightening dogs, cats and other animals.
Dogs and cats have noise-sensitive ears and the sound of fireworks can cause them to panic. Pet dogs may run away from homes, while stray dogs may run into homes.
Pets are not prepared for these loud sounds. They do not know anything about fireworks; nor do they know anything about Independence Day. They have never enjoyed independence.
Dog: “What are the humans celebrating?”
Cat: “Independence. They’ve been in dependence for a long time.”
Dog: “I know. They depend on me for love and security.”
Cat: “Not to mention the stains on the carpet!”
Firecrackers cause some pets to suffer long-lasting anxiety. By the end of Independence Month, some of them are in desperate need for therapy. If their owners can’t afford to send them to individual therapy sessions, they may need to go to group therapy. At these group sessions, they sit in a circle with other distressed pets and share their experiences.
Irish Terrier: “As soon as I heard those bangs, I ran under my owner’s bed and refused to come out.”
German Shepherd: “The poor terrier was terrified!”
Terrier: “Stop making fun of me. Aren’t you here for the same reason?”
German Shepherd: “No, I wasn’t afraid. I just like being in the closet.”
The pets that deserve the most sympathy are the ones that live in Indian-American households. Once they have recovered from all the firecrackers during Independence Month, they have to endure more firecrackers on Diwali.
Of course the Diwali celebrations in North America are nothing compared to the Diwali celebrations all over India. Not surprisingly, animal activists in India are just as concerned as those in America about the impact of firecrackers on dogs, cats and other animals. If people really need to create mini-explosions to celebrate Diwali, Independence Month and other occasions, can’t they at least provide ear plugs to all the animals?
Trust me, it would be a lot cheaper than all the therapy sessions.
