Safety first

With the long (for some people) holiday weekend approaching, it's time to review some travel tips if you plan on taking Fido along for the ride. There will also be a reminder about the Fourth of July madness that is fireworks.

An article in the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star discusses keeping your dog safe and comfortable on a trip and provides suggestions from the American Kennel Club.

• Practice for long trips by taking your dog on short ones.

• Collar + cell phone number = Smart thing. Also take a picture of your dog with you.

• Secure your dog in a crate, carrier or harness that attaches to the seat belt. .

• Do not let your dog stick his head out the car window. Eye and ear injuries are possible.

• Stop regularly to allow your dog to relieve himself and take a drink.

• Do not ever leave your pet unattended in the car on hot days.

The article also has some tips on flying with your pet, also from the AKC.

• • • • •

Fireworks in Dutchess County start Friday, so consider that a heads up if your dog, or any pet, is frightened by loud, sudden noises that gradually grow louder then stop for a moment and then all hell breaks loose in an ear-shattering, bone shaking cacophony of diabolical sounds. Then the eerie quiet. There's got to be more. More! So I can't relax. Must pant. And pace.

You think I'm making that up? Kate dictated that paragraph.

So again here are some tips for keeping your pet safe during fireworks from the Humane Society of the United States. For the complete list, click the link.

• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area.

• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain.

• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.