DENVER -- July 2, 2007

Each week it seems like I learn something new. This week I've learned three things:

1. The Fourth of July is a holiday that involves loud noises and exploding lights called "fireworks."

2. Dogs, even dogs like me, should not go to fireworks displays.

3. Holidays are a good excuse for Marianne to dress me in ridiculous costumes. Hudson warned me about this, but I didn't fully understand until she did this to me. Oh, the suffering!

Here's how I learned the first two things.

Marianne and friends left me at home on Sunday evening. I was not pleased, since I saw her packing a picnic hamper, and I know that picnics are outdoors. I love outdoors!

"Parker," Marianne said, "Let me explain this. Yes, we are having an outdoor picnic, and ordinarily we'd probably take you, and maybe even the keeper (pet) dogs. But not this time."

"But WHY?" I whined. "I want to go!"

"Because," she sighed, "After the picnic there will be fireworks, which are very loud and scary."

"I'm not scared by a little noise! I like noise!" I insisted.

"Yes, I know you do," she agreed, "But this is REALLY LOUD. And your doggie ears are better than our human ears, because dogs can hear more frequencies than humans."

"So, I still don't understand. I'll just hear the sounds better than you, right?" I argued (I'm good at arguing!).

"Yes, but it means the noise will be so loud for you that it will actually hurt your ears," Marianne explained.

I tried again. "Well, you're supposed to take me lots of places so I learn how to behave, right? This sounds like a Good Training Experience (I like that phrase!) Isn't this a place I should go?"

"No," she said firmly. "Contrary to what you've heard from other puppies, service dogs don't need to go EVERYWHERE. Some events are for humans ONLY, and this is one of them."

"Oh," I said.

She continued, "Remember how you told me that dogs don't want to tag along in the car to the grocery store when it's hot outside? Well, this is the same kind of thing. Dogs don't enjoy crowds and fireworks, either."

So, I stayed home with the keeper dogs and cats, and napped in my crate with a bowl of ice cubes and a Nylabone. Around 9:30 I could hear the fireworks! I realized Marianne was right -- if I could hear them this far away, fireworks must be REALLY LOUD when you're close to them.

Some kids in the neighborhood were setting off firecrackers that made sharp banging sounds too. Marianne said they are smaller versions of fireworks, still very LOUD and DANGEROUS. The cats and I weren't afraid, but our keeper dogs were nervous.

Marianne sighed, and said this will probably go on for another week or so. Bother. She told me that some dogs and cats get so frightened by the noise that they bolt out of the house and run away!

"YIKES! I hope our keepers don't do that," I said.

"We will always keep you and the keepers safe," Marianne assured me.

"But what about other pets?" I worried. "How will their families know what to do?"

"Hmmm," Marianne said, "Good question!" So, she looked online and found some information.

Here's the link: www.aspca.org.

Check it out for all kinds of Fourth of July pet safety tips on fireworks, food, decorations, and even sunscreen. Stay cool, stay safe, and Happy Fourth!

Chow for now,

Parker

Questions or comments for Parker? Send them to call7forhelp@thedenverchannel.com.

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or perhaps you'd like to be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to www.cci.org for details.