4th July fireworks: celebrate, mindfully

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, let us also be mindful that fireworks can be less than joyful to some:

• Several outlets are trying to raise awareness that the sights and/or sounds of fireworks can be distressing to veterans with PTSD, see Time and CNN.

• Pets can be startled and bolt or may be stressed and even terrified by the loud sounds that accompany fireworks. These articles address the issue: safety tips, why are dogs scared of fireworks, The DeKalb Humane Society has shared additional safety tips, click here. Or, as the ever-awesome The Oatmeal explains:

• Exhausted parents who have finally managed to get baby down for the night may experience sudden rage mixed feelings about late evening fireworks.

Happy Fourth of July!

Firework alert (Diwali) [Oct 28]

A neighbor has alerted us that there will be fireworks at Patel Plaza on Friday night. These are part of the celebration of Diwali ("festival of lights").

Those with sound-sensitive pets may want to take note.