A Much Happier 4th of July

It's Independence Day here in the US, a day that holds mixed emotions for me. Last year, on July 2nd, we lost Tank for 12 hours. He bolted at 10pm when neighbors started celebrating early with a fireworks show that sounded more like artillery.

It was one of the worst days of our lives. 

12 hours later and our bodies wracked with pain and anguish, we were reunited when one brave woman approached Tank and called the number on his ID. Words cannot describe the joy in finding him again about a mile away. For the full story go here.

This year, we are staying home. Tank has not left the house/yard in two days and we'll keep him indoors another few days to make sure everyone's used up their fireworks.

I don't think we could survive another incident like last year.

Lots of celebrating here though. We're grilling steaks, corn on the cob, potatoes, and asparagus. There's apple pie and watermelon for desert.

Best of all we're surrounded by the kids we love...even Nana.

I'm sure a piece of steak will find its way into Tank's mouth. The Prodigal Dog always gets something extra. He's special.

My boys


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Samhain is putting the print version of Mistress of the Stone on sale this week only. Almost 5 bucks off.  Check it out.


To all my US friends, Happy 4th of July!

Comments

LD Masterson said…
Happy Fourth to you all. Please give Tank an extra hug from me.
Maria Zannini said…
Linda: Happy Fourth!
Tank's sending back a couple of sloppy kisses.
Jackie said…
Here is to this year indeed being more low key and if that boy gets a piece of steak more power to him, after all Tank has more than earned it all these years!

Happy 4th Maria, enjoy your Independence Day feast it sounds scrumptious. :-)

I'm soooo glad my Lab, Molly, taught Gracie and Lucy to sleep through lightning and fireworks.

All dogs rock...but hunting dogs, raised to ignore shotgun blasts, are great friends for your other four-legged sons and daughters.

:O)

Happy Independence Day!
Angela Brown said…
Enjoy your Fourth of July holiday :-) I recall last year's not-so-happy situation. Glad that trying time is behind and a great holiday time awaits.

Hugs to everyone, and that includes feisty Iko and rambunctious Nana!
Anonymous said…
Hope you all have a fun and safe, and stress free!, holiday. Your dinner plans sound wonderful :)
Mike Keyton said…
Great picture, Maria. Hope you all have a brilliant day...whatever it's called :)
Maria Zannini said…
Jackie: I know we spoil him, but hey, we've got no human kids, so we spend our money on our 4-legged guys.
Maria Zannini said…
Mac: You're absolutely right. Maggie and Nana don't mind the noise at all. But Tank has always been gun-shy. We think we had a very bad life before we found each other. He does not like guns, knives, or men who talk loudly. Iko picked up that fear from him.
Maria Zannini said…
Angela: Your recent post about not writing prompted my post. Had I lost Tank so terribly last year I don't think I would continue writing--or at the very least it would've taken me months to even blog again.

I would've needed time to recover and that's best done in private.
Maria Zannini said…
Raelyn: Greg can't wait for the feast. It's all his favorite foods.
Maria Zannini said…
Mike: I've always felt you Brits should've been glad to get rid of us. We are a lot of trouble--even to ourselves. LOL.
Stacy McKitrick said…
Sounds like you'll have a fun time today! Happy 4th!
Jenny Schwartz said…
Happy, safe 4th of July to you! :)
Maria Zannini said…
Stacy: We had an impromptu party with friends. The food came out great!
Maria Zannini said…
Jenny: We stayed up until midnight, waiting for the fireworks to be over and comforting poor Tank.

We even watched a movie with dogs in it. The sound was set especially high to try to distract him. It worked a little, but next year--if thee is a next year, I will ask the vet for anxiety medicine. We hate seeing him like this.
I hope it was wonderful. Years ago, I spent the night under a blanket with our frightened dog Lady. It was the only way she'd be calm. I didn't mind. It had been a long time since I'd camped in the living room. ^_^
Maria Zannini said…
Barbara: I know you understand all too well what we go through with our guys. We've done the camp outs on occasion. It's a small price to help them feel safe.

Thanks for letting me know we're not the only ones. :)