If there is one thing that dogs fear above all else, it is fireworks. They’re not fearful of the beautiful lights in the sky, but they’re actually afraid of the noises that the fireworks make. Remember that our dogs have sensitive hearing, so even a firecracker going off several kilometers away can startle them.
This is the exact reason why each faithful year, hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs escape their homes during holidays that use a lot of fireworks, such as the Fourth of July celebration in the United States. Even a well-trained dog will be terrified and confused by the noise of fireworks. Thankfully, organizations like Hope For Paws assist in the rescue of pets that have escaped their homes because of the noise of fireworks.
However, we cannot help but think about what happens to shelter dogs during these celebrations. Who gives them comfort?
Fortunately, inmates from the Brevard County Jail have volunteered to console the frightened canines at the Brevard County Animal Care Center. During the 4th of July celebrations, the inmates spend time with the shelter dogs to help them relax by reading to them, playing with them, and feeding them. The inmates receive the unconditional love and attention of the pets in exchange.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, they are not only hoping that the inmates would keep the dogs quiet during the festivities, but also that the inmates can find purpose in their lives by caring for the dogs. Once they find a purpose, it will be simpler for them to return to a normal life following the completion of their prison term.
Citizens came up with the concept of having inmates care after shelter dogs in such circumstances. As it turns out, this is the second year that the Sheriff’s Office and the Animal Care Center have let prisoners care for the dogs, and the program has been a success so far.
Source: Shelter Me
