Wordless Wednesday: A Fireworks-free Fourth of July for Cinnamon

I was leaving the Ross Dog Park when I saw
these nice men from Bonneville Power putting up
signs that warmed my little heart. I love you guys!

Are Fireworks Legal in Vancouver, Washington?

Want to shoot fireworks off in Vancouver? Well don't even think about it. Save your money.  

It's time to open up the headquarters of Dogs Against Fireworks (DAF). I'm the Executive Director. I've been an anti-fireworks advocate ever since I moved to Vancouver, WA. Want to know why? Apparently people can't understand following the law in this town. Fireworks were scaring me, and many other dogs, for over two weeks around 4th of July and for a few nights over New Years Eve. Something had to change. And, fortunately, we had a sensible City Council that did change the law.

So the answer to the question is... NO! It is against the law to shoot off fireworks in Vancouver, WA. Here's what the city has to say:

In 2015, the Vancouver City Council approved a fireworks ordinance (M-4147) that went into effect in October 2016. This ordinance made the sale and use of consumer fireworks inside the city limits of Vancouver a crime. This is a complete ban that includes all types of fireworks.

Civil fines start at $500 for violation of this law.

To assist citizens in complying with the law, Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli is encouraging people to visit this useful page to determine if they are inside or outside the city limits of Vancouver. Just because your mailing address is "Vancouver, WA" does not mean you are actually located within the city limits.

If you live outside the Vancouver city limits, other regulations apply. Please be guided by that jurisdiction's applicable laws.

Professional fireworks displays that have been permitted by the City remain legal. Once again this 4th of July, the Fort Vancouver National Trust will host the Independence Day Celebration at Fort Vancouver. This is among the largest fireworks shows in the nation. It is free of charge this year, and includes live music before the fireworks.

Interesting facts from the National Fire Protection Agency

• Sparklers accounted for 28% of fireworks related injuries from June 20 to July 20, 2014
• In 2014, 79% of fireworks injuries fell into the categories of sparklers, firecrackers, re-loadable shells and novelty fireworks.
• Approximately 15,600 reported fires were caused by fireworks in 2013

Fireworks are NOT LEGAL in Vancouver, Washington on New Year's Eve

After I worked so hard on a fireworks ban for the City of Vancouver. And after I celebrated when the Mayor and City Council voted to approve the ban, I keep hearing that Fireworks are legal in Clark County. Well, I live in Clark County so that is so confusing.

There are some places where sales are allowed in Clark County and there are some places where setting the dratted things off on New Years Eve is allowed BUT FIREWORKS ARE NOT LEGAL IN THE CITY OF VANCOUVER.


Now I'm glad I live in Vancouver. In Vancouver you can't shoot off stuff on New Years Eve. It's against the law! So don't go shopping in Clark County and bring that horrible stuff into MY city. Why don't you stay inside and have a great little party?

Enough said,

Cinnamon the Coonhound
Executive Director
Dogs Against Fireworks

Summer Dogcation: Escape to Central Oregon

Sometimes a dog's just gotta get away. That's what I decided last 4th of July when my beautiful wooded neighborhood turned in to a war zone. The noise lasted a good part of the week and came to a rousing crescendo on July 4th. I think humans were celebrating something, but it was hard to be to get into the mood. I was cowering in my bunker in the master bathroom most of the time.

4th of July 2015 was horrible!

So this year was completely different. We had already researched fireworks-free vacation areas. I couldn't go to the beach because they allowed fireworks. I couldn't go to my country cousin's home because they allowed fireworks, and besides, they moved into a tiny place.

So we found just the place. A place that is so dry, they never allow fireworks. It was Sunriver, Oregon. In fact, Sunriver has a company that specializes in dog-friendly vacation home rentals. We got on the Bennington Properties website and found a house that would be perfect for our 4th of July grand exit from Vancouver, WA. Here's a list of their "Dog-loving Vacation Rentals." And here's the house we chose. We did everything online and our Dogcation was all arranged a year before.

Here's our rental house. We rented it on July 5th, 2015

So the day finally came. July 1st, to be exact. I had already heard a few pops so I knew it was time to get going. We packed the car with our beds, food, leashes and toys. We were loaded down so I got to ride shotgun with Francesca in the crate in the back.

Here I am. I'm in charge of the GPS.

It was a long ride... about 3 hours. When we pulled up, the house was all ready for us. We had to stay on a tie-out for a little bit while our owner unpacked. Francesca got in trouble because the tie-out was long enough for her to bust in on the neighbor's deck party while they were having chips and salsa. Needless to say, she didn't get any. Our tie-outs were promptly moved to the back of the house. When we got inside we saw our beds in place in the living room and something very interesting on the kitchen counter.

Welcome treats!

Things were looking up. However, at dinnertime, I wasn't very hungry. All that driving made my tummy a bit queasy. So I just wanted to rest. Francesca was already complaining because it was hotter in Sunriver than it was at home.

Francesca was hot so she laid down next to the A/C vent

Soon it was bedtime. We were both very tired after the trip. We were glad to see our beds and toys.

Here we are on our beds with NO fireworks to bother us!

Before we went to sleep, Francesca and I read the Sunriver magazine and picked out some activities. We thought a boat trip on the Deschutes River sounded nice and cool, and the 4th of July parade, which included dogs, would be worth seeing.

So what did we do on our vacation? Read Part II and find out!

Love, Cinnamon

Good News: Escape from Fireworks

Well, I wouldn’t have known it but I peeked at my owner’s Facebook posts and guess what I saw… we are leaving town for the 4^th of July. Yep, getting out of the ‘Couve. Escaping the horrors of fireworks!

Road Trip to Sunriver!

I’m so excited! Imagine a week without Crackle, Snap, Pop and Boom! And the smoke and the roar in the distance. And the bright lights over our house… just trying to set it on fire.

And, imagine… I don’t have to build a bunker this year. Yay!

So where are we going? We are headed for Sunriver Oregon, a place where they love dogs and don’t allow fireworks. We’ll try to report back but I’m not taking my laptop… just my iPhone. I can post photos on Facebook and Instagram, at least.

I feel kinda bad for the other animals who have to endure the cruel fireworks. And I hope my house doesn't burn down.

Love, Cinnamon

Fireworks are NOT allowed in Vancouver, Washington on New Year's Eve

After I worked so hard on a fireworks ban for the City of Vancouver. And after I celebrated when the Mayor and City Council voted to approve the ban beginning in 2017, I read this disturbing announcement from a nearby city:

The Battle Ground Chamber will have its annual fireworks stand open, and selling pyrotechnics now through Thursday, Dec. 31, at the corner of W Main St. and 12th Ave., across from Fred Meyer and Riverview Community Bank. This is one of the chamber’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and from noon to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (New Year’s Eve).

Now Battle Ground is not all that far from where I live. I wondered if they had dogs there and people who are disturbed by personal fireworks. I wondered how they could sell fireworks knowing how terrified dogs like me are when we hear the pop, bang, roar of fireworks. Is the money worth it?

Now I'm glad I live in Vancouver. In Vancouver you can't shoot off stuff on New Years Eve. It's against the law! So don't go shopping in Battle Ground and bring that horrible stuff into MY city. Why don't you stay inside and have a great little party?

Enough said,

Cinnamon the Coonhound
Executive Director
Dogs Against Fireworks

An Open Letter to Vancouver USA: To the Mayor, to the City Council and to my fellow Citizens

Executive Director
Dogs Against Fireworks

Dear Vancouver:

Last night I received the news that the Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to ban personal fireworks in 2017. I am thrilled with the news and hope that a strong educational campaign and good enforcement plan will ensue.

If anyone has missed what we went through during the "2015 Season of Terror," just click on the July archives from this blog. It's all there in gory details. I can't read it. It brings the terror back. I and all the pets of Vancouver are rejoicing. I'm sure my friends don't like being drugged for a week during 4th of July and I certainly don't want to go through building a bunker in a shower like I did this year. (I have to admit I was still scared).

I want to publicly thank Mayor Leavitt and the entire Vancouver City Council for caring enough about the health and safety (and sanity) of the people of our city (and, of course the pets).

Cruel People
I've been reading the comments in The Columbian today. There are many cruel people out there who don't care. They say they will shoot them off anyway. That it is their right. Why is it their right to do things that terrify us? Why is it their right to set things off that might cause our home to burn down? I don't understand that. Don't I have a right to a fear-free life? That's what my owner is trying to provide for me.

Fund Raisers
There are also people out there who think their rights to raising funds for schools and charities are being curtailed. Well, yes! Why would you want to sell something that might harm children and burn down people's homes. Plus, why would you want to sell something that SCARES PEOPLE AND DOGS?

How can people, in good conscience, sell these things.

I think pets have rights too. That is why we have organizations like the Southwest Washington Humane Society. They believe we have a right to a home, food and a cruelty-free life. And they are the ones to take in the animals who are running scared on the streets on the 4th of July... those that make it, anyway.

I believe I have a right to be in my own backyard over the 4th of July week. I believe I have a right to be medication free. I believe I have a right to join my family for a friendly picnic and not hear the POP, BOOM, BANG of terrifying fire works.

With rights comes social responsibility.

I believe that Vancouver USA cares. And I thank you.

Love, Cinnamon

City of Vancouver Washington: Please care about the animals - BAN FIREWORKS NOW

It's been awhile since the National Headquarters of Dogs Against Fireworks (DAF) was open. Young Francesca came into our lives soon after the 4th of July mayhem ended here in Vancouver, my hometown. So I've been busy.

But I just have to say something on behalf of myself, Francesca, the 23,700 dogs licensed in Clark County and the 77,595 unlicensed dogs. We dogs can't vote. But we are the ones who suffer in a city where personal fireworks are allowed to wreak havoc in our neighborhoods and explode over our homes. I'm scared of noise and I'm scared of fire. We look to the Mayor and City Council to protect us, our owners and our homes.

Before the 4th of July, veterinarian's offices are filled with owners purchasing sedatives and tranquilizers for their dogs. Some dogs, especially older ones, shouldn't even be taking this medication. And sometimes it doesn't even work.

For over a week we dogs suffered due to the noise, light and smoke from fireworks set off by our  unthinking neighbors. Some of the scariest noises were many blocks away. It was so loud I curled up in my owner's shower in the tightest, safest ball that I could make for myself. A couple of weeks later, when it finally all ended, I breathed a sigh of relief and swore I'd find a place far, far away next year. I don't have the freedom to enjoy this national holiday in my own home. I can't invite dog friends over for a picnic or have special patriotic treats. We just cower in the corners, shake with fear and endure. 

Here I am hiding in the shower praying that it will stop!
I was in there so long, my owner put a blanket on the floor.

So I am upset to hear that our Mayor and City Council have not yet taken the leadership to protect the animals and vote for a complete ban on personal fireworks in Vancouver, Washington. 

I am upset when I hear them talk about sending the issue out to the public to vote. That would mean a delay of one year in implementing a ban.... TWO YEARS OF SUFFERING FOR THE ANIMALS!

Dear elected officials of Vancouver. Please consider us.

Be our voice, protect us and vote for AN IMMEDIATE PERSONAL FIREWORKS BAN for Vancouver.

Sincerely,

Cinnamon

Executive Director, Dogs Against Fireworks

Good News for Dogs Agains Fireworks (DAF)

Well, look at this. The Columbian reported, this morning, that our City Council here in Vancouver, WA is going to explore a ban on fireworks. I am so happy about this!

I am sure I'm not the only dog in town that was happy to see the front page of the paper today.

Well, I suppose there are still dogs that get paddled with a paper for piddling in the house. But not me!

If you have been reading my blog you have heard me agonize about the fireworks here in Vancouver and Clark County.

I don't understand why people do it. Don't they care about us?

Well, I'm so excited, I might just go take a walk. It's all quiet now in our war zone (formerly called my neighborhood).

Love, Cinnamon

Fireworks Blog: July 6, 2015

Here's my cushy bed.
It's where I belong!

This will be the last entry for the 2015 "Season of Terror."

Last night I heard just a few fireworks. Yes, they were illegal but people don't care. If they have them, they shoot them off.

I trotted back to the bunker when I heard them but was very relieved that more didn't follow and slept ALL NIGHT on my regular cushy bed. I was rather proud of myself for relaxing enough to do that.

So today we are dismantling the bunker and putting everything away. The great news is that we are going away FOR A WHOLE WEEK next July. I will not be home for the 2016 "Season of Terror." I am so glad!

Love, Cinnamon

Fireworks Blog: July 5, 2015

All I can say about last night is that it was SO BAD that I tried to melt myself into the quilts in my bunker. I wouldn't come out to go potty or to have a sip of water. I just stayed there until it was over.... somewhere around 2 a.m. It was SO BAD I don't want to talk any more about it.

Here I am praying in my bunker.

So what I really want to talk about is what the morning was like. It was so smokey last night my eyes hurt. But this morning it was beautiful and clear.... and quiet!

I could hear the squirrels scampering on the fence and I got up and chased them away! I felt so good I wanted to play ball at 7 a.m. I felt so good I didn't need my bunker anymore. I just hope it doesn't start again tonight. That's illegal but people around here don't seem to care.

I play keep away with two balls. The object of the game is to keep them both.
It was still wet out this morning. We hosed down the yards and the eaves of the house.
The fireworks were that bad.

I romped and rolled and reveled in the sheer joy of the cool, QUIET, morning.

The best thing about the 5th of July is that it's not the 4th of July!

Love, Cinnamon

Fireworks Blog: July 4th 2015

If I look a little tired. There is a reason.

Well, last night was horrible. Evidently no one around here has a calendar. In Vancouver, WA where I live, fireworks are allowed on the 4th of July ONLY. Last night there were lots of fireworks going off and IT WAS NOT THE FOURTH.

So today I sleepily wish you all a happy Independence Day. It's a holiday for humans. There is no freedom from fear for pets. I don't feel free all holed up in my bunker on a beautiful night. And tonight will be worse. We will close all the doors, windows and blinds. And we have to water down the yard so it doesn't catch on fire. My neighbor dog has to take a sedative to get through this. Neither of us will be celebrating at all. Neither of us feel a bit free.

But you humans just go have your fun!

Love, Cinnamon
(Don't worry. I'll get over it. I'm just worn out)

Fireworks Blog: July 3rd, 2015

Well, just remember that fireworks are illegal here except on the 4th of July and last night WAS NOT THE FOURTH OF JULY!

So here's how things went down. It was a hot and quiet afternoon. I didn't do much except laze around wishing it would cool off. After dinner, I waited for the sun to go down. It was quiet. I thought that everyone was going to obey the law.

So I got my harness on and we headed out the door. The evening was cool and quiet... UNTIL... Bang, Pop! Yikes!

I turned right around and headed for the door. Once I got inside, my owner took my harness off and I high-tailed it for, you guessed it, my bunker. This time I was scared. I went in to my inner bunker, the one made just for the 4th of July. I got in, felt better and laid down hoping the fireworks would go away... FAR AWAY. But they didn't.

Here I am in my bunker. I am giving "stink eye" to those who broke the law last night
and ruined my evening.

So, like the City of Vancouver is asking us to do... we called 911 and said we were just calling to report illegal fireworks. The nice dispatcher lady took down the information about where the fireworks were. I told her I was Executive Director of Dogs Against Fireworks. She then said she'd be relaying the information to the Fire Marshall. (A dog in my position gets action... right away!). We thanked the dispatcher and I went back to settling into the bunker.

I slept there all night and felt pretty good about my safe place.

Love, Cinnamon
(Wishing she was in Canada)

Fireworks Blog: July 2nd 2015

Hi Guys:

Well, I survived July 1st. I built my bunker and felt ready for whatever the neighborhood had in mind for me. I even took a walk after the sun set and it cooled off. I talked to some neighbors about fireworks (they plan to set them off on the 4th) and their little girl admitted she didn't like them. I'm with her!

So when it was time to go to bed I heard fireworks in the distance. I was pretty tired by then so just walked into my safety zone where my travel bed was. That's the outer perimeter of my Fireworks Hiding Place. It's just outside the door of my bunker.

This is the outer perimeter of my Fireworks Safety Zone.
My bunker is built just to the left of where my travel bed is here.

I flopped on my travel bed and went to sleep, listening to the rush of the air conditioner. I suppose the fact my owner sleeps in that room too helped... just a little bit.

I slept through the fireworks and through the night. It was a good July 1st.

Love, Cinnamon

Building my Anti Fireworks Bunker

OK, like I told you, one of the ways I am going to cope this 4th of July is to have my safe place all ready for me when I hear a Snap, Bang, Crackle, Boom!

The first thing to know when building an Anti-Fireworks Bunker is to pay attention to your dog's behavior when scared. If the dog likes a particular closet, build the bunker there. If your dog likes their crate, have their crate in a protected place in the house.

For me, I've decided that my safe place is the Master Bathroom. In particular, I like the shower stall. So I spent the afternoon building my bunker there.

First I put a washcloth between the sliding glass doors so they wouldn't make any noise or shake when I went in there or when the fireworks went off.

Now the doors won't rattle

Next I got some really comfortable bedding to make it cozy and homey. Bedding also serves to absorb sound.

Then I brought in some reading material. I figure the seige will take quite awhile on the 4th. I chose a book about Santa Fe, my home town, with lots of pictures. It will make me feel comfortable.

Here's my favorite book and some toys to make it all homey.

Then I brought in a couple of toys to make it just like home!

Lastly, I put up a sign so my owner wouldn't mistakenly take a shower in there!

Here's the sign so no one thinks this is a shower, now!

All ready to go! If you make a bunker, please send me a picture so I can put it on the blog here. We all should share anti-fireworks ideas!

Love, Cinnamon
Executive Director
Dogs Agains Fireworks

How to Help Your Dog During Fireworks

I’m building my bunker, my safety zone, today. Last night I was happy lying on my regular bed in my regular room, the den when…. Snap, pop, boom! The first fireworks of the “holiday,” were set off, illegally.

Legal or not, I am scared of fireworks. So I walked, calmly to my owners room where I have my designated safety zone. When I am scared, I head for the center of the house and look for a place with no windows. This is the same place that humans would seek if there was a tornado. I’m good at finding my safety zone. Friends of mine like the laundry room or under the stairs.

My safety zone in this house is the master bathroom. No windows, in the center of the house and somewhat safe, I believe. I hide in the back and, if it is open, I’ll crawl into the shower stall. So last night I was just a little bit scared so I sat on the bath mat. My owner saw me and got out my travel bed and put it in the vanity nook… about a foot from where I was hiding. Once the sound stopped, I decided the travel bed looked safe enough, so I slept there all night.

 

Here I am in the center of the house.
I have my travel bed set up. I'll also be building a safety bunker in the shower stall.
That's to the left of this bed in the vanity area. 

Now I am fully aware, as Executive Director of Dogs Against Fireworks, that there will be more…. Louder, scarier and illegal fireworks to come. Today I am building my bunker. I’m getting prepared for one of the scariest days of the year. It’s a day when humans forget about us animals and go kinda crazy. It’s a day some animals get lost out of fear. It’s a day the rest of us get scared and try to hide. Is this fun? Some humans think so.

So here are some tips for helping dogs get through the 4^th of July horrors.

Safety Zone: Build a safety bunker (I’ll be showing you mine very soon!) Any enclosed area without windows will work. Closets are good.

Exercise: When there are no fireworks, like in the morning, exercise your dogs outside and play.

Stay Inside: Keep your dogs inside when there might be fireworks and keep them company when they are scared.

Muffle Sound: Turn on the TV, or better yet, the A/C, to muffle the sound.

Crate: If your dog likes his or her crate, make sure it is available to them during fireworks time.

Windows: Keep windows covered and closed.

ID Your Dog: Make sure your dog, in case they run, has current tags and is micro-chipped.

Thunder Shirts: If your dog feels more relaxed with a Thundershirt, have one on hand.

Feeding: Feed your dog lighter meals during a time of fireworks.

Medication: Try to avoid medicating your dog, but if you do, consult a good veterinarian to get a prescription or advice.

Get Away: If you can, find a fireworks-free place to vacation… like a National Forest.

I’ll be busy today building my bunker. But I’ll make sure I take photos to show you what a safety zone looks like!