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Remember to keep pets safe during noisy celebrations

Posted at 7:09 PM, Jul 05, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-05 20:10:08-04

Fireworks aren't just dangerous for people, pets are also at risk of running away and getting hurt. As we get ready for more celebrations this weekend, it's important to know how to comfort our furry friends.

Tootsie is back together with owner Cindy Mohr after a long night worrying if she would ever return.

"There were tears last night. Now they're tears of joy," Mohr said.

The night of July Fourth, Mohr was quick to realize her brown pup moseyed out the gate in her backyard that was accidentally left open.

"I'm thinking a dark dog, no one's going to see her and I was afraid of her getting hit by a car," Mohr said.

Living near Jackson Park, her neighborhood was filled with commotion, and she assumes Tootsie was curious.

For other dogs, it's those big booms that can cause them to panic and run away.

Over the holiday, the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission received 14 new strays from police.

Ashanti Blake also brought in a black poodle she found under a car, scared of the fireworks. It's what she hoped someone else would do for her dog.

"If I was to ever lose him, I would like to think somebody would bring him, return him and give me the opportunity of coming to get him," Blake said.

With some luck, she was able to reunite the dog with its owner.

You can't control fireworks, but you can control your pet's environment.

"There were tears last night. Now they're tears of joy." — pet owner Cindy Mohr, who was reunited with her dog

This holiday weekend, MADACC recommends that you try to keep them indoors, close the windows and put on the AC.

"Keep a TV or radio on and give them something that will keep them busy for a few hours," Executive Director Karen Sparapani said.

While fireworks and holidays may be fun for us, that's not always the case for our furry friends.

"We'll definitely be more conscientious," Mohr said.

If you're worried your dog will run away, make sure to tag them with a visible ID that includes your cellphone number and microchip them.