In which Ninja Flees From Fireworks

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

On the 4th of July we went to the Angels Game. Such a surprise, right? :) I made a special effort to make sure the yard was secure and the dogs could come into the house if they were frightened by the fireworks. Fireworks are illegal here, but there are some local shows with the big booming kind.

We got home about the same time as a number of our neighbors, and we were all out front talking to each other. I let the dogs out to say hi to everyone. I have to say that both my pups are usually totally under my voice control, so I can call them into the house or to my side with no issue,

As we were all talking out front, someone let off an illegal firework a few streets over. This terrified Ninja, who panicked and took off.

I thought he'd just run down the street a few houses, but when I went and called him he was gone. Luckily Penny was right at the door and she headed in the house, not out of it. The kids and I made sure she stayed inside, because usually wherever Ninja goes Penny goes.

I called and called and he didn't respond. He must have just kept running. I got really frightened. I could just see him getting hit by a car- he's all black and almost invisible at night. My husband took his car, our neighbors took their car, and I took my car and we all went looking. (Apparently my panic set everyone off.)

About 20 minutes later I found him at the entrance to the park by the school and he almost jumped into my open window, poor baby. I got him in the car- and it was great fun to drive with 40+ pounds of dog in my lap, but I didn't care.

He wouldn't come out of the car when I got home. My husband and I had to put a leash on him and coax him out. I sat down on the floor with him and he was completely glued to my side all night. He wouldn't even sleep. Just laid there shaking with his eyes wide open. I've never had anything like that happen before.

Thank the Lord it all turned out OK, because it could have been really scary. So that was the frightening ending to an otherwise nice 4th. One more prayer of thanks to say at bedtime, right? It really made me think about how much both my pups mean to me.