Life With Dogs: Inmates Comfort Shelter Dogs During Fourth Of July Fireworks

Fourth of July is a time of celebration for humans. Unfortunately, it’s a nightmare for most dogs though. The loud, unfamiliar sounds in the sky send most dogs hiding under the bed in fear. For shelter dogs, it’s even scarier without a family to comfort them.

That’s why the inmates at Brevard County Jail in Florida stepped up to help this year. They spent the night of Independence Day looking after the nervous shelter pups. It proved that small acts of kindness can go a long way.

Inmates Comfort Shelter Dogs

This idea originally began as a suggestion made by the Brevard County citizens. Last year, this idea developed into an official event to help homeless dogs feel safe. This is the second year in a row that the inmates have looked after shelter dogs during the fireworks.

inmates reading to shelter dogs — Image: Screenshot, @SpaceCoastDaily/Facebook

“Our goal is to not only help calm the dogs but also help build and instill a sense of purpose and compassion in the inmates that will hopefully aid them as they transition back into society once they have serviced their time,” the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook

During this time, the inmates fed, played with, and read to the dogs at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Care Center. In fact, this system is so effective that other organizations have created similar programs.

The Bradshaw Animal Shelter in California has allowed volunteers to comfort dogs during the fireworks in the past too. Many people took time out of their holidays to care for these dogs. They read books to them, played with them, and even performed music for them.

shelter dog being read to — Image: Screenshot, ABC10 YouTube

Why are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?

These two shelters aren’t the only places that have noticed fear during the Fourth of July. In fact, dogs all over the world cower during the celebratory explosions. What seems like a fun holiday for us is their biggest fear come to life.

Dogs have more sensitive ears than humans, so fireworks likely sound even more frightening than we can imagine. Dogs can hear between 45,000 and 65,000 hertz while humans can only hear 20,000 hertz. So, the long, consistent firework sounds could be physically painful for them.

Fireworks are also measured between 150 and 175 decibels, which is louder than a gunshot. The noise alone is enough to send dogs running away, but the bright flashes could startle them too. Sadly, dogs just can’t enjoy the beauty and excitement of fireworks like humans can. That’s why it’s so important that inmates and volunteers are now comforting shelter dogs during this stressful holiday. After all, these homeless pups need all the love they can get.