Scouts thanked
The Harugari German-American Club sends out a hearty thanks to the Troop 802 Boy Scouts of the First Congregational Church for helping to get our grounds cleaned up for our upcoming Sommerfest and other summer outdoor events. Scout leader Steve Shine and his boys did the leaf raking and a thorough sprucing up around the pavilion. The Club members were saved a lot of aching muscles and time. As a former scout leader in West Haven, it was my pleasure to grill up some hotdogs as part of lunch. Troop 802 truly lived up to it’s oath of leadership and service!
Don Heinig
Make pets safe
With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, Phantom Fireworks would like to remind our friends and customers that some pets adversely react to the lights and noise of the fireworks. With a little extra effort, our pets can be spared the trauma they sometimes experience from fireworks.
Phantom Fireworks asks that you please be mindful of the following:
Keep your pets indoors during fireworks displays;
Turn on the TV or radio and air conditioning to help mask the noise of the fireworks, Keep pets in a soothing, dark room with light jazz or classical music playing. The idea is to muffle the fireworks noise with something soothing. Close draperies to help soundproof the residence;
Many suggest walking or exercising the pet prior to the fireworks in an effort tire out the pet in hopes the pet will sleep through the fireworks;
Close all windows and doors and block pet doors to prevent escape;
You could try distracting the pet as soon as the fireworks begin by involving the pet in something enjoyable, like “fetch;”
Prepare a safe area where the pet can burrow in to feel safe: maybe some blankets under a bed or a blanket draped over a small table. Play a radio near that area. Feeding the pet in the area will help the pet associate the area with other good things;
Do not take your animal to a fireworks show or let the pet outdoors while the fireworks are being used;
You might consider consulting with your veterinarian before the fireworks season. Some pets may require sedation. The veterinarian could suggest some behavior modification techniques.
Many of these suggestions have come from Press-Enterprise, Riverside, CA; Blue Cross for Pets (UK); Pet MD , Humane Society of US, and The Telegraph (UK).
Phantom Fireworks hopes you enjoy the Independence Day holiday safety and show courtesy and compassion to your pets and animals.
William A. Weimer
VP Phantom Fireworks