As Bonfire Night approaches and the days grow shorter, many dog owners face unique challenges. For Amanda Baker, who is partially-sighted and relies on her guide dog, Eddie, the upcoming season brings anxiety and isolation.
Eddie, a seven-year-old guide dog, experiences extreme distress from fireworks, often leaving him in a state where he cannot function. Amanda shares that the firework season has already begun in her area, and when the bangs and whistles start, Eddie becomes so agitated he cannot work effectively.
“Eddie gets very stressed. He pants, he cries… His heart’s racing,” Amanda explains. “We’ve tried everything to comfort him, but it’s very stressful for both of us.”
With Eddie being unable to cope with the noise, Amanda is forced to stay home every evening to protect him, resulting in a significant loss of independence.
According to the charity Guide Dogs, approximately 25% of guide dog owners report that their dogs show signs of distress during firework displays. Tim Stafford, director of canine affairs at Guide Dogs, emphasizes that while most dogs can recover from sudden sounds, others cannot.
“Someone who would normally go home on the bus or train… can’t do that during firework season,” Stafford states. “They have to protect their dog from fear.”
Stafford advocates for more considerate practices around fireworks, such as opting for silent fireworks or attending organized displays instead of personal use.
The British Fireworks Association acknowledges concerns raised by Amanda and other guide dog owners but stresses the importance of balancing these with potential negative impacts from stricter regulations. They suggest increasing the minimum age for buying fireworks and cracking down on illegal sales.
Currently, Eddie has been prescribed a sedative medication to help him cope with firework season. Although it provides some relief, Amanda notes it only “takes the edge off.” She employs various strategies to minimize his stress, such as covering windows with blankets and raising the volume of the television.
Amanda reflects on their bond:
“He gives me confidence… I feel I can conquer the world when I am with him.”
Despite challenges during this time of year, she remains committed to ensuring Eddie’s well-being so they can continue their journey together.
Trump’s Tariff Plans: A Day-One Agenda Against Drug and Human Trafficking In a bold move to combat drug and human smuggling, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after his inauguration on January 20.
Government Unveils “Get Britain Working” Initiative to Combat Unemployment In a bid to rejuvenate the UK job market, the government has introduced its ambitious “Get Britain Working” initiative, promising extensive reforms aimed at reducing the benefits bill and increasing employment.