Evening of misery

Well, that's what it was for Paddy and, therefore, for us too. I hate this time of year more and more as the years go past. First we have Hallowe'en, with all its commercial exploitation and legalised begging - yes, I know that's a bit strong but that's how I feel! - and then of course, the fireworks, which are not restricted to one evening, which would be bearable, just. No, we have to have rehearsals every evening for about two weeks beforehand and, should you have thought, in your innocence, that the current financial situation would mean that people would choose not to waste their scarce resources in buying a load of explosives, you would have been sadly disappointed. Round here, it was like Beirut on a bad night and some idiot was even setting off bangers at lunch-time.
A convenient desert island not being available, I decided to try the medication route - for Paddy, not us. We just stuck to the wine. So, I bought some tablets for him and he started on them on Friday. Would you believe, it, I could swear they made him even worse! Keith and I sat with him all evening, unable to move, because if we did, he would launch himself at the window every time he heard a firework, and bearing in mind that dogs' hearing is more acute that humans', that was often.
By ten o'clock, we'd had enough and went to bed, as it seemed to be getting quieter, but no, that was when the second round started and carried on till nearly midnight, by which time, I was dangerously close to running out into the road in my dressing gown, finding the idiots responsible and shoving their fireworks in some very painful places.
Over-reacting? Moi?
This morning, the weather is beautiful and Paddy and I have been for a calm, peaceful, chilled-out walk ...
ready for the next lot tonight!


11 comments:

elaine said...

To be honest I don't think those setting fireworks off give animals a single thought as to what effect they are having. But not all animals are the same - a few years ago when I had both dogs and cats, they all sat round the bonfire with us whilst we set off fireworks - they didn't even flinch. Admittedly there were no bangers.

Jennytc said...

I could do with them coming round to give Paddy a talking to, Elaine. ;)

Anonymous said...

I sympathise! Fireworks nowadays seem to all about big bangs rather than showy. Flighty xx

Jennytc said...

Too true, Flighty!

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Next year - rather than trying medication - you could make Paddy some canine earmuffs. Alternatively, take everything out of your fridge, switch it off for a few hours and put Paddy in there with a bone and his favourite toy. It should be pretty soundproof. As always, I am just trying to helpful.

Jennytc said...

It would be a bit of a squash, I think YP but full marks for trying. ;)

GaynorB said...

My daughter asked me to look after her dogs. Hubby away and no invitations I agreed! We live in a fairly sleepy village but dogs arrived with anti-anxiety tablets.

On the whole they were OK, as I could only hear a couple of batches of fireworks. When they heard them they became anxious and snuggled up so close to me that I broke the golden 'no dogs on the sofa' rule.

Also looked after next door's cat. I think he was too worried to go out and had a little accident. Luckily hubby, home by then, cleaned up the mess .....

Jennytc said...

If Paddy's reaction was to go and hide somewhere. I think we could cope with it but he starts barking and trying to hurl himself at the window! The addition of a cat would really have pushed him over the edge. ;)

Anonymous said...

Link for you and Paddy:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/matt/?cartoon=8871471&cc=8863941

Lucy

Jennytc said...

Nice one, Lucy. Thanks. :)

Anonymous said...

I thought it might make you smile.
Lucy

Plaster board and dust

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