Friday 2 November 2012

Bedtime On Bonfire Night.

Hi, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog.  Over here in Britain, we can be subjected to a number of very loud bangs and flashing lights in the sky, from Halloween and somewhat beyond Bonfire Night, also referred to as Guy Fawkes Night.  The previous two years, I discussed my concerns about fireworks and the impact they can have on us animals.  If you wish to check it out, here is the link : Penny's Pyrotechnic Plea.  

What I will emphasise is that we ask humans to use a bit of common sense on Bonfire Night, which is on Monday, November 5.  For your safety and the safety of animals, we would ask that humans would go to an organised, controlled public display of fireworks. 


Renowned Shakespearean actor, Simon Callow, narrates the first bedtime audiobook for us dogs.  It evidently can calm stressed dogs.  Might prove ideal for me, especially on Bonfire Night.  I just had a view of the video and it sort of got my attention.  Just curious to see how my other animal friends react to this bedtime book for dogs.  Here's a link that gives further info about the bedtime story developed for us dogs : Simon Callow's Bonfire Night bedtime story for dogs

And now I must go read my human, Gary, a bedtime story.  I shall read him some extracts from the book I am writing about when I was a puppy titled, 'My First Bark'.  

51 comments:

  1. Great post!!! I was looking after a friends dog during Halloween, well, she was so scared that she hide down in the basement for the night. I could barely get her up and out the next morning for her walk. She was so terrified. With a dog's keen sense of hearing the sound of fireworks must be hundred times our what we hear. Wow, that is loud!!! Sending many blessings to you Penny and say hi to Gary!!!

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    1. Hi Suzanne,

      Thank you and 'apawlogies' for my delay. The fireworks have finally ended and now I can type! I'm so sorry to read about your friend's dog. Oh yes, with our fine sense of hearing, the sound is intensified and so is the fright for us more nervy dogs.

      Thank you for your thoughtful wishes and I shall pass on a hi to Gary. "Hey Gary! Get out from under the blanket! The fireworks have ended!"

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  2. Aw, poor Penny. That's how it is 4th of July in America. Too many stupid people with firecrackers running around.

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    1. Hi PT,

      Ah yes, stupid people and fireworks. Seems to happen on both sides of the Atlantic. Thanks, my human friend.

      Pawsitive wishes, Penny :)

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  3. Penny and Gary, when we were kids we always used to go to the fireworks display at Alexandra Palace. That was the funnest time! We never did fireworks at home because of the safety issue.

    Jai

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    1. Hi Jai,

      Your family were very sensible and I reckon you got to see way more fireworks. More humans should be as safety conscious. If nothing else, think of the cost of purchasing fireworks. Thank you, Jai.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  4. Hi Y'all,

    Oh Penny, I have a dear friend here who is terrified of loud noises of any kind.

    Some of our states here won't allow sales of fireworks and displays are controlled public presentations. Other states like where we live, everyone seems to have displays. It is beautiful along the waterfront. People gather in their boats to watch. However it terrifies the birds. They have gone to roost and you hear the terrified shrieks as they flea from the trees with exploding lights all around them. It is very sad. Humans tend to be thoughtless toward us non-humans and even toward each other.

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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    1. Hi Hawk,

      That's a start where at least some of your States have just controlled public displays. Although, still at the fright of the poor birds. Over here, you can purchase fireworks at the age of 18 human years. They are readily available and the silly humans set them off in the street terrifying animals of all sorts. Thank you, Hawk.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  5. Penny, dear,
    I'm sorry they'll be blowing things up and hurting your ears again. We humans are quite inconsiderate of everyone around us.

    I hope you can curl up with your employees and maybe wear some earmuffs so the noise isn't so harsh to your sensitive hearing.
    Wishing you comforting cuddles,
    Laura
    x

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    1. Hi Laura,

      I think a number of humans get caught up in the moment and sure don't have any consideration for us scared creatures.

      I had both my humans keep me distracted by playing a few fun games with me. Gary put on some strange radio station named "Planet Rock" and the DJ was some guy named Alice Cooper. That was real scary! :) Thank you for your words of comfort, my dear human friend.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  6. Dear Sweet Penny, I will send you comforting thoughts on November 5th for I do not want you to be upset or nervous. We live in a very quiet country area so do not often hear the bangs and see the lights.

    We loved the story man. I think we need to get a tape of him.

    Love
    Bert

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    1. Hi Bert,

      Your comforting thoughts are greeted with much gratitude. We have survived another night of loud bangs and bright lights. We live on the outskirts of town, but it doesn't stop the silly humans from setting them off out on the street. I wish they would go to a public display, way off at the park.

      It is such a nice, soothing story, Bert. I hope you could understand the human's English accent! :)

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  7. Ah, Penny, you're such a good human-keeper. Gary's very lucky to have you. I, myself, feel much better knowing you're taking care of him and Tristan. You're such a dear puppy-lady, Penny. Sweet dreams and happy weekend. Oh, no fireworks at this house this year.

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    1. Hi Joylene,

      Gary and Tristan know how lucky they are to have me in their lives. I comfort them and during the frightening last few days, they have comforted me. Thank you, Joylene. Thankfully, the fireworks have stopped.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  8. Bonfire Night can be fun for humans but we do need to remember our non human friends who can find it confusing and distressing. I heard about Simon's audiobook on the radio this morning sounds like a great idea. His voice is so soothing.

    Have fun and stay save :)

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    1. Hi Suzanne Furness,

      Oh for sure, Bonfire Night can be a fun time for humans. Just a bit of common sense and the awareness the distress it can cause us animals, would help a great deal. I heard a bit of Simon's audiobook on Radio 5 Live and checked it out in full. His voice is almost as soothing as my human, Gary's voice :)

      Thank you for your safe wishes.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  9. Great post, Penny - if I could clap I would, but I am wagging my tail - see? Wag wag wag! My poor sister used to be so frightened and upset by fireworks and I get scared if there are a lot. People are so thoughtless when they're letting them off willy nilly at all hours and on several nights. Woofs and Wags, Indy xx

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    1. Hi Indy,

      Hey Indy, what a fast wag you have! :) See me wagging back at you? Wag, wag! Sorry about how your poor sister used to get so scared by the fireworks. And sorry if you get scared when there are lots of them. I sure know how you feel. Why these humans insist on setting them off out in the streets and at all sorts of hours, is beyond me. Thank you, Indy.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  10. Hi Penny and Gary - the fireworks started last weekend here - I don't know how dogs are meant to know when to cover their ears ... seems like it's for a full 10 days or so ...

    But you have a kind caring loving owners and I hope their cuddles will keep you calm and easier with those pops ... I was like you as a kid - I pawsitively hated pops of any kind .. balloons, fireworks .. though I do like the colours and displays - if they weren't so loud.

    I saw the dog audio - and thought what a great idea - so I'm delighted your clever concerned human decided to let us watch it here ...

    With many thoughts at this crackling noisy time ... Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      It started last weekend here, also. I think we endure a lot more days of fireworks than in many other countries. Just before Halloween and a few days after Bonfire Night. It's too much.

      The cuddles and playing of the video, were good distractions to help take my mind off those scary fireworks.

      I'm delighted you enjoyed the video. My humans and I hope it brings some soothing comfort to any frightened dog during these times of bright lights and loud bangs.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  11. Lovely to hear from you again Penny. Jazz n Jewel agree with you about fireworks. Jazz opens the wardrobe door and both of them leap to the top shelf and snuggle down in the jumpers - which then gain a patina of black fur.
    Stay well and happy and thank you for looking after Gary and Tristan.

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    1. Hi The Elephant's Child,

      I know all about the wardrobe routine. One time, it took my humans ages to find me. There I was, trembling in the wardrobe. Hope all is well with Jazz n Jewel and with you.
      I shall continue to look after Gary and Tristan. Well, I will again now that the fireworks have stopped. Thank you.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  12. Penny, hopefully your neighbors exhibit some control and you have a quiet evening. And since this is Saturday morning, I hope Gary enjoyed his story last night.

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    1. Hi Alex,

      Ah, my noisy neighbours have been quiet for eight days! May it continue because they make me tremble, also. Gary enjoyed the story I read him. Yes, he thinks Lassie is well cool. Thank you, Alex.

      Pawsitive wishes and happy writing, Penny :)

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  13. Thank you Penny, for sharing this beautifully read story with us. I'm sure that many a pup will find this mans voice soothing and comforting. Take care sweetie.....curl up under the blankies until all the bad noises are over.

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    1. Hi Delores,

      Most pleased to put up that video. I sure hope that the video with Simon's calming voice, will be of much comfort to all those dogs who are feeling scared. I have surfaced from under the blankets. I think, I hope the fireworks are finally over.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  14. aw poor Penny my cat is the same hates noise

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    1. Hi becca,

      I'm sorry your cat hates noise. I guess you wont have to worry about fireworks scaring your cat until New Year's Eve.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  15. I feel so bad for the doggies and kitties when I am reading everyone's posts about the fireworks...hope you are safe and sound!

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    1. Hi Caren and hello to Cody,

      I am finally feeling safe and sound. We have had several days of very loud fireworks scaring me. I have just about stopped trembling and hope all the other dogs and cats are okay.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  16. hello Gary:
    This is indeed a most timely post. Animals can be so very distressed when Bonfire Night explodes all around them. When we had cats, they found it very difficult to relax at all and seemed to be in a permanent state of stress. However, we did not have the benefit then of your wonderful tip of Book at Bedtime....now, why did we not think of that?!!!

    Take care, Gary and Penny!

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    1. Hi Jane and Lance,

      Oh yes, what we experience and for a very long time, makes it a most frightening time of the year. We animals can be most sensitive and this stress doesn't need to occur. If only more humans would use a bit of consideration. And the soothing book at bedtime story can be a most helpful distraction to dogs and perhaps cats. Perhaps you might do a cat related bedtime story video?

      You take care, my human friends. I shall pass on your wishes to Gary.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  17. This is so cute. The story. Bless. Lardy tries to hid inside me when some fools let of fireworks nearby, Penny. There isn't any room for her in there! So we both sympathise/empathise. x

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    1. Hi All Consuming,

      Ah yes, such a lovely story. I'm guessing that Lardy tries to hide inside the house when the fools set off the fireworks nearby. Gary and Tristan find me to be following them everywhere around the house. I am real small and they have been known to trip over me.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses to you and Lardy, Penny xx

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  18. Excuse me, but I have this urge to go outside, and... I don't really know why. Feel like I'm chasing my own tail.
    I dislike fireworks, Penny. You be safe and enjoy the story. xx:)xx

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    1. Hi Dixie,

      Oh I know all about urges to go outside. Although, during the fireworks, getting me outside is almost impossible. Gary wonders why his socks are wet. Trust him to stand in the puddle on the carpet! :)

      The story was enjoyable and I shall stay safe. Make sure you stay safe and be careful chasing your tail! Arf! Arf!

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  19. Oh lovely Penny I do understand your fears. My dogs share them, actually my big gal Betty is very furious with them. I must confess I'd like to hear you tell that story, you must be a very talented reader :).

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    1. Hi Petronela,

      My lovely human friend, I share Betty's fury with those who set off the fireworks. I can tell a 'tail' or two. My reading is right up there with my um pawblished pawsts! :)

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  20. Ask Gary to make a nice cozy bed in a closet somewhere in the center of the house. That's I always did for my girl, Maleah. Then I'd turn on the fans and white noise machine to help drown out the fire crackers. I really helped.

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    1. Hi Nancy,

      Very good suggestions, my delightful human friend. I know that such distractions could be of great help. Thankfully, my humans did their best to keep me busy and gave me loads of cuddles.

      Oh, well done on having your book published. We are both thrilled for you :)

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  21. Hi Penny,
    I do hope your bonfire night went smoothly (not too many bangs and crashes) and you didn't get too stressed. I look forward to reading your book, "My First Bark". I'm sure it will be inspirational to dogs everywhere! Oh, and please say hello to your human, Gary, for me.
    Very Best Bonfire Night Wishes,
    David.

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  22. Hi David,

    Thankfully, my human friend, Bonfire Night was fairly quiet. And so I had a pretty calm evening. And of course, my other book, "I Can Read You Like A Bark", is about teaching humans how to learn to read in dog language. Oh, my human who is hovering in the background, says hello to you. He also mentions he got the dreaded questionnaire in the post on Saturday.

    Pawsitive wishes, Penny!

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  23. I'm feeling left out by not being able to celebrate Bonfire Night here in the States, although we do have other occasions with fireworks that get my dog in a tizzy too. I hope it is a fun, yet safe, night for all

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    1. Hi Heather,

      Bonfire Night was reasonably quiet this year. We animals get subjected to almost two weeks of fireworks from around Halloween to the weekend after Bonfire night. I survived and my humans kept me distracted.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  24. dogs should not play with fireworks. I think Smoky the Bear said that.

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    1. Ah yes, because if a dog played with fireworks, it could end up as powdered toast, man! I think Yogi bear is your hero.

      Pawsitive wishes, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)

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  25. Hope you enjoyed yourself Penny, and it wasn't too scary!

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    1. Hi Jaye,

      I got a tingle in my paws :) Thankfully, my moments of trembling weren't as bad as some years.

      Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx

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  26. No one can outdo Samuel L. Jackson reading a book out loud. I repeat...no one. But this one for dogs is good. If I owned one, I'd encourage him to listen to it.

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  27. Hi Penny,

    It's me again. I know Guy Fawkes night has passed but I have to agree with you... making unnecessary frightening noise is both unfair to pets and sensitive humans. There's no excuse and other ways to celebrate special days of the year.

    Take care!

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  28. Hi Kelly,

    Yes it's me, Penny, looking rather strangely like my human, Gary. Ignore his mug! Arf! Arf!

    Thank you, my human type buddy. There is, like you state, no excuse for all those bright lights and loud bangs outside the home. These silly humans should go to controlled public fireworks.

    Pawsitive wishes and you take care, Penny

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.