Every year, Second Chance Humane Society and other animal welfare organizations warn about the negative impact of July 4th fireworks on pets. More pets go missing on Independence Day than on any other day. Shelters see numerous frightened dogs and cats who have escaped due to the loud noises and strange smells of fireworks. Those that end up in shelters are the fortunate ones; others may be hit by cars, remain lost, or get injured while trying to escape.

In a rural community such as ours, people love their pickup trucks and their dogs. While we know we won’t convince the truly committed dog-in-pickup defenders, we encourage everyone to consider the following:

Dogs who ride in the backs of pickup trucks can look like they’re having fun, noses testing the wind, and ears flopping freely. They are going places with their parents. However, an estimated 100,000 dogs die every year because of falling or jumping off of pickup trucks. If a driver hits a bump, slams on the brakes, or swerves to avoid an obstacle a dog can easily be thrown from the truck bed.