Our little town, we have discovered recently, is very fond of things that go “Boom!”

Moving from Arizona, where fireworks are more controlled due to the fire hazard that is the desert, to the “downtown” area of a town with looser ordinances, has resulted in a much louder Fourth of July kick off than we are used to.

To be honest, I really wouldn’t notice or care about the extra noise if it weren’t for my sweet Herbie.

He is an amazing dog but has always been a bit skittish when it comes to loud noises.

He whines and pants and hides in corners. Eyes as wide as saucers.

On the advice of my brother, who is a dog behavioralist, I am rewarding each boom with a special treat. The other dog and both of the cats want in on the action even though they hardly notice the extra noise.

So if you need me tonight (and probably into tomorrow) I will be tossing turkey bits to one scared dog while the rest of the crew horns in on the action and I pour myself another glass of wine…..