JACKSON, Mich. — It's no secret that our four-legged friends do not like fireworks.
That's why a local animal shelter decided to be proactive and sent some pooches out for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Tillie and Max are both available for adoption at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Usually, that's where they would be, but this Fourth of July, they got a little vacation.
"We thought what a great opportunity to get a dog out of the shelter and give them some love, and open up some room at the shelter for incoming strays," Paula Freehling said.
Statistically, the Fourth of July is the highest stray intake time for shelters. That's because the loud booms and crashing bangs of fireworks can spook pets, making them pant, shake, or even run away. With this in mind, the Jackson County Animal Shelter held its first "Foster for the Fourth" event, to make room, but also comfort the animals.
"And so last night when the fireworks were going off, we put a movie on, turned it up a little bit so the dogs didn't get scared and you can just relax with them. And so when you see them relaxed and happy, it makes you a little more relaxed and happy," Joel Freehling said.
The Freehlings are avid fosters for dogs and cats and have opened up their home to dozens of animals. They said they could already see the difference in the pups since they came to their house. They hope that others will look into fostering animals on more days than just the Fourth of July.
"You can foster any time of the year, a lot of groups need that type of help, and for us it's this weekend and we are able to do this we're happy about that but if we can just spread the word a little bit; fostering is fun, you're doing something good for the animals, you're helping out, and especially for this weekend, it's a different day for us to celebrate," Joel Freehling added.
Max and Tillie are bonded pair, so if you want to adopt them, contact the Jackson County Animal Shelter at (517) 788-4464.
The animal shelter says that they received ten applications to foster for the event. Because of the fireworks, they added, they had five strays come in on Thursday.
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