Last Saturday, my husband and I were enjoying an evening of beautiful weather. Air conditioner off, windows wide open, fresh air blowing through the house. Then “they” began. Fireworks.

We groaned. My husband and I have two dogs who are terrified of fireworks. They can’t understand the loud pops and bangs. We can’t understand why Prozac for dogs exists. Not all dogs fear fireworks, but our dogs were rescued, one from Mississippi, one from Memphis. If you support or use fireworks, you might not care about shaking dogs hiding under furniture. After all, it’s temporary. And they’re dogs.

So, new topic. Most of you support veterans and those in the military. Some of those you support suffer from PTSD. Have you ever thought of the impact of fireworks (especially unexpected illegal fireworks next door or down the street) on some PTSD sufferers?

I have, because I can see the impact on my dogs, and they aren’t people who survived war or another horrific event. If, when fireworks are exploding nearby, no one need remind you that you’re safe, take a moment to appreciate your place of comfort.

If the PTSD/fireworks issue is new to you, I understand. But now you know, so you have a choice to make. It’s a difficult choice because you possess a competing right: the right to enjoy a town fireworks display. That’s what choice is about. None of us exercises every right we have, so why not forego a right we have, perhaps one that isn’t even important to us, like watching fireworks, for a good cause, like lessening the pain of others even if the “problem” isn’t really ours?

Thank you for considering it and for considering contacting your town to begin a new tradition. For more information about how fireworks can affect veterans, visit va.gov/hines-health-care/stories/how-your-fireworks-may-affect-americas-veterans/.

Kathleen Perez

Turners Falls

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