05/11/2026
🎆 BONFIRE NIGHT. A NIGHT OF FUN FOR SOME, A NIGHT OF TERROR FOR OTHERS. 💔
It’s Bonfire Night tonight, and once again the skies will be filled with fireworks.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate. My own dogs aren’t bothered by fireworks in the slightest. They can sleep through the bangs, crashes and whistles without so much as lifting their heads.
But I know that for thousands of dogs, tonight will be absolute hell.
Dogs trembling uncontrollably, panting, pacing, desperately trying to find somewhere to hide. Dogs wedged into corners, shaking in fear, or clinging to their owners because they simply cannot understand what is happening around them.
And their owners? Sitting helplessly beside them, doing absolutely everything they can to offer comfort and reassurance.
These dogs aren’t being silly, dramatic or naughty. They are absolutely terrified. Fear is fear, and no animal should have to endure hours of it simply for somebody else’s entertainment.
And it’s not just our dogs. Think of the horses, livestock, wildlife and all the other animals who have no idea why their world has suddenly erupted into terrifying explosions.
I appreciate that fireworks are a tradition, and I know people enjoy them, but I make no apology for saying that I wish they would ban the things.
A few minutes of entertainment for one person can mean hours of sheer terror for an animal, and sometimes the consequences of that fear last far beyond Bonfire Night itself.
If your dog is frightened tonight, please give them whatever comfort they need. Let them hide, let them cuddle up to you, let them feel safe. You cannot reinforce fear simply by offering reassurance.
And to everyone spending tonight comforting a terrified dog rather than enjoying the celebrations, my heart really does go out to you. ❤️