Fireworks at the Crag

Post by **Artsay** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 4:02 pm

On Sunday, some folks lit off some fireworks at Solar. It was funny and we all laughed and they were just little poppers so they weren't dangerous or anything. I really didn't think anything of it; Until I looked for my dogs...

Both my dogs, Maggie and Tika, ran away because the fireworks terrified them. Maggie finally came to my relentless calling with her tail between her legs and obviously extremely scared. Tika never did. I ran around looking for her but never did find her until I hiked back at the car. I was very relieved to find her and she was extremely scared.

I remember my vet telling me that it's shocking the number of dogs that are reported as running away on the 4th of July. Maybe the sound hurts their sensitive ears...I don't know. But I just wanted to let folks know that fireworks and dogs at the crag don't mix very well.

Post by **campusboarder** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 4:37 pm

You mean fireworks and dogs don't mix well in general, or is there something especially terrifying about them put together in high places.

Post by **ynp1** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 4:46 pm

maybe the dogs should be on a leash??? just a thought...

Post by **steep4me** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 4:48 pm

I always have my dog tied up at the crag just so that when unpredictable stuff happens, she can't get away. That would be terrible if you lost one of your dogs for real. Maybe bring a long piece of webbing and find a shady spot for them at the crag? I don't get the firecrackers thing--climbing seems entertaining enough without needing explosives

Post by **Artsay** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 4:58 pm

Please folks - don't make this yet another "your dogs should be tied up" argument. Our dogs are extremely well trained and I tie them up anytime it's necessary. The crag was practically empty and everyone was animal friendly. The issue for me is scaring animals unneccessarily. It was funny when the fireworks went off and I didn't think anything of it but seeing my dogs that scared made me feel sincerely sad for them. I just wanted to let everyone know because the folks who lit the fireworks were kind people and I don't think they would've wanted to scare animals like that. It was just a lesson learned for me and I wanted to pass on the info.

Post by **McDowell** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:06 pm

Dogs have to be trained for loud noises. Even hunting dogs that start training run away at first. Once they are used to the noise then it doesn't bother them. So I wouldn't worry about your pups.

But I do think that any dog at the crag should be on a leash. Just my two cents.

Post by **kentuckysarah** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:19 pm

First of all, Tika and Maggie are two of the most well behaved dogs I've seen at the crag. I think if they were tied up and the firecrackers went off they may have freaked out even more.

I'm very sorry they got so scared...and I will pass on the info.

Post by **goodguy** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:41 pm

All right so I was there on Sunday as well. The dog on a leash thing has nothing what so ever to do with someone setting off fireworks at the crag.

The issue, in my opinion, is that a few people were acting like idiots and setting off fire crackers and regardless of the dog issue it is also completely distracting for people climbing at the crag as well. It causes belayers to lose their focus and for the climbers to get distracted as well. It pissed me off. People go to the crags to climb, not to deal with a bunch of immature little shits. If my dog got scared off and I had to look for him to no avail, only to find him scared and waiting by my car, I wouldn't have been so kind when starting a thread addressing the issue.

Post by **Artsay** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 6:12 pm

goodguy - I appreciate your concern but I don't think the fireworks would've been lit if the crag was busy. It was the end of the day, no one was around, and it was harmless fun. Seriously, it wasn't a big deal and they were set off in the sandy ground. They even waited to light them after I fell and wasn't climbing so as not to distract me.

Sarah - No need to be sorry. I was as surprised as you! Like I said, it's a lesson learned for all of us. It was great seeing you yesterday and I can't wait to see your pics!

Post by **rjackson** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 6:29 pm

Two more cents...

While I understand the thread and can empathize, it seems that once again it's an, 'OK so long as it's not my backyard' kinda thing. Fireworks don't belong at the crag, and neither do dogs that are not leashed. If it is your own private property, then let them run amuck.

No matter how well a dog is trained, if you are not focusing your attention on them then anything can distract them. Fireworks, a hunter, another dog, another person, a bologna sandwich. I have witnessed 'well trained and behaved' dogs lose it at the strangest times and instances because, after all, they are animals that respond to base instincts.

And while fireworks are distracting to climbers, so are fighting (or just playing) animals when near to other parties. And I can't count the number of times on a trail when I have had to stop to keep from being run over because a dog was bounding around me to get something or somewhere.

Dogs are like children. Should you choose to have them, then you must take responsibility for their well-being (complete) as well as their actions - good or bad.

FYI. I have had dogs, snakes, turtles, hamsters, fish, guinea pigs, sea monkeys, venus fly traps and cats. At this time I have two adolescent children and three cats.