Dogs frightened by 4th fireworks fill Bend shelter

As predictable as the colorful, sparkling skies over Pilot Butte on Fourth of July night were the kennels full of frightened, barking dogs at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, scared from their homes and yards by the “pre-show” of legal and illegal fireworks around Bend.

By an hour before the big 10 p.m. show, the Bend shelter’s kennels already were full and they were “having to double up some dogs,” said Lynne Ouchida, community outreach coordinator.

She issued an urgent plea for people to reclaim their dogs when the shelter reopens at 10 a.m. Thursday — “to make space for the dogs we know will be coming in after (Wednesday) night’s big fireworks.

“If anyone has lost a dog, please check www.hsco.org stray page to see photos of strays,” Ouchida said, also asking that people who spot their dog online to call (541) 382-3537 “and leave a message so we know the dog will be reclaimed. But we still need them to get the dog as soon as possible.”

Even before the big show, the Fourth had brought HSCO 10 stray or lost dogs, making for a tally of 26 stray dogs since Monday.