LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — There's something about this spot at the dog park in Hazleton that Clea finds relaxing, which brings a smile to her owner's face.
"See is a very good friendly dog, but she's very, and she's good with people, but she's just very anxious," said Lori Stish, Freeland.
This week will be a tough one for clea as fireworks will be set off throughout the area, making her even more anxious.
Lori says whatever they do, she won't leave Clea alone if fireworks can be heard at her house, "We left Clea home, and what she did, she got underneath my kitchen cabinets and everything. She moved everything out, all the cleaning products, and that's where she stayed until we got home."
Dr. Kenneth Trippett at the West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital understands, "One of my dogs is extremely noise-sensitive. She'd like hear a thunderstorm 20 miles away, and that'd be it for her," he said.
He says Clea's coping mechanism under the cabinets is not surprising and something owners might want to prepare for ahead of time.
"Best recommendation that I can give for all dogs in general is to set up an area where they are comfortable, whether that's sitting with their owners; it's best to close curtains and all so they can't see out a lot of dogs have their favorite hiding spots whether it's under the bed or in their crate or in a closet someplace if they want to go there just let them," said Dr. Trippett.
There are also over-the-counter and prescription options to help with pet anxiety.
"It's safe for almost every dog. It's not going to cause them any trouble, and it helps a lot of them," said Dr. Trippett.
Dr. Trippett says it's also a good idea to take your dog out early before fireworks start because if they're outside while it's happening, they could get loose.
Clea's plan is to have her 'emotional support human' nearby and hope the fireworks end at a reasonable time so she can get back-to-back massages at the park.