Guy Fawkes Night in The United Kingdom
Every 5th of November Guy Fawkes Night is held here in the United Kingdom. Some people call it Bonfire Night and it marks the anniversary of the discovery of a plot organized by Catholic conspirators which included Guy Fawkes, to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London in 1605. If it had been successful King James I of England (King James VI of Scotland) and many parliamentary members would of been in the building. However the conspirators were arrested, tortured and executed.
English Folk Verse (c.1870) Perhaps most widely known in America from its use in the movie V for Vendetta,
Today
To celebrate that fateful night many people light bonfires and set off fireworks. Considering it’s also the last days of autumn, many people use the day to burn their garden rubbish and will make a small bonfire in their own garden. Some towns and cities across the U.K. will organize a bonfire and professional firework displays in parks, and communal spaces.
Guy Fawkes can be very popular due to its so close to Halloween, many people will organize a combined party for Guy Fawkes Night and Halloween. This makes a night of bonfires, fireworks, crazy and spooky outfits, and yes dogs can be right in mix, with their own costumes and hoping to sneak some treats that can be baked from the ashes of the bonfires.
So what’s a Dog to do?
It is natural for some dogs to be afraid of loud noises. It hits and triggers our nervous system which can make us anxious and afraid and our instinct is to runaway, it’s our survival mechanism kicking in and a natural response. Fireworks are so much different that other loud noises, like thunder, it hit all our senses, we see the vibrant bright lights and flashes, we hear sudden booms, and then we can smell the burning scent that fireworks give off and it can be a little overwhelming.
So if you’re nervous about the thought of fireworks, tell your peeps to try and comfort you by some of my paw-handy tips:
- Before the night gets going, have your peeps take you out for a long and energizing walk, this will help to get rid of your excess energy and will help you feel more relaxed during the evening events.
- If fireworks or bonfires are going to go on near your home, tell your peeps to move you to the quietest room of your home while fireworks or bonfires are being set off. Also adding a little soothing music or putting on the Animal channel or favorite program will also help as a distraction. If you have your own crate move it to that room, it will make you feel much more secure in your quiet little den, a little mood lighting will help you to settle down and take a snooze.
- If your a outdoor type of dog, I’d suggest that you pop inside the garage or basement while the festivities are going on.
- Make sure you have your tags on with all your identification. I know of some dogs that get so scared that they just run away from all the noise. Having your information tags and microchip will give your peeps a much better chance of having you being returned home.
- If you are going to be hanging with your peeps during Guy Fawkes Night, have a peak over to your pack leader (that’s your peeps) and see how calm and relaxed they are, this will show you that there is nothing to worry about and will also help you to relax. Remember, though, while peeps communicate with words, we dogs communicate with energy and we’ll look for clues on how we should behave. So if your peeps are not making a big deal or showing excitement about the fireworks, then you’ll learn to be less concerned as well.
- Just because you were a very chilled dog last year don’t assume that you’ll be the same this year. As you get older, you might of become a little more sensitive to loud noise.
- If your bolt and get lost, make sure your peeps contact all local shelters, and check back often. It may take some time before your less spooked and are brought to a shelter.
My Halloween Info-graph with safety tips has some excellent tips that works just as well for Guy Fawkes Night so make sure you check that out too!
Getting dressed up in a silly costume?
Sorry can’t help you with that one, peeps just love it and it does put such a silly grin on their face. I’d suggest that if you’re cool with wearing a outfit, make sure that they give you lots of treats, and if not no tricks!
Happy Guy Fawkes Night!
