Feels like a Faux Fourth...

Usually my entire house is decked out in all things Americana for the 4th. It's one of my favorite holidays. 

This year is different, as most of my decorations are boxed up for our move. I managed to keep a few things out, because I would feel sacrilegious if I did not have some sort of patriotic decor! It's bare-bones minimum, just enough to keep me from feeling all Benedict Arnold-y.

 Uncle Sam on my Hoosier Cabinet

  

In addition to the stress of selling and building a home, our 8 year old Beagle, Charlie, had surgery 2 weeks ago. He had bi-lateral ACL repair and is on strict cage rest. This was his 3rd major surgery since October. His first surgery was a ventral slot repair, to fix 2 blown discs. In April, he blew his first ACL and we went with a conservative surgery. We knew that the risk of his other ACL blowing was not a matter of if, but when. We just didn't expect it to be 8 weeks after his first surgery...which ultimately failed. Our vet decided to do both legs at the same time...really no other choice. His recovery has been progressing quite well, albeit slow. Our other dog, Lola, had the same neck surgery in April. We did not know that over the years, jumping off the bed would cause such damage. Charlie was a rescue dog...I lovingly refer to him as the most expensive free dog ever.  

Charlie is NOT a fan of the aqua treadmill!

So, between taking the critters to therapy and doling out meds, and trying to pack AND have meetings about the new house, my seasonal decorating is pretty lame. Pun intended. Not to mention the expense of it all. You try not to add it all up and I realize how blessed we are to have been able to help them heal from what could have been a fatal neck injury. But wozwers, it was pretty pricey. When people see my dogs, I laugh and tell them they are looking at what would have been my future facelift, or blinged out stove. 

source 

But a facelift or blinged out stove won't love me unconditionally. They won't howl for joy when I walk into a room. Oh, and they also won't cover me in their fur or roll in deer poop, but whatevs. It's the least we could do for these little creatures who have nothing but love for us. 

The Fourth of July is their LEAST favorite holiday. The fireworks cause them much distress. They are the same way during thunderstorms. I didn't want to drug them, so we bought a Thundershirt for each of them. LIFE SAVERS, I tell you! (No compensation here, but I just love this product) Charlie would get so upset I really thought he was going to have a heart attack. Lola tried to dig a hole to China in our carpet. Now, they are still concerned, but their anxiety has been reduced by 75%. Not. Even. Kidding. Tractor Dan scoffed at the idea at first, but as soon as the radar looks like it's going to be nasty, he runs to get their shirts. 

Best things for our dogs since peanut butter!

  

Our 4th will be pretty laid back, with Charlie still on cage rest.  

We will calm the dogs down as our neighbors shoot off fireworks, and maybe have my parents & the kids over to throw a few burgers on the grill. I know they are going to be underwhelmed at my decor for the 4th, but I will promise to make up for it next year.  

Have a safe and happy 4th!

linking up at Common Ground's Patriotic Party!
and at The Farmhouse Porch's Cowgirl Up!