The Cabarrus County sheriff’s K-9 who bolted from his handler after being spooked by Fourth of July fireworks is fortunate.

He was found safe, but many dogs and cats, startled and confused by the nerve-rattling blasts, are lost or hit by cars as they try to escape.

With fireworks season in full swing and Labor Day around the corner, we can protect our animal companions by distracting them with lots of love and attention, playing soothing background music or turning on the TV, closing the curtains or blinds as well as making sure that they are wearing collars with current identification tags and that they’re microchipped.

— Craig Shapiro

Norfolk, Virginia

Editor’s note: Shaprio works for the PETA Foundation.