Fourth of July Redux

Now on our own, we quickly settled into a comfortable routine. Mornings started with breakfast for Kobayashi, then breakfast for the humans. After that, we headed out for a walk around the neighborhood. Over the days, we explored new streets, connected different pockets of the area, and figured out various options--short, medium, and long--complete with stops at the Little Free Libraries.

Kris and Russ, if you come back for a visit, we've got new routes to share with you!

In the spirit of the season, here are a few of the Fourth of July decorations we spotted around the neighborhood:





Fourth of July Festivities

Before we knew it, July Fourth had arrived. RC invited us to a BBQ at Sara's mom's house, and we happily accepted. It was early enough that we could attend and still be home in time to take care of the boy before the evening's chaos.

We had a whole plan in place: Thundershirt on early, then a good walk around the neighbourhood. But even before the fireworks started, Kobayashi was already acting strangely.

Crazy Kobayashi

After the walk, we loaded him into the car and took him to his favorite Happy Place, which we call "The Cross"--officially known as Mount Soledad Memorial Park, which I blogged about before. 

On the way to "The Cross"

Unfortunately, unbeknownst to us, the Park also happens to be a prime local viewing spot for the fireworks. So I suggested we take him to a different neighborhood for a walk. Different neighborhood, different smells. He was happy. 

Back at home, we put on his little knit cap to help dampen the noise and turned on a movie, hoping it would help mask the sound. Spoiler alert: it didn't. The minute the fireworks began, he was up, panting and shaking like crazy. 


We tried everything--hugs, soothing talk, white noise, even dog-calming YouTube channel. Nothing worked. Poor guy. He was frantic and exhausted.


We finally got him to calm down once the fireworks died off, and we thought--finally, we're home free. 

Wrong.


Later that night, someone nearby lit up another round, and we were back at square one. This time he was truly desperate--pacing, whining, trying to escape. He even begged to go outside. 
Thankfully Ira was coherent enough to leash him up before opening the door--because who knows where he would've run otherwise. 

Four paws on the the tile, he never does that unless it's an emergency!

All four paws on the tile

Eventually, Ira slept with him on the couch, consoling him until the neighborhood quieted down again and Kobayashi could finally rest. It was a long, rough night--for all of us. 

And Then....More Fireworks

Wouldn't you know it--someone had leftover fireworks the next night too. More shaking, more pacing, more comforting. But thankfully, it wasn't as intense or prolonged.

We all survived, albeit a little sleep-deprived. Here's hoping next year Kobayashi gets a quieter Fourth--or maybe some doggy CBD.

A dopo!




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Few New Updates (#250)

Image
This morning we went over to the apartment. We made sure to go early since there's no electricity or lighting at the moment. Many of the rooms look the same, aside from the pile of old doors and materials that have now been cleared. The biggest change by far was the terrace. From the guest bedroom, you can see the progression: what it looked like last spring, what it looks like now...and the rendering of what it will someday become. Notice that the old bathroom is completely gone--you can now see straight through to the terrace. Guest bedroom Spring 2025 Guest Bedroom Winter 2025 (minus the terrace bathroom) Guest bedroom rendering Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they've been able to save many tiles. Our original plan was to repurpose whatever survived into a medallion or faux rug in the foyer. So...we may be moving on to plan B. Tile demolition Below is the view looking out through the former bathroom door--soon to be a window--looking out on the terrace. The thickness...
Read more

A New Lunch Spot, A Little Bonsai and a Lot of Contractors

Image
Just when we started feeling a little smug about knowing our way around town--having our favorite cafes and go-to spots--something happened to remind us how much we still have to discover. Today we had lunch plans with Tim and Izabella. We told them to choose the restaurant, and they picked one we had never even heard of: Villa La Boccia.  There are no signs pointing you there, no flashy advertising, nothing to catch your eye as you drive past--which we apparently do regularly without ever noticing it. So naturally we were curious about this "secret" local spot.  When we arrived, the parking lot was completely full. Completely. The restaurant itself was large, with indoor dining and a courtyard, and every seat seemed taken. We were stunned. How had we missed this place? Luckily Tim had made a reservation--he told us he had tried before without one and failed to get a table. Good thing he planned ahead.  Inside, the place was buzzing and the menu was extensive. It was hard...
Read more

A Busy Last Week in San Diego

Image
Our last week in San Diego arrived faster than expected, and David is feeling the pressure to get as much bonsai work done as possible. If he'd had his way, Ira probably would have been working every daylight hour and only released at night. Unfortunately for David's plan, we already had a few things scheduled. One of those plans was a long-anticipated trip to the zoo with RC. With everyone's busy schedules, this was the first day that worked for all of us. And really, we had to take advantage of our annual pass, right? Kai arrived proudly wearing the gorilla shirt we'd bought him the last time we visited the San Diego Zoo . He was eager to show us how fast he could move and had a great time climbing and weaving his way through the polar bear exhibit.  This time the polar bear was just as active. It definitely pays to visit early in the day. Sadly I stopped recording too soon because right after he jumped into the water, swam toward us, climbed out, and shook himself dr...
Read more