This article was featured in WYDaily on 6/30/23.

The dog days of summer are here so what better way to cool off than entering this year’s Fourth of July Ice Cream Eating Contest benefiting the homeless pets at The Heritage Humane Society. New for this year, dogs are invited to enter or watch the fifth annual contest held with The Hungry Pug Food Truck and Billsburg Brewery. While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, The Heritage Humane Society also shares tips to pet owners for keeping your pets safe and from being frightened during this upcoming holiday.

 

Fourth of July Ice Cream Eating Contest

This year marks the fifth anniversary of this Fourth of July eating contest. While the first four years were hot dog eating contests and only for people, new for 2023, the dogs are invited to be the participants. Also new for this year’s contest, participating dogs will be chowing down on ice cream. (Oh, and yes, animals can get brain freeze, however, since the dogs will be eating the ice cream because of enjoying it rather than knowing it is a competition, they likely won’t encounter it.)

Interested participants can sign up their pup for the Fourth of July Ice Cream Eating Contest. Only 40 contestants are allowed to participate and if there are any remaining spots at the competition, they can sign-up there, as well. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest ice cream eater and the most sponsored dog.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, adoptable dogs, Heritage Humane Society merchandise, delicious food and award-winning local craft beer. Pet lovers can also add to their fun summer memories by entering their pet into the Hello Summer Pet Photo Contest.

“We want to give back to local nonprofits. The Heritage Humane Society has always been one that is close to our hearts since we adopted our Mojo Chug almost 8 years ago,” shares Scott Coelln, Owner of The Hungry Pug Food Truck. “We love what Heritage does for the community to help our furry friends. This will be the 5th year of this event. We thought it would be a fun way to celebrate, give back and cool off!”

Put a lid on it…and other 4th of July pet safety tips

While the Fourth of July is a time of celebration and festivities, it can be one of the most scary and dangerous times of the year for pets. More pets go missing on July 4th than any other day during the year. Shelters see an increase of 30 – 60% lost pets brought to them July 4-6. To keep them safe, The Heritage Humane Society recommends these measures.

• Fireworks. Pets do not want to see fireworks. For their peace of mind, please leave them at home.

• Events. Pet owners who are accustomed to bringing their pets along for the ride may want to pause and consider if the holiday cookout, special event, or parade show may overwhelm their pet.

• Cookouts. Open, unattended trash cans and the smells of barbecue and other discarded food items can be beyond tempting for pets. One of the top injuries for pets during the Fourth of July is choking on bones or ingesting them, which can require surgery to remove. Trash cans – keep a lid on them. Additionally, hot temperatures can be even hotter for dogs whose paws can burn on concrete or who may become overheated and possibly lead to heat stroke. Pets should never be left in cars, even with the windows open. It’s best to keep pets at home in a cool environment.

The Heritage Humane Society recommends comforting pets who may be frightened by holiday noises and fireworks. Hug them, place them in a safe room, play soothing sounds. There are supplements to help calm them, although you should always check with your veterinarian. Additionally, there are thunder jackets and other calming accessories to help keep frightened pets calm.

Finally, in case your dog, cat or other pet runs away because of being frightened, be sure they are wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information, have them microchipped for easy identification and have a current picture of them to show the shelter, neighbors, and to post online as you search for them.

Could one of these adoptable pets be your ice cream eating contest buddy?

This week’s homeless pet spotlights feature pups who are ready to spend sunny summer days in happy new forever homes:

Hercules. If your summer plans include some fun in the sun, Hercules is the ideal doggie companion. This handsome, brown-eyed boy came in as a stray early this month. In the time he’s been at The Heritage Humane Society, the staff has witnessed him really blossom and gain some heroic strength and courage. He has aced playgroups here, ventured out for a few Fido Field Trips, and used his irresistible smile and personality to steal a few hearts. He would make a great companion on any summer adventure. Hercules loves the water, enjoys going for walks and adores meeting new people. If you have room in your heart and home for a hero like Herc, come meet him today.

King. Say hello to the King of Summer! King is a sweet and gentle monarch who has quickly become a favorite at The Heritage Humane Society with the staff and volunteers. This five-year-old gray and white pup has a big heart to match his large stature. His foster mom says he loves to be outside and he thoroughly enjoys going on long trail walks. She said he is also very good at being a “potato desk buddy” when she works from home. Come meet him. He would love to be king of your castle!

The Heritage Humane Society has more than 230 dogs, cats and small pets currently in their care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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