At Best Friends Fur Ever, we spend every day caring for dogs. But for our Joppa Resort Administrator, Ashleigh Bryant, helping dogs has extended far beyond the walls of our resort.
Before dedicating nearly two decades to caring for dogs at Best Friends Fur Ever, Ashleigh also spent time helping recover lost pets alongside her sister, Kayla Fisher, former owner of A Way Home Pet Trackers. Together, they worked with families during some of their most stressful moments, using trained tracking dogs, scent work, humane trapping techniques, and recovery strategies to help bring missing dogs home.
One thing became painfully clear:
The Fourth of July was one of the busiest—and most heartbreaking—times of the year.
Fireworks can send even the calmest, best-trained dog into survival mode. In just seconds, a dog can slip through an open door, squeeze under a fence, or bolt from a frightened owner.
Because we care deeply about the pets in our community—not just the ones staying with us—we asked Kayla to share the advice she wishes every dog owner knew before the fireworks begin.
We Asked Former Pet Tracker Kayla Fisher…
Why do so many dogs go missing on the Fourth of July?
Kayla:
“Fireworks are the biggest reason. Dogs hear frequencies that humans simply can’t. To them, fireworks aren’t entertainment—they’re frightening. Once that fear takes over, many dogs instinctively run.”
You recovered missing dogs for years. What’s the biggest mistake owners make?
Kayla:
“Thinking, ‘My dog would never run away.'”
“We’ve tracked dogs that had never escaped before. Fear changes everything. It only takes one loud boom and one opportunity.”
What’s the biggest mistake people make?
Taking their dog outside without a leash because ‘it’s just a quick potty break.’
“Even if your yard is fenced, keep your dog on a leash during fireworks. We’ve seen frightened dogs climb fences or squeeze through places their owners never imagined.”
“And please—don’t bring your dog to a fireworks show. They won’t enjoy it.”
What’s the most important thing every dog should have before the holiday?
“If I could only tell people one thing, it’d be this:
- Make sure your dog’s ID tags are current.
- Microchip your dog.
- And make sure that microchip registration has your current phone number.
A microchip only helps if the information is up to date.”
If my dog gets loose…should I chase them?
“This surprises a lot of people, but no.”
“When dogs become frightened, they often enter survival mode. Chasing them usually pushes them farther away—and can put them in danger of running into traffic.”
Then what SHOULD I do?
“Start making calls immediately.”
Contact:
- Local animal shelters
- Emergency veterinary hospitals
- Your regular veterinarian
- Your microchip company
- Local lost pet Facebook groups
Then post clear photos and make flyers.
One trick many people don’t know?
Leave something that smells like you where your dog disappeared.
A worn pair of socks or a recently worn shirt can sometimes help bring your dog back toward a familiar scent.”
How far can a lost dog travel?
“There’s no one answer.”
“It depends on the dog’s age, whether they’re neutered, weather conditions, medical issues, terrain, and whether they’ve been chased by people or wildlife. Every search is different.”
What’s one thing you wish every pet owner knew?
“Prepare before the fireworks start.
- Put your dog somewhere safe.
- Close windows.
- Close blinds.
- Turn on music or the TV.
- Have their leash ready before bathroom breaks.
- Most importantly…Don’t assume your dog will be okay because they were last year.
Every dog reacts differently.”
Before the Fireworks Begin, Do These Five Things
- Check your dog’s ID tags.
- Verify your microchip information is current.
- Keep your dog indoors once fireworks begin.
- Use a leash—even in your fenced yard.
- Never bring your dog to watch fireworks.
From Our Family to Yours
For nearly 20 years, Ashleigh Bryant has dedicated her career to helping dogs feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. Long before that, she worked alongside her sister, Kayla Fisher of A Way Home Pet Trackers, helping reunite lost dogs with the families who loved them.
Together, they’ve seen how quickly a holiday celebration can turn into heartbreak—and that’s why we wanted to share these tips.
At Best Friends Fur Ever, we care about every dog in our community, whether they’re spending the holiday with us or at home with you.
If your dog struggles with fireworks, remember you’re not alone. Whether you need advice or a calm, supervised place for your dog to spend the evening, we’re always here to help.
This Fourth of July, give your dog the gift of a safe, quiet place to relax. Because the best lost dog story is the one that never has to happen.
From all of us at Best Friends Fur Ever, have a safe, happy, and worry-free Independence Day.