Although Missy enjoys the company of humans, when it comes to the Fourth of July, her favorite spot is the bathroom..

Although Missy enjoys the company of humans, when it comes to the Fourth of July, her favorite spot is the bathroom..

The room in the middle of Portage resident Fran Ranger's home is perfect for the 10-year-old Yorkie. Missy doesn't favor the loud outside booms that come with the holiday.

"I keep the air conditioning going, all windows closed, drapes and blinds closed, and televisions going in every room that has one," Ranger said.

Missy isn't the only pet that cringes during fireworks. Many animals alarmed by the thunderous sounds become disoriented and bolt from their yards and homes each year.

Some eventually make their way back while others end up at shelters -- or worse -- lost forever.

Taking simple steps such as creating a comfortable environment for your dog, cat, etc. can save both pet and owner headache and heartache.

Though Mike and Loree McKinney say their greyhound isn't afraid of fireworks, they have friends that either give their dogs a calming herb such as Rescue Remedy or Melatonin or simply keep them inside for the night -- a move the Humane Society of the United States recommends.

While it's tempting to take a pet along to enjoy a family outing to watch fireworks, the organization suggests leaving them at home this time.

Betty Clayton, executive director with the Humane Society Northwest Indiana in Gary, suggests taking small steps over time to help pets deal with their fear of loud noises.

"For the future, owners could seek help from an animal behaviorist," she said. "Certain things can be done over a period of time to help modify the animal's behavior so that it is not so fearful."

Here are tips from the HSUS on keeping Fido and Miss Kitty safe this holiday weekend:

*Resist taking your pet to the fireworks displays. Most animals don't enjoy the noisy spectacles.

*Don't leave your pet in the car. Vehicles can heat up to deadly temperatures in minutes.

*Leave your pet at home, leaving a radio or television on at normal volume. This provides your pet with companionship while attending picnics, parades or fireworks.

*Never leave pets outside and unattended. Even in a fenced yard or on a chain, animals may panic, escape and get lost, or get injured by becoming entangled in their chain.

*Create a home sanctuary. An inside room with no windows or doors to the outside may be best.

*Pet-proof your home. Pets may become destructive when they get scared, so remove anything that can become damaged or might harm if chewed.

*Keep your pets up to date. Make sure your four-legged friend is always wearing updated identification in case he or she gets lost.