Happy Fourth - or was it

Happy Belated Fourth of July....
Isn't their another way of celebrating our Independence Day though than setting off fireworks and scaring most animals to their breaking point? I used to enjoy fireworks until I realized how dangerous they can be to an animals health. I've had 2 $400 vet bills to alleviate Skye's Hemmorhagic Gastro Enteritis which is triggered by stress. We do our best to keep him away from the noise, but even after the 4th, kids are running around setting them off on a whim. Last night we were enjoying sitting out on our porch when one went off (tossed onto the sidewalk in front of us) and poor Skye took of to his place under the bed. I understand wanting to celebrate our fine country's independence, but couldn't we instead start a new, quieter tradition that isn't so devastating to animals. Just a thought.