Borderland pups frightened by fireworks

DOÑA ANA COUNTY, New Mexico -- The Romero family is unfortunately, all too familiar with with Independence Day pup emergencies.

"It’s sad because we know it’s coming every single year and we know that we want to take care of them," said Arsenio Romero. "But we also know people to celebrate the Fourth of July.”

Over the holiday weekend, Romero's pooch Bentley chewed up his dog bed while experiencing firework anxiety. A few years ago, his microchipped pup Ace escaped on Independence Day, only to return one year later.

"Ace was gone for one year," Romero explained as he juggled five dogs. "Fourth of July to Fourth of July. Because of the fireworks.”

Across the Borderland, anxious pups ducked under tables, chewed up couches and hid inside bathrooms. A total of 190 Doña Ana County residents called 911 to complain about fireworks.

"My dogs are really going to have a heart attack," said one 911 caller.

"Our dogs were so scared and traumatized by the fireworks," Jasmine Valenzuela told ABC-7. "I’ve noticed their pupils dilate and their hearts race when they hear even the slightest bit of fireworks and there’s not much we can do that will help them."

Valenzuela and her one-year-old son couldn't sleep in their homes for several days because the fireworks drove her dogs crazy.

"Our poor dogs just have to suffer through it because nothing comforts them during that time," she explained.

The president of the Humane Society of Southern New Mexico had a major recommendation.

"We want to see them all microchipped," said Frank Bryce. "It just works so well to get them home.”