Ah, Monday, we meet again. As if dragging ourselves out of bed after a weekend of Netflix and snacks wasn’t hard enough, it’s also a holiday week! I can already hear the collective groan of commuters reluctantly acknowledging the existence of another work week.

But wait—there’s a silver lining. With the holiday looming, there’s hope that the trains, buses, and highways will be a little less congested. I mean, who doesn’t love a slightly emptier commute? Fewer people to bump into, fewer coughs to dodge, and maybe—just maybe—a chance to snag a seat! As if we needed another reason to be cautiously optimistic.

However, while the reduced commute chaos brings a slight smile to my face, my dogs are already quaking with anticipation of tonight’s fireworks. You see, for my furry friends, the Fourth of July isn’t about celebrating independence. It’s about surviving the Armageddon of noise.

Every year, like clockwork, they transform into trembling bundles of fur, seeking refuge in the only place they feel safe: the bathroom. I’ve tried everything to calm them down—soothing music, comforting pats, even those fancy thunder shirts. But nothing works quite like the fortress of ceramic tiles and cool porcelain.

So, as I brace myself for another round of Monday madness and evening fireworks, I can only hope that the commute is smooth, the coffee is strong, and my bathroom remains the safe haven it always is. To all the other pet parents out there dealing with the same ordeal, I salute you. May our pets find peace, and may we all survive another Monday—holiday style.