A Hatch Warren nurse has pleaded with the public to stop using fireworks to show appreciation for NHS workers during the weekly Clap for Carers event.
Claire Jackson, 43, is a nurse at Basingstoke hospital and works "long, stressful, emotionally draining days".
She says she absolutely loves the Clap for Careers on Thursday evenings and that makes her feel supported.
But a recent trend of people letting off fireworks has soured the moment.
"I have a rescue dog and when I get home on a Thursday after a gruelling 12 hour shift I am faced with my husband trying to settle our dog who is panting, pacing and shaking with fear from the noise," she told the Gazette.
"To see my beautiful girl reduced to a quivering wreck is utterly heartbreaking.
"Some of my colleagues have young children who are upset or spouses that have PTSD from serving in the military."
Mrs Jackson and her husband got their pet Mabel last July and since then she has grown in confidence.
She said back in autumn fireworks on a nightly basis for three weeks straight "almost destroyed Mabel."
"She would cower under the table or behind the sofa, shaking and panting in fear," she added.
"For weeks afterwards she would flinch at any unexpected noise or flicker of light.
"The vet gave us medication for New Year’s Eve which helped but it isn’t something we want to do on a regular basis."
But now that people have started back up with them, she fears what will happen to her beloved pet dog.
"Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a killjoy," Mrs Jackson said.
"The clapping for all key workers is truly wonderful. It makes me feel so supported by my friends and neighbours during this challenging time.
"But, I now feel that some people are using the occasion to show how much noise they can make rather than how much support they can show. It’s got to the point that I dread 8pm on a Thursday because of the impact it is having on both Mabel and I.
"I come home from a 12.5 hour day at work and, instead of unwinding and trying to process the events of the day, I spend an hour trying to reassure and comfort Mabel. I’m just exhausted by it all."
She hopes that by speaking out, that next time 8pm on a Thursday rolls around, people will be a bit more considerate of others.
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