Puppy Dog Tales - August 2016

The Dog Days of August

What do dogs think about during the summer when it's too hot to go outside and play?  Daisy Mae, columnist and seizure-alert dog, clues us in.

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The constellations Canis Major and Lepus

 It’s hot and my allergies are acting up. I am allergic to Eastern Cottonwood and Short Ragweed, Russian Thistle and Yellowdock, which is unfortunate for a dog whose native career is to herd sheep.

As few sheep are raised and grazed on Astroturf, herding is not what I do. I am a journalist. When I am not writing my column I accompany my person as a Seizure Alert Dog.

Are you hot?  I sure am, and being in the dog days of summer — a period from about July 3 to August 11 — doesn’t make it any better. Why is it called the dog days, anyway?

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That’s because the star Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, (Latin for “Greater Dog”) is also the brightest star in the northern hemisphere’s summer sky. Did you know that there are 88 constellations and that 42 of them have animal names?

When I am hot I do a lot of lying around and trying to be in cooler surroundings. Because of that I see a lot just by being in the same room with people and I guess I am privy to more conversations between humans than the rest of my pals.

Daisy Mae

Your words give me much to think about. One thing that I ponder on is how utterly dependent you humans are on us when you express yourselves. References to animals are ingrained in your day-to-day commun

A person who is really fancy is “the cat’s meow.” You refer to someone working industriously as “busy as a beaver.” How about “snug as a bug in a rug”? Then there are “fat cats,” “old goats,” and “bookworms.” Humans can be “as happy as a clam,” “horsing around,” or living “a dog’s life.” And what does “it’s raining cats and dogs” mean?  Wouldn’t it be a little strange if I were to get together with my female friends and have a “hen party”?

Now as for you humans and your inclination to mess with our heads, it is my belief that you spend an inordinate amount of time dressing us up, putting odd things on our bodies and taking photos. Flattering to get the attention but strange behavior for us to behold and endure. I found this video on YouTube that highlights Halloween costumes.

Now as for you humans and your inclination to mess with our heads, it is my belief that you spend an inordinate amount of time dressing us up, putting odd things on our bodies and taking photos. Flattering to get the attention but strange behavior for us to behold and endure. I found this video on YouTube that highlights Halloween costumes.

Look at the faces on the pets and the people. Who seems to be having the most fun? Who are the adults here? Wow! This is fun. On behalf of my fellow named animals I’m feeling pretty important. We really are the center of your world.
 
Here are a few tips you may want to follow. I am making sure that I do not go out in the heat of the day. When I do go out I pick a spot with shade or I do not venture out. I don’t wear shoes, so pavement is hot! Walks early and after sunset are all my feet can handle.
 
If I can’t go into a building I refuse to be left in the car. A girl could get in heat stroke territory or worse in just a few minutes. I drink plenty of water, changed frequently during the day. Groady grows quick in warm water. I get an allergy bath once a week and a good daily brushing. Then there is always the pool!

Wear your life vest and never swim alone.
 
Happy rest of summer. Keep your feet dry and your tail high
 Love, Daisy Mae