Dog Days of Summer by Richard Massey

From Richard: “With the heat we are going through, I thought Dog Days of Summer would hit home with our readers.”

The phrase “dog days of summer” refers to the hot and humid period of summer between early July and early September. The term has celestial origins, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who used the sky to track the seasons. The phrase comes from the Latin dies caniculares, which translates to “days of the dog star”. The Romans called this period the “dog days” because it begins when the Dog Star, Sirius, rises with or near the sun. Sirius is named for its position in the constellation Canis Major, which is shaped like a dog and has Sirius at its nose. The Romans believed that the appearance of Sirius in the sky near the end of July marked the start of the year’s hottest days. 

In Hellenistic astrology, Sirius was associated with heat, drought, thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. Dogs also seemed to suffer more from the heat than humans during this time and were thought to be more likely to go mad. In Western antiquity, the dog days were considered to be among the worst times of year, with folklore suggesting that all liquids were poisonous and that wounds wouldn’t heal properly. 

My favorite solution to getting through these hot, sultry days is to spend time in or on the water with my four-legged friends. Not only does this cool the body, it also warms the spirit by watching these canines frolicking with excited abandonment.

She was a spirited blue healer mix that always had a serious case of the zoomies. Running was by far her favorite past time. That was until Debbie Dibble of “Dogs in Bloom” introduced her to swimming. Prior to adopting Dixie, my wife and I knew little about how to handle and care for a pup. Lori Condon, a very loving and knowledgeable volunteer at the shelter suggested that we contact Debbie for guidance.

Debbie did a great job helping Dixie develop into a well-behaved, happy and healthy companion. Dixie “zoomed” through the training and earned her obedience certificate in no time. It took Debbie a bit longer to get me and my wife trained!

Dixie’s first in-water experience came when Debbie invited us to join her and a few friends for a kayak adventure at Lake Lahontan. The many friends and a dozen dogs all had a refreshing good time.

Debbie provided a life vest for each dog, and they all took turns riding in her kayak…often as many as four dogs at one time! When Dixie and her friends were about fifty yards out, she decided to jump off the kayak and swim to shore. Since this was her first time in deep water, I was worried, but she swam back with no problem and couldn’t wait to do it all over again!

Most fun experiences are better when shared with a good friend. This is true for dogs as well as people. Sam (a hound/pit mix) is Dixie’s best friend. They would spend hours splashing in the water, swimming, fetching sticks, and wrestling in the mud. They loved doing this to the point of exhaustion. Great fun for me and Howard McCandless to watch but what a mess cleaning up! Howard is Sam’s owner and is the chief administrative officer at the Yerington Moose Lodge.

Sam, Howard McCandless and Dixie (carrying her own water, food and bowl):

A few years ago I lost my wife and due to health issues and a change in living conditions I had to rehome my sweet Dixie. I was blessed to find her a loving home with Nohemi E. Marcias, stylist at the Head Games Salon in Yerington. I am pleased to report that Dixie is happy and is living the good life with her two furry friends, Kamali and Baby.

If you are interested in having a devoted companion to help you enjoy the long, dog days of summer, I would encourage you to consider adopting a dog from one of our local shelters. To report a loose or missing animal call (775) 364-8345 or City Hall at (775) 463-3511.  

Yerington Animal Shelter

215 Trowbridge Rd.

Yerington, Nv 89447

Open Mon – Fri, 9 am – 1 pm

https://www.yerington.net/animal-control-shelter

(775) 364-8345

*******

Dogs In Bloom 

41 Panavista

Yerington, NV 89447

775-560-2058

https://www.facebook.com/groups/105450566213660

*******

B.A.R.K. Safe Haven Kennel

Open 7 days a week, 10 am – 4 pm

28 Highway 95A North

Yerington, NV. 89447

https://safehavenkennel.com

(775) 463-1842

*******

ARGONN – Animal Rescue Group of Northern Nevada, Yerington Chapter: specializing in trap, neuter/spay return (TNR) of unhoused cats, homing house & barn cats, and distributing cat food to owners in need.

775-546-3345 or 775-229-3708

argonn.org