Celebrating the Dog Days of Summer with a Pup Named Drake
Illustration courtesy of nationalgeographic.com.
When most people hear the term “dog days,” they think of simmering summer afternoons and hot canines lazing in the shade. But as you probably know, these 39 days have nothing to do with our canine companions, but rather with the stars above, specifically Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which means “Larger Dog” in Latin. Ancient astronomers believed that this huge constellation represented Orion’s hunting dog. And if you peer into the pre-dawn sky this month…and use your imagination…you just might be able to make out this heavenly hound.
(For Howard and me, Sirius has yet another fun connotation. “Howard 100” on SiriusXM radio is Howard’s home away from home!)
For people in animal rescue, the phrase “dog days of summer” conjures yet another image, and it’s painful even to think about: dogs chained outside in the blazing heat with no shade, no water, and no shelter. This is illegal in more than 20 states, and we should all be willing to contact police or animal control officers when we see dogs suffering like this.
Summer also poses other threats to our pets. My colleagues at Animal League America have put together a fact sheet on pet safety issues for summer. I urge you to read it and share it you’re your friends, neighbors, and community. Consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about these issues and spread the word. Sometimes people are cruel, but sometimes they are ignorant and would benefit from this information.
While rescue work is often beautiful, it is also tough. Every day I learn about animals who have been neglected, have suffered, or are still suffering — dumped, abandoned, horded, bred. People move and leave their pets behind in locked apartments…or chained in the backyard. Families refuse to take or help place the beloved pets of their deceased or sick family members. Not long ago, I received 29 emails in one day about cats/dogs/ bunnies who need help. I wake up at night thinking about them.
I haven’t met these four additional adults who are also looking for homes at Animal League America, but my partners tell me they are equally wonderful in their own unique ways. Here’s some of what they say about these good dogs. Please visit animalleague.org/adopt to learn how to meet these great dogs.
I expect that someday I’ll have another doggy in my home, but for now I’m very happy to encourage responsible pet people to consider adopting dogs like Drake, Al, Ruby, Dune, and Esme, each deserving of love, companionship, and to be the Dog Star, like Sirius, in some lucky family’s life.
And here’s a reminder: More often than not, cats and dogs can be best buddies. In fact, for my adopters who have introduced a new kitten to a resident dog who has known or been around cats, it has it has always worked out beautifully. Two of my favorites are Marble, who was adopted as a kitten in 2018 (pictured below left with her pooch pal) and one of the divine marshmallow kittens, Coco Marshmallow, with her 70-pound Pittie brother, Hooch. If only everyone on the planet could get along this well.
xo
Beth
P.S. If you’re wondering how I met darling Drake, it was during a photo shoot for North Shore Animal League America’s 2023 Calendar. (I cannot believe we are already more than halfway through 2022!) I was thrilled to spend time with some of the most wonderful dogs and cats in the world, including a few familiar faces like my recent tuxedo nuggets and gorgeous Mama Stella Marshmallow — and all for such a great cause! Net proceeds from the sale of this calendar will support the work at NSALA for years to come. I promise to keep you posted about how to order yours as soon as details are available.