a.     Named after the Greek God, Canidae, God of Sun and Light

b.      Named after the astrological constellation Siruis, or “Dog Star”

c.      Named after a symptom of heat stroke, which causes humans to pant, similar to that of a dog

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If you guessed “B”, you are correct!

The term “dog days”, often used to describe the hottest days of summer (between July and September in the Northern Hemisphere and January and March in the Southern Hemisphere), stems from the ancient belief that Sirius, or Dog Star, is responsible for the hot, stagnant weather.

The Romans believed Sirius, the brightest star in the Canis Major (Large Dog) constellation, controlled the heat of summer because of its brightness and close proximity to the sun.  Since heat was associated with wine turning sour, dogs turning mad, and man burning with fever, the Romans sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of the “dog days” season in order to calm the tyranny of “Sirius.” Seems a little far-fetched to us.

Apparently, the Romans never discovered the joys of swimming with a canine companion in the heat of summer!

Camp Terms Defined (via camping-tips.com):

Camp spot: the most likely place for wind velocities to exceed fifty miles per hour, five minutes after you have spent 2 hours setting up your camp.

Lantern: a device for singeing the eye brows and eye lashes off anyone closer that 5 feet when it is lit.

Tent: A portable outdoor home used to protect one from the elements unless it rains, snows, the wind blows, it’s cold or hot. It is usually setup with poles. It also has entertainment value doubling as a puzzle. Usually setup after dark using a flashlight with dead or nearly dead batteries.

Camp fire: A device used to heat bacon grease to a temperature hot enough such that it can be combined with cold water, producing entertainment for the kids and a team-building experience for adults as they try to maximize the entertainment. Lighting the campfire itself sometimes serves as good entertainment as well. Also serves as the camp recycle container and television set, and is very useful for choking the camp cook out of the kitchen. Occasionally, you’ll find the odd person actually using it’s heating abilities to get warm as if they were on a rotisserie.

Pre-dawn Alarm Clock: Daddy, I have to go to the bathroom. Did you hear that growling noise? Is something burning? Where’s Gabie?

Sleeping bag: An easy to setup camping bed that has the amazing ability to make warm things hot and cold things colder, especially feet. It doubles as a sponge for soaking up water from leaks in your tent.

Marshmallow: A soft pure white substance that has spontaneous combustion properties. It is also believed by some to have been one of the early prototypes of gorilla glue as it can fuse the fingers of children together.

Ruff Wear’s Definitions:

Camp spot: The exact spot the dog lays as you’re trying to set up.

Lantern: The device that is supposed to prevent you from tripping over the dog in the dark.

Tent: A portable outdoor home, of which the dog takes up the first 50 percent of the space, and tracks debris through the remaining 50 percent.

Camp fire: The device used to roast a perfect hot dog, which is inevitably snagged by dog as soon as it’s hot.

Pre-dawn Alarm Clock: “[Whine, howl, bark]”—in other words, “time to let the dog out to go to the bathroom.”  Then the dog runs after a squirrel and a good 15 minutes is spent calling them back.

Sleeping bag: A.K.A. portable dog bed.

Marshmallow: Sticky-natured substance with properties especially attracted to dog hair.

So next time your sitting ‘round the campfire with your favorite canine, why not serenade them with one of these dog-inspired classic country tunes.

Every Dog Has It’s Day – Toby Keith

Chorus:

See every dog has it’s day dog, when the big dog throws him a bone
One moment in the sunshine when your ducks line up in a row
Lucky dog gets a big ol’ bed, stray dog gets the porch
Every dog has it’s day dog, but today dog just ain’t yours

Howl at the Moon – Cheryl Wheeler

Lyrics:

If I were maybe a wolf or a dog
I wouldn’t have to speak
Wouldn’t have to talk
Just eat my dinner and go for a walk
And howl at the moon.

I love my dog – Cat Stevens

Chorus:

I love my dog
As much as I love you,
But you may fade
My dog will always come through

Move It On Over – Hank Williams Sr

Lyrics:

This dog house here is mighty small
But it’s better than no house at all
So ease it on over (move it on over)
Drag it on over (move it on over)
Move over old dog cause a new dogs moving in

Pull my Chain – Toby Keith

Chorus:

I used to howl at the moon, yeah I’ve been known to roam
Then I caught her trail one day, followed this girl home
I ain’t the same, she knows how to pull my chain

Your turn! Bark at us: What’s your favorite dog-inspired tune?

While parades and some other 4th of July traditions are fun for humans and dogs alike, dogs and fireworks are often at odds.  Either dogs are chasing, barking, and biting at the pyrotechnics, or dogs are deliberately left indoors to keep their stress to a minimum.  With senses ten times keener than humans, dogs are better suited for trail blazing through the twilight hours of the holiday than taking in a Fourth of July fireworks show.  To make sure Fido doesn’t feel left out of the festivities, our town has a pet parade… but if your town doesn’t sponsor a pet-friendly event, here are some ways to incorporate your canine companion into your Independence Day celebration.

1. Take your dog for a swim. Swimming is relaxing for many dogs and will happily tire them out, leaving them more relaxed when the fireworks start.
2. Hike, camp, or backpack in a remote location. Taking your dog to a quiet, lightly traveled area will give you something fun to do together. To keep your adventure festive for the 4th,  pack along some all-American hot dogs or s’mores.
3. Snakes and party poppers. Who says fireworks need to pop, bang, and bust to be fun?  There are a few fireworks like “snakes” and party poppers that are relatively safe, festive, and less noisy than other fireworks.
4. Make your own fireworks show.  Google “firework shows” on your computer, grab a beer, put some patriotic music on your i-Tunes player, and create your own show.  Fido can join with a Happy Hour toast at his water bowl.
5. Have a dog party. Invite your friends and their canines over for a firework-free party.  Some ideas: toss a Hover Craft, BBQ canine and human treats, have dogs “bob” for hot dogs in a bucket or tub full of water, or camp out by a fire in the backyard.

Your turn!  Bark at Us!  What are you going to do with your dog on the 4th?

Rubber toys are great options for fetch because rubber–which is naturally bouncy, nearly indestructible–is also very easy to clean.

Just rinse rubber toys in the sink, or throw in the dishwasher, and they come out looking and smelling like new.  No gummed up, slobber-ridden toy here!

Because rubber is naturally sustainable, and easy to manipulate into various shapes and sizes, the selections are endless.

Here’s a cheat sheet for selecting the best rubber toy based on your dog’s fetch behavior.

Best toy for high-energy, destructive types

While no toy is completely indestructible, the TurnUp™ comes pretty close.  The almost round shape, and lack of nubs and seams makes this toy very difficult for a dog to hold down and chew.  When thrown, it bounces far, high, and in multiple directions; adding extra challenge to each fetch.  The bonus: this toy fits in ball throwers (like a Chuck-It)!

Best toy for puppies and aging adventurers

The tapered shape of the Sqwash™ is great for large or small mouths.  The Sqwash™ is our most pliable rubber compound, making it soft on the teeth–perfect for puppies and senior dogs.  When thrown, the toy stays low to the ground, making it easier to fetch for amateurs or dogs with aching joints.

Best toy for big dogs

The SquareBall™–which is a 3″ cube with substantial weight–is our largest and most dense toy.  The weight and odd shape builds momentum and keeps going, and going, and going…

Best toy for slobbery boys

The Gourdo™ is designed as much for the owner as the dog.  The rope lanyard makes long distance throws fun, while also providing you with a place to grab while avoiding the slobbery rubber end.  Make the slobbery end extra soggy by stuffing the toy with treats.  Your dog will love sucking out the treat while also getting a nice gum massage from the nubs on the exterior.