Dog Days of Summer
It's official, the Dog Days of Summer are upon us. In Arizona, these days are characterized by hot and humid days that may resolve in afternoon thunderstorms or desert dust storms called haboobs.
But where does this term originate from? We need to look back to Ancient Greece and Rome for that answer. This time of year, July to Mid-August, coincides with the heliacal (morning) rising of Sirus, the Dog Star. The Greeks and Romans thought the morning rising of this star contributed to the hotter temperatures that occur this time of year. The Egyptians also used the rising of Sirus as a “watchdog” for the Nile River’s flooding season.
For us, the “Dog Days of Summer” are typically the time of year when we add members to our four-legged family. In July 2020, we added “spicy” girl Callie to our home and this year in July we added a “savory” Sage into our lives. Both girls were adopted from the Pinal County Animal Control Center. On an average day, this center deals with hundreds of strays from around the county, but they are currently in the middle of major renovations and space is tight. So tight, that most kennels are double occupied, combine that with our desert heat, and all the dogs are stressed. If you have thought about adding a companion to your home, consider adopting from this local shelter. The Pinal County Animal Control has been offering low-cost adoption fees, which include vaccinations and a spay or neuter for your new pet. If you can’t add a friend, they do accept monetary donations, or donations of food, blankets/towels, and animal accessories. If you can open your heart, you will get so much more in return.