Cooling off

We've just arrived home from dog camp at Glen Highland Farm and man was it ever hot up there! We had a string of days in the mid and upper 90s with high humidity.

Ben was more than happy to remain in climate controlled conditions in our lodging. This year he was  much less interested in being around all the activities - even if he had always been the casual observer. I did really miss Ben hanging out with me on the couch during demos/lectures. But he didn't really want to spend time in the Barn so we would find quiet shady spaces outside to hang out in and get out on his favorite trails in the early morning or evening when the temps dialed down a bit. Some folks had no idea that I was there with more than one dog!

Foster pup Janey did great. I was able to get her out and about more than I thought I would be able to. I think coming to Camp did a lot of good in terms of exposing her to people in a very low pressure environment.

Molly was out with me the most, but a lot less than last year (another year older and this darn heat)... hanging out during lectures, walking around with me as we took photos, looking very content and always keeping an eye on me. Part of that was she was waiting for indication that we were headed to water for a swim! She was only a little bit snarky to other dogs, and that was only when she was laying down resting and I don't really blame her. We all get cranky when hot and tired, right?

For the most part, all the campers (41 this year) and their dogs (too many to count!) were troopers in the heat. The dogs, I think, fared better than their human counterparts, as demo'd by Snitch in the water tub (see photo above).

Notably hot

It reached 105 today. I think the dogs knew that I was keeping them out of the heat for a good reason. Yes, as they lay in front of the AC vents around the house, I think they knew it was miserable outside. Molly didn’t even try to get me to toss the Frisbee for her whenever we did venture out for a pee break. When outside, the dogs would relish the heat for a second or two, feeling the warmth contrasting the coolness of their bodies. But it is only a matter of time before they look back at me, squinting in the hazy midday sun, and they run back to come join me in the climate controlled indoors.

A beautiful day! Like!

After being hammered last week with 90 degree temps and 50% humidity and raging pounding thunderstorms, the skies cleared and today we had a beautiful 80 degree day with a gentle breeze. Ben likes that.

Days and daze of dog

Dog days
The star, Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, resides in the constellation Canis Major. All stars shine... but none do it quite like Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky... shining twice as bright as any other star.

In ancient Greek times the dawn rising of Sirius marked the hottest part of summer. This is the origin of the phrase "dog days of summer." The Old Farmer's Almanac lists the traditional timing of “dog days” as the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11.


Dog daze
Often I find my dogs in what I perceive as peaceful, introspective moments, as if in a daze... taking in the morning sun, or evening light. I always wonder what they are thinking when I see them like this. But maybe they are thinking nothing at all, which is the purpose. I’ll come and sit next to them. I’ll gaze out to the horizon and temporarily lose myself to that moment. I’m suddenly aware of the birds chirping, the sway of the trees in the slightest breeze. The encroaching humidity signaling the onset of another hot summer day. And I take it all in. Thinking nothing at all, which is the purpose.

Hello, Summer!