End of Summer Dog Days!

End of Summer Dog Days!

By David S. Edge

While we still have a few more months of hot weather it’s time to get the kids ready for back to school or maybe get in that last week of vacation before Fall. Regardless of what’s on your agenda, August is either a remorseful month (kids crap! School starts) or it’s exciting (yea! School starts!). Either way, August signals the start of Fall or end of summer. August has lots of holidays in it, and while some are minor, most years everyone looks forward to the major one, Labor Day. But sometimes, like this year, it falls into September. Other August holidays; International Left Handers Day, International Beer Day, International Youth Day, National Sister Day, and the big one National Dog Day. Some of you may not know “National Dog Day” but it’s become a rallying cry to help our furry fourlegged friends. Statistics reveal that there are 3.9 million dogs that are in shelters at any given time. Only 35% get adopted, 26% are returned to owners, and, sadly, 31% are euthanized (1.2 million dogs per year). According to the American Humane Society, the most common reason (29%) for folks to have to give up their dog is place of residence won’t allow animals. It is also estimated that there are approximately 13,600 animal shelters in the USA. That’s a lot of helping hands and volunteers! How can you help? Visit a shelter and adopt a dog! Chances are there is a warm fuzzy guy or gal just looking for you to help you have a more fun filled life! Most shelters spay or neuter before you adopt so no worries on that point. Volunteer at a local shelter as they are always looking for help! Walking, feeding, playing, and medical services are just some of the things you can help with at your local shelter. Another group is the United States War Dog Association. This group assists retired and injured War Dogs who have gallantly served their country in war zones. They need folks who are willing to care for these four-legged heroes! Contact them at http://chapter1.uswardogs.org After 15,000 years of humans and dogs being together, dogs are still the number one animal companion in the good old USA. Sorry Cat people, you are number two. Hamsters come in at number three, then fish, and then mice round out the top five. So if you’re lonely, looking for a very forgiving friend, and someone who will return your love unconditionally, believe me, there’s a dog out there looking for you as a perfect companion! -Bow-Wow!