The Dog Days of Summer!

This past week, Jefferson and I have truly experienced the “dog days” of summer phenomena. 

Historically, the term “dog days” was coined by the ancients who recognized that Sirius (the “dog star”) rises and sets with the sun.  But, during July, Sirius is in conjunction with the sun and the ancients believed that the heat from Sirius was added to the heat from the sun resulting in a stretch of hot and sultry weather.   This time frame was about 20 days before Sirius’ conjunction to about 20 days after – roughly July 3^rd – August 11^th.  

According to Webster’s dictionary, “dog days” is defined as:  

1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere
2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity 

 Indeed, it has been extremely hot and humid, temperatures in the mid 90s and humidity nearing 70% or more – weather certainly not very conducive to outdoor agility activity.  So, Jefferson and I (and kitty, Madison too!) have enjoyed a prolonged indoor stay, minus my daily two-hour mid-afternoon break to form a relaxing flotilla in my parents’ neighborhood pool.  Aahh…the good ole “dog days” of summer!  

But, I am starting to feel the boredom of the “dog days” period of stagnation or inactivity.  Jefferson’s only trick he has learned this week is how to give a “high five.”  Not feeling too much energy to teach anything else!  While vegetating on the couch, it has been energizing to have the opportunity to watch the 2012 Olympics; hearing the inspirational personal stories of athletes; awarding of gold medals; the playing of the national anthem; and especially the extreme athleticism of the swimmers.  During the men’s synchronized diving, former Olympic athlete, Greg Louganis was in the audience.   In addition to being a former Olympian, he is also a dog agility competitor at both the regional and national levels.  Here’s what Louganis has to say about dog agility:

Again, Greg Louganis echoes that dog agility is an active sport for both the dog and handler, and it is about “having fun.”  Of course, it sure is a lot easier to “have fun” outside when the temperatures are not in the grueling 90s!! 

So, with only 12 days left of my official “summer break” before school starts back, I feel rested and ready to begin training for fall trials.  This summer respite has been a good break for both me and Jefferson…. 

"A good vacation is over when you begin to yearn for your work."  ~ Morris Fishbein