The ancient Romans associated the hot weather with the star Sirius, the “Dog Star”, because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog). Sirius is also the brightest star in the heavens besides the sun. During these dog days of summer, I would like to share a few favorite vintage photos with you. Here are dogs enjoying the beach. Which one is your favorite?

I Rescued A Human Today

by Janine Allen

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.

I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Sophie

Okay folks, here is another springer damsel in distress. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the plight of older dogs who end up in shelters through no fault of their own – often due to changing family circumstances. Their lifelong guardian dies, or becomes ill, or moves into a nursing home, or can no longer afford to care for them. They are likely to be passed over for adoption in favor of the younger dogs. A lucky few, like 8 year old Sophie, are saved by rescue groups. As part of Be the Change For Animals, a group of pet bloggers are posting on causes important to them, and I am choosing to spread the word about the plight of older dogs like Sophie.  English Springer Rescue pulled Sophie from a midwest shelter the day before she would have been euthanized. She had such a bad ear infection her face was completely swollen. Once that was cleared up, it was discovered she had an old hip injury, possibly from being hit by a car, but fortunately surgery was possible. Sophie is expected to make a full recovery! However, she has incurred huge vet bills. Please read her story and make a donation in memory or in honor of your favorite dog. Thank you!

My church congregation includes a guide dog puppy raiser, and occasionally I will see a cute yellow lab puppy in its “guide dog puppy in training” cape, sitting in one of the back pews. I would love to be able to attend a church service such as Perfect Paws, and hope this spreads to other churches. What about you? Would you support a church service for dogs to attend?