DogTails

One day you’ll notice some gray hairs on your dog’s muzzle or around his eyes. About the same time you might see that he isn’t as quick to fetch a stick or to dash out after that squirrel crossing the yard. Just like you, he’s aging.

It’s always a good time  to learn how to care for your senior dog. Aging dogs aren’t very different from aging people. They begin to get gray hair; some won’t see or hear as well as they once did; others might develop arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. And just like you, your senior dog needs a proper diet, exercise, and regular medical care to age gracefully.
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Sunday, September 22 is the first day of the 85th annual National Dog Week. This weeklong celebration was founded in 1928 by William Lewis Judy, affectionally known as Captain Will Judy. A decorated World War I veteran, Judy loved dogs. He founded a publishing house in 1921 and bought Dog World magazine in 1923, which he published for more than 35 years. He also helped to establish the Dog Writers’ Association of America.

National Dog Week was founded to honor our canine friends for their service as well as their loyalty and companionship. In the introduction to his classic book The Dog Encyclopedia: A Complete Reference Work On Dogs, Judy wrote: “Who invests in a puppy receives in return for his investment ten years of companionship, sport, and devotion that he can not purchase elsewhere at any price.”

In keeping with the theme for this year’s celebration, Kids and K-9s: Celebrating the Bond between Youth and Dogs, here are eight ways to celebrate the special bond that exists between kids and dogs.
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Summer calls for outdoor vacations, often including our four-footed best friends. If your vacation plans include visiting any of our 59 scenic National Parks with your dog, planning ahead and knowing the regulations before you leave will make the experience more enjoyable for you and your pooch.
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The Dog Days of Summer are nearly upon us. They are considered the hottest, most sultry days of the year. They received their name from the Romans who marked their beginning each year when Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Big Dog) rose in the east with the sun. By tradition, they last 40 days. Currently The Old Farmer’s Almanac lists their start in the Northern Hemisphere on July 3 and their end as August 11.

Webster says the dog days are a period of inactivity. Why not take advantage of these days of natural lassitude to curl up, your dog at your feet, and read a good book—or even a few good books? In light of the season, we have a few suggestions of books for our dog-loving friends.
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