WATCH D.O.G.S.

"DOG Days of Summer"

2009-07-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Old Farmers Almanac lists the traditional timing of the "Dog Days of Summer" as the 40 days beginning July 3rd and ending August 11th. These are the days of the year when the rainfall is at its lowest. It also coincides with the ancient helical (at sunrise) rising of the "Dog Star" Sirius. For the ancient Egyptians, Sirius appeared just before the season of the Nile's flooding, so they used the star as a "watchdog" for that event.

However, if you are a WatchDOG everyday is a "Dog Day". But of course, in a completely different way.

My daughter Alyssa will be a Senior in High School this fall. She has been a three sport athlete for years and I haven't missed many games. In fact I sometimes wonder if she even notices anymore since she is so used to seeing her mother and I at all of the events. Well, last week I got my answer. I knew she was playing in a basketball summer rec. league. It's an informal way for the area High School teams to stay sharp during the summer. The games are pretty loose with two 20 minutes halfs, 5 minute halftime and a continuous running clock. Alyssa casually mention that they were having their first game last Thursday night at 7pm. She knew that I would be returning from out of town that day but I told her that I would stop by to watch if I got back in time. She kind of shrugged and said "It's okay if you don't because it's really more like a scrimmage and there probably won't be anyone there watching" Well, I got back in town right at 7pm after a two hour drive. I was tired and I hadn't had dinner yet and Alyssa had given me an "out" if I wanted to take it. I have literally watched her play hundreds of basketball games(she has been playing since she was 6 yrs. old)and I knew she wouldn't hold it against me for missing a "glorified scrimmage" But I started to think about her Senior year and how the number of games I would get to watch her play were getting fewer and fewer. I got to the gym just as the game began.

In 45 minutes it was over and me and the other 25 or so people watching had a pretty good time. Alyssa played great but they were all a little rusty. However, I did notice a little more intensity on her part. She played clean but was just short of aggressive. She was much more vocal, in a positive way, with her team mates and carried herself differently. 10 minutes into the game I realized that I was watching her first game as a Senior. Alyssa and her best friend Emily were the only two Juniors last year to start varsity and now with last years class graduated, it was their job to provide the "Senior leadership".

After the game I could tell she was really happy I was there. As a parent you can just tell, right? I gave her a hug and said "great game" as usual. She hugged me back and said "thanks" as usual. But we both knew that it was a special game. Later that night at home when we were talking about the game and this fall's basketball season, I realized how happy I was that I went. It wouldn't have been the end of the world if I skipped it. In fact, I probably never would have known what I missed.

There are so many things that we can't get back if we miss them the first time guys. WE ALL NEED THAT REMINDER!!

Have a great summer. Enjoy the "Dog Days"!

Eric Snow
National Director
WATCH D.O.G.S.

Summer is Coming!

2009-05-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?! It is time to gas up the mower and fire up the grill!!

I think that is a perfect example of what summer should be, a healthy balance of work AND relaxation. Many times our kids can't wait for school to be out, but then in a couple of weeks, they get bored. Make sure to challenge your kids to stay busy with constructive and healthy activities along with a good healthy dose of play.

Many parents give their kids a couple of additional chores to help with around the house during summer break, and if the school didn't assign a summer reading list, you do it.

Dad, be sure to lead by example! Make sure to MAKE the time to relax and play with the family. It doesn't have to be a long and expensive vacation that leaves you broke and tired. Just be sure to make the time after work and on the weekends to hang out and have fun!.....after the chores are done! :0)

Have a great summer!!

Eric Snow
National Director
WATCH D.O.G.S.

Watch D.O.G.S. National Director

2009-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hey WatchDOGS!!

We are winding down another school year, can you believe it? In less than a month most schools will begin their summer break. Many educators tell us that this is one of their busiest times of the school year. So, if you can volunteer another day in your child's school between now and the end of the school year, I am positive they will find it very easy to keep you busy!!

Many schools are already making plans for their WatchDOGS program for the 2009-10 school year. In order to make it as easy as possible, we have created a fantastic WatchDOGS School Renewal Kit. It contains everything that your school will need to kick-off your 2009-10 WD program, except the pizza. :o)We are also offering some discounts and free stuff if you order your kit in May!!

For more information call us today at 888-540-DOGS (3647) or www.fathers.com/watchdogs

Keep up the great work!

Eric Snow

National Director

2009-02-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

2009 is off to a great start! We have added 40 new WatchDog schools since the first of January.

We continue to hear great stories from WD dads and educators about how this program is haveing a positive impact on the schools and their families. With so many schools facing budget shortfalls this year the WatchDog dads and the help they provide have never been more vital. I just want to encourage all of you to rededicate yourself to your WatchDog Program. Your kids need you at school now more than ever.

I would love to hear your WD story. Let us know about something great that happened during your WD day. With your permission we will post it on our web site.

Keep up the great work!

Eric Snow
National Director
WATCH D.O.G.S.

Spring Semester Launch Events

2009-02-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a week last week here at the WATCH D.O.G.S. office. Like many of you, we were without power from mid-Tuesday until early-Friday due to the ice storm that hit the mid-west. If you tried to contact our office, we are sorry we couldn't assist you last week. However, we are now back at work and more than ready to meet your needs. For your information, our office hours are Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm( Eastern); 8am-5pm (Central); 7am-4pm (Mountain); and 6am-3pm (Pacific). You can reach us at 888-540-3647, we would be glad to answer your questions, or hear about your latest news, achievements, and launch events.
Speaking about launch events, this is a good time to be planning your spring launch event. We want to encourage you to have your Donuts with Dads Event. This is a great time to fill the remaining vacant days on your WATCH D.O.G.S. calendar. It's also an appropriate time to have WatchDOGS come together to share their stories with other men, or WatchDOGS as we call them. If you questions about planning your spring event, please do not hesitate to call or email our office.

Best Regards,

Chris Danenhauer
Program Developer
cdan@watchdogs.net

WATCH D.O.G.S. National Director

2009-01-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

Well I hope 2009 has started off in a positive direction for you. The kids are all back in school after a nice long Christmas break and hopefully you've packed away your decorations and lights for another year.

2008 was an especially good year for WATCH D.O.G.S. We ended the year with 1000 Watchdog schools in 32 states and we know that means that over 65,000 men volunteered at least one day in their child's school. Think about it, that's close to half a million volunteer hours!! Guys, in these tough economic times the schools need us more than ever. Yes of course to enhance school security and to be positive male role models for the kids, but also to help bridge the gap created by budget shortfalls that many schools are facing.

Thank you for the time you invested last year in your schools. Please rededicate yourself to do it again in 2009.

Remember:

You're not a good Dad because you're a WatchDog, You're a WatchDOG because you are a good Dad.

I hope you and your families have a great year. We would love to hear from you!

Eric Snow
WATCH D.O.G.S.
National Director

Share Your Highlight Of The Day

2008-08-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

What part of your day as a WatchDOG did you find the most amusing, rewarding or otherwise noteworthy?

Suggest a New Topic

2008-08-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Suggest a New Topic for Discussion

Secret Tips for a Successful Pizza Night/Donut w Dads

2008-08-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

Share any great advice that you have used to get maximum participation!

Connecting with Other Schools

2008-08-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

Post your questions and share your experiences with other schools....

Updates on Blogging!

2008-08-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have been reaching out to as many schools as possible and trying to encourage you to participate on the blog. We are now going to open it up with more topics. Please take the time to share your thoughts, experience and questions with us and other schools. I am going to post several different topics which you can then respond to. If you want to have another topic I will have a forum for that as well or you can tell us directly by phone or email and we can add that new topic to the blog.
This is the season for new schools to join and existing schools to grow. It is an exciting time for all. I wish you all the best of luck with your Launch Events and the most fulfilling experience of being a WatchDOG!

2008-07-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

We are gearing up for a very busy school year here at the WATCH D.O.G.S. home office (in Springdale, AR). This school year, 2008-09, we look forward to helping your WATCH D.O.G.S. program maintain the success you had previously. We have added some new resources and products to the 2008 catalog, so please view our online catalog at www.fathers.com/watchdogs and check out the latest items schools are buying! Secondly, if your school knows when you'll be launching your program in the fall, please let us know so we can send you the proper information to start your program with a bang! My kids can't wait for school to start, so they can have some "pizza with dad," and wear their WATCH D.O.G.S. tattoo (new item) to the Dads and Kids Pizza Night. My boys and I look forward to that event every year. I would like to challenge each of you to spend some time with your children before school starts - quality time. Many of us are currently rushing around trying to cram in our summer vacations, some of us already have; however, our children just want us to spend some time with them. For me, my kids want to play outside, go camping, eat smores, read to them, wrestle, swim, have tea parties, and paint fingernails (yes, I will wear pink polish for her!). As working professionals, we know time is money. However, as parents, and especially as dads spending time with our families is priceless. For me, my greatest joy and pleasure is seeing my family laugh, smile, and giggle. And for you, I know it is the same as well. Its a ruff job, but DOGS have to do it!

Have a great weekend and go make some memories,

Chris Danenhauer
School Program Developer

The 4th of July Weekend!

2008-07-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

We are almost exactly in the middle of the calendar year as we head into a long weekend celebrating the independence of this great country. I hope you will join us here at WATCH D.O.G.S. in acknowledging and honoring all of the men and women that have served, are serving and will serve in our armed forces. Thousands of our best Americans are stationed around the world, away from their loved ones, so that we can be assured a peaceful weekend with ours.

I think a really good way to honor our service men and women this weekend would to be sure and spend some quality time with your family. Many times we feel we have to cram a lot of expensive activities into a holiday to make it count. In reality, our wives and kids just really want our undivided attention. Have a picnic, go to the public pool or lake, watch a firework display, laugh, play and talk!

I would love to hear how some of you spent your weekend with your family and I hope you will share the details with us here.

Have a fun and SAFE weekend,
Eric Snow
National Director
WATCH D.O.G.S.

WATCH D.O.G.S. at National PTA

2008-06-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I missed posting yesterday due to complications the hotel was having with Internet access. They think the trade show was drawing too much power or something technical like that. Anyway we are back up and running!

There are almost 2,000 people here from all over the nation focusing on the well being of our schools and our children. It is a perfect environment for WATCH D.O.G.S.!! We have made a lot of new friends and reconnected with a lot of old friends. Many people have come by our booth to tell us how great their WATCH D.O.G.S. program is and how much it has added to their school. We love to hear all of the stories.

Yesterday Maya Angelou spoke at the General Session. If you are not familiar with Dr. Angelou, stop reading this right now and Google her!! Seriously, she is truly an amazing person and I do urge you to find out about her work.The fact that she holds 60, yes 60, Doctorates doesn't even begin to express her accomplishments.

I want to share just three things that she told us. "Not one of us arrived here on our own" and "People not born yet will be touched by what you do" and finally, "I'm going to thank you for what you are doing and then ask you to do it again and do it more"

I am offering Dr. Angelou's words to you as encouragement to continue the good work you are doing through the WATCH D.O.G.S program and to invite you to spread the word to other Dads.

Have a great week with your kids!!

Eric Snow
National Director
WATCH D.O.G.S.

National PTA Conference

2008-06-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Sunny San Diego is the site of the National PTA Conference today through Monday and WATCH D.O.G.S. is here. We are attending as guests of National PTA and the MORE alliance (Men Organized to Raise Engagement). You can find out about the MORE alliance by visiting www.pta.org

While I am here with the top PTA leaders in the country, if there is something you want me to find out about or address, please let me know. It's not often that all of these great people are in the same place at the same time.

I want to hear from you! I will be giving a daily update from the convention.

Eric Snow

Welcome!

2008-06-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog for WatchDOG Dads! We're hopeful that this will become a regular stop for Top Dogs, School Administrators and WatchDOGS to learn about the Best Practices of WATCH D.O.G.S. programs across the country.

Tell us about all the great things that are happening in your school as a result of fathers and father figures taking a more active role in the school lives of their children. Share your best ideas so that other schools can follow your lead. If you tried something that didn't work, tell us that, too--you might save others the pain of learning the hard way.

If you have a website, provide a link here. Or maybe you received some publicity for your school. Tell us how you made that happen and give us a link to your local paper or television news station so that we can read or hear about you.

We're also going to use this page to provide you with the latest news about WATCHD.O.G.S. For example, did you know that WATCH D.O.G.S. was selected by the National PTA to be part of its MORE (Men Organized to Raise Engagement) initiative? We're one of just a handful of organizations the PTA is recommending to all its local chapters.

For the children,

Eric Snow, National Director