"DOG Days of Summer"

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!

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

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 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

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

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