"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.