My Instagram habit features a few things. Looking at boats that I can never buy, watches that I will never own, and numerous dog videos, wishing I had about ten more.
I absolutely love dogs. I’m so grateful to have one of the best with Blue.
If you need a refresher, we celebrated his 13th birthday back in May. And luckily, we celebrate National Dog Day this week, on August 26, which gives me another chance to write about my boy.
Blue brings such joy to Anonymous and me. He has many wonderful attributes. Have I mentioned his great sense of style:
He is also gifted in sleeping. Yesterday was the perfect example of him and me taking a big old nap on the couch together. He sticks to a strict walking plan, especially in this heat, and I’m so glad that Anonymous plays with him at night while I’m sound asleep upstairs.
Politically, Blue is a big government, tax-and-eat advocate. I can’t open the fridge without him magically appearing when I close the door, with “Just let me know when I need to be ready for the cheese tax, please and thank you.”
Dogs are just great, and frankly, we don’t deserve them.
The history of dogs in the United States dates back thousands of years, when the animals crossed over into North America from Siberia. Fast forward to European colonization in the 17th century, and domesticated dogs arrived on ships, bearing nothing in common with the original settlers. These dogs would be functional – much like Blue’s primary function, which is to be loved all day because he is a good boy.
When the United States came about, the relationship with dogs also evolved. We didn’t always treat them well, and by 1850 in urban areas, we euthanized a lot of dogs out of fear of them spreading rabies and other diseases. Fortunately, organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were founded in the 1860s, and our education and relationships with dogs changed dramatically.
A century later, the suburb boom increased dog ownership. With the invention of the television and shows like Lassie and Rin Tin Tin, our desire to have all kinds of dogs in our lives increased, and our lives are so much better.
It’s sad and a bit funny that we technically don’t have an official “National” Dog Day. In 2004, pet lifestyle expert (I’m not kidding) Colleen Paige founded National Dog Day on August 26, and the New York Senate followed with a resolution nine years later in 2013 – the year Blue was born.
But Congress has yet to pull the trigger, which is just another example of their lack of productivity – isn’t it, Blue?
According to stats I found that may or may not be true, 45% of American households own at least one dog, which means 65 million households have a Blue in their home. Which state has the most dogs? Well, that would be Idaho. The 49th-ranked state in our 2022 state rankings, the Potato State, improves its standing because 58% of households have a dog. Pair this information with this former government official, and Idaho is threatening to move up in the rankings should we ever get around to doing them again.
We are fortunate to live on a street that is filled with dogs, and Blue dislikes pretty much all of them. But it doesn’t matter, because while we don’t deserve them, we remain grateful to them for all that they do to enrich our lives.
Okay, let’s get to what else happened this week. As a reminder, these events mark anniversaries ending in 5 or 0.
1. The Battle of Long Island was fought on August 27, 1776. Technically fought in what is now known as Brooklyn, the British won an important victory over a George Washington-led army that secured the Port of New York, which they held onto for the remainder of the War. A tired Continental Army retreated into the dark of the night, much like how Blue retreats from the vacuum cleaner and sleeps for another 10 hours.
2. The Steamboat patent was approved on August 26, 1791. John Fitch was an entrepreneur who also dabbled in clockmaking, but his real passion was powering boats. He was relentless in his pursuit of a steamboat patent and went head-to-head with another patent seeker; both were awarded patents, but not exclusivity. Blue approaches food with the same tenacity – a dogged focus to get his treat when he wants his treat, and a patent on his modern way of huffing until he gets it is still pending.
3. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway opened on August 30, 1956. This is the largest bridge over open water, connecting Mandeville, Louisiana, in the north to Metairie in the south, making New Orleans easier to navigate. The bridge is 24 miles long and expanded from two lanes to four, and there is no way Anonymous or Blue would enjoy driving over it. Blue is the only dog I have ever known who absolutely hates being in the car. It’s a real pleasure driving him anywhere.
If you are looking to celebrate dogs, I present a few organizations that support keeping dogs safe and healthy:
American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation — funds scientific research into canine disease prevention and treatment; over $52 million granted, with 970+ research projects funded, the AKC CHF ensures our good boys and girls are cared for.
AKC Humane Fund — supports canine welfare and responsible ownership, including grants to shelters that let domestic-violence survivors bring pets into their homes.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — Founded in 1866, the ASPCA works against puppy mills and dogfighting, and pushes for stronger federal animal-welfare protections. You remember their commercials on TV that make you turn the channel and cry. There is a special place in hell for people who harm dogs.
In case you missed it over the weekend, I published the latest edition of the vice presidential rankings.
As always, I appreciate the support – it’s been a challenging few weeks for me with so many things going on. I’m hoping that as the month of August winds down and the Fall gets into full swing, I can steer my way back on a path where I feel everything is clicking.
Have a great week! I’ll see you this Saturday.
Okay,
Chris
A sweet post. Thanks. Hi from 11-year old Molly, a Papillon, and Jazz, a tricolored Pomeranian.