In Praise of Dogs
Those of us who have dogs and appreciate the summer months likely see the connection between the phrase, “The dog days of summer” and how our canine companions act on hot, humid days. At least that’s what I thought. When it’s hot out, our dog Gracie is very happy to just lay around in any cooler spot or seek comfort of the indoor space and not move. That said, I decided to do a little digging into this saying and other facts about dogs and discovered that our ancestors thought the onset of hot, humid weather was because of the rise of the bright Dog Star, Sirius, near the sun. So, the origin of the phrase…dog days of summer has nothing to do with our pets’ reaction or lack thereof to summer weather.
Our pooch, Gracie, who is a lab/hound rescue, is now 13 years old, in overall good health, but I know she really suffers in the heat, and so I must limit her time outdoors during the dog days of summer. When she was younger, heat didn’t seem to affect her as much; I loved her company on hikes…off leash when it was appropriate. It was easy to see how much she loved that time… we both enjoyed it. On hot days, I always made sure we had a stream or lake for her to swim in. Sadly, those days are over for Gracie in the hot summer. Now she looks forward to getting back inside quickly…even after our neighborhood walks.
Those of us who have made the conscience decision to have a dog in our lives understand that we can’t imagine ourselves without one now. As much as we love them, it could never compare to the love we get in return. Is there any better feeling than having them greet you at the door at the end of a tough day, or how excited they get when they know they are being included in your trip? While having a dog can be expensive and certainly carries a fair amount of responsibility with it, many of us humans cannot imagine our days without them. The bond between dog and human goes far back in history and is unlike any other.
So why this special bond? Most experts agree this special bond started some 15,000 years ago as our ancestors first domesticated the descendants of wolves during the start of our hunter-gatherer period. They served as protection and helped with hunting.
Other fun fact…dogs are good for our health. A study at UC-Davis found that people who have dogs are generally healthier and less depressed. “With stress and burnout rates on the rise, having a furry friend waiting for you at home is scientifically proven to improve your mental and physical health. Plus, owning a pet can help you age in a healthy way”. The study also found that dog owners tend to be more generous and have a better sense of humor. (Cultivation Health- April 2024 UC Davis Health)
Perhaps even more interesting is the idea that owning a dog makes you appear more trustworthy! Megan Mueller, professor at Tufts University, in the article, “How the Presence of Pets Builds Trust in People” (April 2022) stated, “The presence of an animal can also enhance perceptions of trustworthiness and responsibility, which in turn fosters positive social interactions. Researchers found that people were more likely to help a stranger with a dog than one without a dog, suggesting that the presence of an animal conferred perceptions of trust.” I think probably most of us made these connections without any scientific studies. I meet a person with a dog, I usually enjoy the encounter.
Perhaps this partially explains why almost every President of the United States has had a dog! In fact, only three U.S. presidents have never had a dog. Andrew Johnson, James Polk, and Donald Trump. Enough said.
As you may have guessed, we are dog lovers here at Common Roots. We enjoy them as our companions and as our guests in our Biergarten at all locations. Sadly, the health department doesn’t allow them indoors in our taproom spaces unless they are special service dogs…but we think all dogs are special.
I know none of this is news to those of us who are already on the dog train, but perhaps something to consider if you are thinking about an adoption. Common Roots has hosted several pet adoption days at our facilities in the past…if you’re thinking about it…why not visit your local SPCA or animal shelter and bring home a new family member?
For many of us, our pets are family and bring us happiness, companionship, and a sense of purpose. Dogs specifically have been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise, and improve your overall health. At Common Roots, we welcome all responsible dogs and their owners to any of our outdoor biergartens and spaces. This summer you don’t leave that special friend home…go have a beer together (beer for you, water for your friend) and celebrate the dog days of summer with us!
