DOG DAYS OF SUMMER by Blog Dog Dan

Tomorrow, June 21, is the First Day of Summer.  For the United States and the northern hemisphere, this day is also known as the Summer Solstice.  Our summer is a result of the earth tilting on its axis toward the sun (between June and September), giving us more heat and light.  When it is summer in the northern hemisphere, it's winter in the southern hemisphere.  Without the tilt of the earth's axis (which is 23.5 degrees), we would have no seasons!

This is also the longest day and shortest night of the year!  In the United States, there are about 14½ hours of daylight on this day.  BUT - there are 24 hours of daylight north of the Arctic Circle and 24 hours of darkness south of the Antarctic Circle.

Earth is closest to the sun (perihelion) every year in early January, and farthest away (aphelion) in early July of every year.  In 2011, this date will be July 4th!  So you can see that it's not the distance of the earth from the sun that causes the seasons, but the tilt of the Earth on its axis either toward or away from the sun.  This drawing below helps you understand it a little more:  Do you see the other two words, apogee and perigee?  That's showing you when the moon is closest to the earth, it's called perigee, and when the moon is farthest away, that's called apogee.  I just think that is so cool!

Now, it's time to get serious, or should I say Sirius?  The hottest days of the summer are called "dog days."  The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius (also called the Dog Star) was responsible for the hot weather.  Sirius is also the brightest star in the night sky.

June 24 is Take Your Dog to Work Day!  It's always held on the Friday following Father's Day.  This tradition was started in 1999 by the members of Pet Sitters International, who believe that every pet should be a wanted pet.  Studies have shown that employees who bring their dogs to work tend to be more efficient, happier, and healthier, but only about 17% of workplaces in the U.S. allow dogs at work.  Caesar and Charlotte have picked out their outfits and are ready to go!

Come on, Caesar, we don't want to be late!

Dad's putting on my hat and tie - hold on!

So play with your pets for an extra-long time on June 21 and take your dog to work on June 24!  There are a lot of dogs that have jobs - search-and-rescue, K-9 units, herding dogs, hunting dogs, guide dogs, and therapy dogs.  Here are some hard-working dogs:

This Sheep Sergeant has gotten this herd under control!

This brave pup tracks down and removes pythons from Everglades National Park in Florida

Labrador retrievers are the most popular guide dogs for the blind

I'm seriously ready to rest after a long day and watch Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by the Gigglebellies: