Okay, so maybe the dog days of summer don’t really have anything to do with dogs. But there are some fun-raisers for the Good Shepherd Humane Shelter coming up that do have a lot to do with dogs – and good times, too.
Initially, the period from July 3 to August 11 was about Sirius (the Dog Star), in the constellation Canis Major. Sirius, which can be translated “scorching,” was the brightest star in the night sky when it began to rise with the sun after the summer solstice. As temperatures became sweltering, ancient civilizations thought it was because of Earth’s proximity to the star, hence the Greek and Roman reference to the dies caniculares or “dog star days.”
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Ancients believed the “dog days” to be a time of misfortune plagued by drought and unrest as animals and people alike were driven mad by the unbearably hot temperatures. In Ancient Egypt, the dawn rising of Sirius, known to the Egyptians as Sothis, aligned with the flood season of the Nile River and was a symbolic “watchdog” for this event.
But when the Dog Star rises over Eureka Springs on August 2, dogs will be the stars at Acord’s Home Center’s Adoption Event for Good Shepherd from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. And, not only is it also National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, but in addition to that cold snack, there will be a feast of pulled pork and smoked mac and cheese as well, all for a donation.
The community’s well-behaved and leashed dogs are also welcome to join in for treats and fun.
“I couldn’t find dog-safe ice cream sandwiches,” Crystal Ursin, GSHS Adoption Center & Clinic coordinator, said, “but thanks to the generosity of BowSir’s we will have YoPup Frozen Yogurt treats for our canine friends as well as wading pools and a splash pad to keep them nice and cool.”
GSHS is also taking 50% off adoption fees through August 9, so this is the perfect time to visit Acord’s on Hwy. 23S this Saturday and consider choosing a furbody companion.
On August 17, the Good Shepherd Humane Society Fancy Feast at Le Stick returns! Get ready for an evening of exquisite food and heartwarming giving during this annual and highly anticipated fine dining event. Savor some of the best food Arkansas has to offer in a five-course dinner and wine pairing experience, all while supporting the work of Good Shepherd.
For pricing and menu, visit Fancy Feast at Le Stick on Facebook. This event sells out quickly every year, so reserve your tickets now and prepare for a memorable night.
By attending either event to help support Carroll County’s only No Kill animal shelter you’ll be celebrating Good Shepherd’s dedication to providing a safe haven and finding forever homes for countless animals in need.
Your participation directly contributes to their vital mission in our community: to care for stray, abandoned, and unwanted dogs and cats, placing as many as possible into loving homes, and to promote responsible pet ownership, humane treatment and reduce overpopulation.
Meanwhile, Ursin and Adoption Center Manager Terry Hankins remind everyone, “Keep your pets cool in this heat, make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh cool water, avoid asphalt when walking your dogs and keep to the grass. Try to walk in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.”