The dog days of summer are the 40 days following the summer solstice, when Sirius, part of the constellation Canis Major and the brightest star next to the sun, rises with the sun in the early morning. Today, we are celebrating the canines of Estes with the Dog Days of Estes on National Dog Day. Credit: Photo illustration/Estes Valley Voice
August 26 is National Dog Day, and here in our corner of Larimer County, the Estes Valley Voice is celebrating the Dog Days of Estes with a portrait gallery of local canines, hounds, pooches, puppies, purebreds, curs, and mutts.
Miss Pearl Puppy was a wonderful puggle who actually crossed the rainbow bridge this year. We rescued her when she was 5-years-old in 2014 so she entertained and shared life with us for 11 years.His name is Rusty He’s 1 year 8 months. He’s fiercely independent and tightly connected to us, all at the same time. Bailey came to us through a German Shepard Rescue in Denver two years ago. Bailey is not only the quintessential obedient German Shepard, she is such a sweetheart to people, other dogs and animals. She’s even enjoyed playing with our daughter’s rabbits. Sheldon is a 9-year-old Papillon mix who was rescued from a shelter 8 years ago. He loves to get in the travel backpack and go on bike rides. He is very affectionate, and if we ever need to find him, all we have to do is sit down on the couch and he instantly appears to cuddle with us. Don and Ginger BrainardThis is Koda – also known as Koda Bear. He’s the If there’s a pond, he’s in it. If there’s a bike ride, he’s on it. If there’s snow, he wants to be one with it. If there’s a noise, he runs from it. If there’s a couch, he claims it. His happy place is in the forests in and around Estes Park, and with his people.This is Raisin, my service dog. I’m a Combat Vet that was wounded in the Vietnam War. Raisin was trained by Freedom Service Dogs to wake me when I’m having a nightmare and to distract me when he knows I’m stressed, especially when we’re out hiking where I have a tendency to “feel” an ambush lurking around every corner or on an overlooking hillside.
The phrase “the dog days of summer” evokes images of lazy dogs sleeping on the porch, and is related to the 40 days following the summer solstice between July 3 and Aug. 11, when Sirius, part of the constellation Canis Major and the brightest star next to the sun, rises with the sun in the early morning.
Brutus is a 9-year-old Mastiff pit bull mix. Brutus has a darling little friend. Tekoa is a Colorado Mountain Dog, character bred from the major livestock guardian dog breeds. He is MOST loved by myself and our 9-year-old daughter, who is dwarfed by his massive 130 pounds. He is a gentle giant that loves his couch along with his evening and morning cuddles before heading out for work.Westley is a three year old Pooldle named for the Dread Pirate Roberts in The Princess Bride.This is Tiger. He belongs to Paula and Brent Martin. He is 10 years old and is a long-haired Chihuahua. He loyally serves as Paula’s guard dog and Brent’s ears.Jaxson is a 9 1/2 year old Golden Retreiver. He is a gentle soul always smiling and beckons people to pet him. Strangers often come up to us wanting to pet him and leave smiling more themselves. In his spare time, Jaxson loves to hike, play with his BF Bo, and being a strong swimmer loves to chase fish in the shallows of Mary’s Lake.This is The “Unsinkable” Molly Brown Abel aka Molly. She is our 4-year-old COVID Sheepadoodle. She loves long walks around town, her squeaky hippo, going to work with her Paw-ents Jeff and Julie, and Jeff is most definitely her favorite person.
In Greek, the name Sirius means “scorching.” The ancients believed that the star’s brilliance intensified the summer sun, and they associated the constellation with agricultural significance and astronomical superstitions linked to drought, disease, fever, and unrest.
I’m pleased to introduce you to Hannah Jo Lantz, a rescue dog. She is a three year old Basenji/Sheltie mix. Basenji dogs originated in Africa and are known for their ability to howl or yodel. Since Hannah is Basenji and Sheltie, she howls and barks! She is an adorable pup who has learned to give her humans hugs, which they love! Pastor AnnThis is Cinder. She is a 5-yearold lab/pit mix. She has a lot of energy and is very loving. Audri SmithHe is 13 and a lab mix. He is so independent and LOVES to play ball, go camping, and take naps!Leo is an Aussie cattle dog…12 yrs. Old…LOVES TO HOG THE BALL! “Talks” nonstop to everyone! Although he is timid at first. Here are Jackie (a Jack Russell I rescued from Boulder Humane)… he’s 7. And Miles, a Pomsky that belongs to my daughter, who’s in Arizona (too hot for him there). He’s also 7. I love that they jump onto my bed in the morning to say hello… and force me to get up.
The Canis Major constellation is depicted as the dog of the hunter Orion, whose story is told in Homer’s epic “The Odyssey.” After his death, Orion was elevated into the sky as a constellation along with his two hunting dogs, depicted as Canis Major and Canis Minor.
These two buddies love boating on Lake Granby and playing at the Estes Park dog Park. Hallett is 7 and Eddy will be 9 in September. Hallett belongs to Kelly and Andrew Kessler/his cousin Eddy belongs to Gary and Debi Coleman Winnie Blevins is 2-yearsold. She posed here with her sister Rachel to celebrate her second birthday with a pup cup from Starbucks. Winnie is living her best Rocky Mountain Life!Here’s Tucker and Cami. They are Boston Terrier breeding mill rescues. It’s taken almost the 4 years to have them fully trust us. They are great dogs and a complement to our lives.Bella is a 2 1/2 yr old Giant Schnauzer that was an owner surrender. The thing we enjoy most about her is how much she enjoys people, playing frisbee and curling her 75 lb body on your lap! Will is our 5-yearold Bernese Mountain dog. He is happiest in the snow and cold, 135 pounds of love and affection! Best. Dog. Ever!This is Gracie Greenberg. She is turning 14 Nov.1. She’s a mini Australian shepherd and never met a dog or person she didn’t like. Jim FisherkellerPaul Greenberg AttachmentsSun, Aug 17, 10:08 AM (9 days ago) This is Gracie Greenberg. She is turning 14 Nov.1. She’s a mini Australian shepherd and never met a dog or person she didn’t like. Jim FisherkellerHunter Muchmore. 7-yearold Chocolate Lab, is always game to go hiking with me. In 2023 we walked or hiked over 2,150 miles and in 2024 it was over 2,250 miles – most of which were in the Estes Park area.
Today, the Estes Valley Voice salutes the many dogs of Estes who take their places in our hearts and homes as best friends, family members, fur babies, watchdogs, and loyal companions.
And cat lovers, do not worry or feel neglected. National Cat Day is Wednesday, Oct. 29. You will not be overlooked.
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