August Weekend Waterview and National Dog Day

Happy Sunday!

Here’s a weekend waterview from Lake Norman.

We’ve enjoyed a break in the heat and humidity this past week with morning temps in the 50s!

It’s amazing what a 10 – 15 degree drop in the temperature with humidity levels that don’t mimic

those of a tropical rainforest will do for your mental health and mood. :)

We enjoyed a little boating this week with the cooler temps.

Lola and Sophie both said it felt much better outside this week in their fur coats!

National Dog Day falls on August 26th tomorrow,

so you have still time to plan your celebration!

🐾  🎉  🥳  🐾

Of course, it you’re a dog owner, every day is paws for celebration!

National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige. It’s celebrated to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure, and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and abuse-free life.

The National Dog Day Foundation supports all breeds and varieties of dogs and discourages purchasing from unethical backyard breeders and puppy mills; instead, supporting reputable breeders or adopting from rescue homes.

Health benefits of owning a dog:

The world’s best antidepressant has 4 legs, a wagging tail and comes with unconditional love. 🐾🐾

Dogs are a great way to beat the blues with unconditional love and licks, and a laugh when you need it.

They also give their owners a sense of purpose, particularly important for the elderly or sick, as dogs provide companionship and help with feelings of loneliness.

My mother-in-law’s pups, Maddie and Zoe, were a huge comfort to her and her overall sense of well-being after my father-in-law passed away.

Studies have shown that having a dog in the home can actually lower a child’s likelihood of developing related allergies by as much as 33 percent. Children exposed early on to animals tend to develop stronger immune systems overall.

A dog can fill your heart with love and help improve the overall health of your heart too.

Heart-related studies conducted by the CDC and NIH, found that pet owners exhibited decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, all of which can ultimately minimize their risk for having a heart attack down the road.

For those who have already experienced a heart attack, research indicates that patients with a dog tend to have better recovery rates. These benefits are thought to be connected with dogs’ tendency to help reduce or at least control their owners’ overall stress levels.

Having a dog may help you improve or maintain your fitness levels, getting outdoors, enjoying some fresh air with daily walks.

Walking your dog also leads to more conversations with neighbors and other dog owners, helping you stay socially connected as people tend to feel comfortable and more at ease with a person who is with their dog.

Celebrate National Dog Day with a DIY flower arrangement 

and celebrate the Red, White and Blue.

Take your dog for a ride. . .

Make a Flower Crown. . .

Or a watercolor portrait of your dog from a photo with a photo editing app. . .

I used Waterlogue

Dog gone fun, with one click!

Or celebrate your pup with a treat. . .

Frozen Berry Dog Treats

Copycat Frosty Paws

Easy Frozen Dog Treats that you can make in a blender!

‘Woof’ Peanut Butter Dog Treats

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
—Roger Caras

Happy National Dog Day from Lola and Sophie!

🐾🐾

Hope you’re enjoying some beautiful weather where you are. ♥

Thank you for your visit, sharing with:

 Between Naps on the Porch