DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
August is often referred to as the Dog Days of Summer. The typically hot, humid days get their name because the second brightest star, Sirius (the "Dog Star"), rises and sets with the sun during this time. The Dog Days of Summer reminds my dad of something different.
It happened in the summer of 1981. We were living in Cincinnati, and Dad was training for a fall marathon. His favorite long run course was in a beautiful town called Indian Hill. As the name suggests, the town was quite hilly, but also shaded and without much car traffic.
The downside of the course was a big, shaggy dog that would always bark and chase after my dad. Dad would have to sprint for about a quarter of a mile before the dog tired of the chase and turned around for home.
One Sunday morning about a mile from the dog's house, the dog appeared out of a wooded area and wiggled his tail with delight. We think he was probably lost, recognized my dad and figured Dad would lead him back home. But Dad was only 3 miles into his 20-mile run so he kept on running - dog in tow.
At first the dog chased every bird and squirrel it saw, but after two miles, he fell into silent rhythm with my dad. Five miles later, they reached a HUGE, twisty hill, aptly named Spooky Hollow Hill. When the dog saw it, he looked at my dad like "Are you kidding? I'm not running up this" and sat down.
Dad said "suit yourself" and headed up the hill. About a half mile up, Dad heard panting. He turned around to see the dog who must have realized that this was the only way he was getting home.
For seven more miles they ran side-by-side with Dad taking a few detours so the dog could jump into ditches full of water to cool off and drink. Finally, the dog saw its home and sprinted to the front door. As Dad ran by, the dog nodded his head in a gesture of thanks before curling up to rest on the porch.
The next Sunday, as Dad approached the big dog's house, he readied himself for the chase. As usual, the dog leaped off the porch and started running full-speed at my dad, barking like crazy. As the dog got closer, he recognized my dad, stopped cold in his tracks and turned back for the porch without another bark. He wasn't about to follow this crazy runner again!
Are you a runner who loves dogs? Read below for details on our Doggone Fast Mile fundraiser. Great prizes, medals and post-run party!
