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Most people think of “dog days of summer” as miserable, hot, muggy days, and

they’ve actually been given a timeline — July 3 through Aug. 11.

Some believe dogs are lazy and have no activity in the heat.

Our Great Dane, Candy, also sleeps every chance she gets. She is also the cleanest, funniest, most affectionate dog we’ve ever had.

She has a very loud bark, letting us know if we have visitors, human or animals on our property. She is comforting and ready to go for a walk or ride at the “drop of a hat!”

There are questions like; do snakes go blind, dogs go mad or you shouldn’t swim in this kind of heat?

Historically, astronomically, there’s a period following the rising of Star System Sirius called (with accompanying thunderstorms, heat, and lethargy). But it is actually called “The Brightest Star in the Sky, The Dog Star.”

The Bible has a few positive stories, including dogs that went hunting with Kings and their crew and helped to cleanup in the streets. (Ugh)

However, Proverbs 12:10 says, “A righteous man (one in right standing with God) takes good care of his animals.”

It’s best to consider the time, energy and care needed for whatever pet you decide to bring into your family.

Pastor Jack Hayford commented in a fun conversation at his Church On The Way in California that, “God gave us pets for our enjoyment, lots of laughing and play time!”

Pastor Jack was so real in his life and supportive to the traveling ministries, baptizing Mike and our son, Mike Jr., years ago, in water, enjoying the music we all used as our ministry tools for salvation all over the world.

We miss you, Pastor Jack.

A final thought from anonymous: God said, “I need somebody strong enough to pull sleds and find bombs, yet gentle enough to love babies and lead the blind, somebody who will spend all day on the couch, resting its head and supportive always, even to lift the spirits of a broken heart, so, God Made A Dog.”

So, don’t get all down on dogs, remember the Dog Star.

Kathie Deasy writes about religion for Port Arthur Newsmedia. She can be reached at kathiedeasy@hotmail.com.