Shayla & Friends August Newsletter
- Chelly Bolger Wathen
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Shayla & Friends
August 2026, Newsletter #7
What’s Happening w/Shayla & Friends
WELCOME - Enjoy our latest updates at our website
Shayla's Books Now Available at:
*The Purple Cat (all books) - 3180 Willow Creek Rd, Prescott, AZ
(Closed Sun/Mon; T-F 10-4; Sat 10-3)
*Peregrine Book Co. (newest release) - 219 N. Cortez St., Prescott, AZ (Sun. 10-5; Mon-Sat. 10-6)
*Prescott, Prescott Valley, & San Diego Public Libraries
Local Supporters please check out these local resources
Upcoming Events:
Sunday 8/23 Peregrine Local Author Book Fair 2-4
Keep Your Pup Cool This Summer Tips
Fresh Water Always – Keep bowls full and add ice cubes for extra chill (& wash bowls daily)
Walk in Cooler Hours – Early morning or evening to avoid hot pavement (we now walk 6 am almost daily)
Provide Shade –
Trees, umbrellas, or a covered patio for outdoor time (& limit time outdoors)
Cooling Treats –
Frozen banana slices, dog-safe fruit, or broth “pupsicles” (Tayen loves his ice cubes in water)
Use Cooling Gear – Moist bandanas, coolmats
Indoor Play – Swap fetch for puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, training
Know Heat Stress Signs – Heavy panting, drooling, or lethargy
August - "Dog Days of Summer"
According to the Farmer's Almanac, the "Dog Days of Summer" refer to the hottest, most humid period of the season in the Northern Hemisphere, traditionally spanning from July 3 to August 11. In August, this window accounts for the first 11 days of the month, representing the tail end of a 40-day astronomical period. Happy Summer!
The Real Meaning and Origin
Contrary to the popular belief that the phrase describes weather "not fit for a dog" or pets lounging in the heat, the term originates from ancient astronomy:
The Dog Star: The phrase is a literal translation of the Latin diēs caniculārēs. The ancient Romans and Greeks used it to describe the period when Sirius—the "Dog Star" and brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (the Greater Dog)—rises and sets with the Sun.
Who's Who in the Story?
BLAZE (black lab) &
RILEY (Aussie cattle dog/shepherd)
My first rescue dogs as an adult. My first husband Mike and I got Blaze as a cute shelter puppy. Then we found a stray pup, all alone at a hotel, and I loved him from the first moment. We named him Riley after Riley's Farm in CA. By my side through family life, divorce, loneliness, pneumonia, my reason to keep going. Riley, my soul dog, was the best canine friend I ever had. Truly a gift from God who rescued me.
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