NATIONAL HUG YOUR HOUND DAY

On the second Sunday in September, National Hug Your Hound Day dedicates a furry hug to our canine companions. All day long, be sure to give your pooch your full attention. Even spend the day much the way your dog spends it.

The idea of Hug Your Hound Day is about observing your dog (from his point of view). That means, explore your dog’s world from his perspective. Investigate his environment and habits. You may discover some hazards as you roam around the house or yard. For example, you might find broken chew toys that have become choking risks. Perhaps your fur baby leads you to realize he has access to toxic chemicals.

Look for items or places that put your forever friend in danger. Place childproof locks on cabinets. Discard or repair any broken items. Our yards can be surprisingly risky, too. Check for toxic plants or holes in the fencing. 

Not only will your pup enjoy the companionship, but he will also be safer for all your exploring, too.

NATIONAL HUG YOUR HOUND DAY HISTORY

Ami Moore, author and canine behaviorist, created National Hug Your Hound Day. Her desire is to make America more pup-friendly, as it is in Europe. She would like for our dogs to be accepted in more places. Examples provided include taxis, malls, and restaurants. She encourages the appreciation of the companionship and value our dogs give us emotionally and physically. 

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHugYourHoundDay

Spend a little extra time with your pups.  Get down to their level. Make sure their environment and the places you take them are warm, comforting, inviting and safe. Oh yeah, and give your hounds some hugs! Use #NationalHugYourHoundDay to post on social media.

CARE BEARS SHARE YOUR CARE DAY

On September 9th, Care Bears Share Your Care Day inspires giving and volunteering in significant ways.

For more than 35 years, Care Bears have taught children of all ages about sharing their feelings and caring for others. The Care Bears toy line was initially introduced in 1983 to caring fans everywhere. And they’ve never been out of the heart and minds of fans since.

At their core, CARE BEARS™ SHARE YOUR CARE DAY have heart and are all about love, caring, and sharing with others. Care Bears also support charities around the world, helping families in need. Through We Care Bears, ZachKapCares, Fathom/en-ABLE, United Way, Operation Smile, and many more they bring hope and caring to others.

With help from a team of Care Bears Ambassadors, Care Bears hope to generate national support for a movement called #ShareYourCare to inspire people toward philanthropic generosity not just on that day, but every day of the year!

HISTORY OF NATIONAL CARE BEARS #SHAREYOURCARE DAY 

Care Bears #ShareYourCare Day was submitted by American Greetings Entertainment in April 2015.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ShareYourCareDay

The main focus of Share Your Care Day is to inspire acts of kindness and goodwill across the United States and beyond. And, a team of Care Bears Ambassadors and Care Bears partners pledge to help make this goal come true. Care Bears have taught fans worldwide the importance of caring for others. Share Your Care Day is the perfect opportunity for everyone to participate in acts of kindness – and to remember that goodwill and consideration toward others are essential every day of the year.

Participation is as simple as doing something nice for someone else.

  • Treat a friend to coffee.
  • Share a toy with a sibling.
  • Do an extra chore without being asked.
  • Help an older neighbor bring their trash cans to the street.
  • Organize a tree-planting campaign.
  • Buy a meal for a homeless family.
  • Volunteer at a local charity.
  • Animal Allies always needs fosters for kitties.
  • Not sure how to help? Try this.

The #ShareYourCare movement is all about acts of kindness, big and small. Care Bears encourage you to do something nice for someone today. Care Bears hope to encourage you to be kind, think of others and #ShareYourCare every day

Use #ShareYourCare Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Featured Image from Care Bears Facebook page.

NATIONAL NEW HAMPSHIRE DAY

National New Hampshire Day on September 7th recognizes the 9th state to join the Union. The Granite State epitomizes New England in many ways. From its breathtaking landscapes to its fascinating history and people.

State Symbols

State Capital – Concord
State Nickname – The Granite State
State Motto – Live free or die
State Bird – Purple Finch
State Flower – Purple lilac
State Animal – White – tailed deer
State Folk Dance –
State Fish – Brook Trout
State Dessert –
State Fossil –
State Mineral- Beryl
State Tree – White Birch
State Fruit – Pumpkin
State Song –
State Gemstone – Smokey Quartz
State Rock – Granite
State Insect – Ladybug

Quotable Quotes

If you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “not yet begun to fight” originated, just look to one of New Hampshire’s notable naval officers, John Paul Jones.

“Live Free or Die” is the state’s motto. Another revoluationary hero, John Stark earns the credit for it. In a written toast in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, Stark’s full quote reads: “Live free or die, death is not the greatest of evils.” While he may not be the first to share the sentiment to live free or die, his toast summed up the country’s dedication to independence.

Settlers

New Hampshire’s history holds more than noble quotes. Many firsts fill its timeline. In 1719, Scotch-Irish settlers brought the first potatoes to North America. The settlers planted them in the settlement of Nutfield, now known as Londonderry.

Before Paul Revere had his famous ride, he first made another all-important journey. In 1774, Revere rode the 55 miles from Boston to Portsmouth to warn the citizens of an impending seizure of Fort William and Mary. The village stormed the fort and took control of the ammunitions before the British arrived.

Politics and More

New Hampshire became the first state to established an independent government. The state also created the first written constitution.

In 1828, when ownership changed hands at the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, the new owner reduced the wages of only the femail textile mill workers. On top of already difficult work and long days, the owners placed even stricter requirements on its employees. Frustated, on December 30th, about 400 of the female workers walked out. It became the nation’s first all female strike. The strike failed and resulted in many of the striking workers returning to work at even lower wages.

The state also holds its primaries before any other state. Early on during election time, the country focuses its attention on New Hampshire. Another phrase often attributed to New Hampshire: “As New Hampshire goes, so goes the nation.”

Known for its fall foliage, New Hampshire’s impressive colors bring visitors every autumn. From mountains to the seaside, the state offers year-round adventure.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNewHampshireDay

Celebrate New Hampshire’s historic places, panoramic scenery and captivating personalities. Explore all New Hampshire offers! Use #NationalNewHampshireDay to share on social media.

NEW HAMPSHIRE FLAVOR

With apples as the leading fruit crop in the state, it should be no surprise that the people of New Hampshire specialize in baking and cooking with them. That includes their cider donuts! Not that anyone would refuse a donut, but these taste like fall!

Apple Cider, whether spiked or not, is a special treat in New Hampshire. A hot mug of autumn’s spiced orchard produce will warm you right up!

If you need a stronger drink to warm the cockles of your heart, try New Hampshire’s honey mead which is often fermented with the season’s fresh fruits. Also called honey wine, mead may be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage.

Being a coastal state, seafood like lobster is a top choice but don’t over look fresh water favorites like fried lake bass. With the mountain hikes to take in all the scenery in New Hampshire, it’s easy to work up an appetite to sample all this goodness!

Notable People

John Langdon – Patriot – (June 26, 1741 – September 18, 1819)

John Langdon - Patriot
John Langdon – Patriot



Daniel Webster – U.S. Senator – (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852)

Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time Hardcover – Illustrated, February 1, 1997

by Robert V. Remini (Author)
Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time Hardcover – Illustrated

by Robert V. Remini (Author)

Sarah Josepha Hale – Writer Poet (October 24, 1788 – April 30, 1879)

Sarah Josepha Hale
Sarah Josepha Hale



Franklin Pierce – U.S. President (November 23, 1804 – October 8, 1869)

Franklin Pierce: The American Presidents Series: The 14th President, 1853-1857 Kindle Edition

by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (Author), & 3 more 
Franklin Pierce: The American Presidents Series: The 14th President, 1853-1857

by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (Author), & 3 more

Horace Greeley – Journalist – (February 3, 1811 – November 29, 1872)

Horace Greeley: Print, Politics, and the Failure of American Nationhood Kindle Edition

by James M. Lundberg  (Author) 
Horace Greeley: Print, Politics, and the Failure of American Nationhood Kindle Edition

by James M. Lundberg  (Author) 


Mary Baker Eddy – Author – (July 16, 1821 – December 3, 1910)

Mary Baker Eddy (Radcliffe Biography Series) Paperback – September 24, 1999

by Gill Gillian (Author), Gillian Gill  (Author)
Mary Baker Eddy (Radcliffe Biography Series)

by Gill Gillian (Author), Gillian Gill  (Author)

H. H. Holmes – Murderer – (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896)

H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil Kindle Edition

by Adam Selzer  (Author)
H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil

by Adam Selzer  (Author)
American Ripper
American Ripper


Harlan Stone – Supreme Court Justice – (October 11, 1872 – April 22, 1946)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlan_F._Stone
Harlan Stone Supreme Court Justice

Alan Shepard – Astronaut – (November 18, 1923 – July 21, 1998)

Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America's Apollo Moon Landings Kindle Edition

by Alan Shepard  (Author), Deke Slayton  (Author), Jay Barbree (Author), Neil Armstrong (Introduction), Howard Benedict (Contributor)  Format: Kindle Edition
Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America’s Apollo Moon Landings Kindle Edition

by Alan Shepard  (Author), Deke Slayton  (Author), Jay Barbree (Author), Neil Armstrong (Introduction), Howard Benedict (Contributor)  Format: Kindle Edition

NASA Video Collection: Alan Shepard - 1st US Man in Space
NASA Video Collection: Alan Shepard – 1st US Man in Space

John Irving – Author – (March 2, 1942 – )

John Irving
- Author
John Irving – Author

Mandy Moore – Actress – (April 10, 1984 -)

Mandy Moore (Real-Life Reader Biography) Library Binding – June 1, 2001

by John Bankston  (Author)
Mandy Moore (Real-Life Reader Biography)

by John Bankston  (Author)
This Is Us: Seasons 1-3 DVD 3-Pack (Complete First Second Third Season)

Mandy Moore (Actor), Milo Ventimiglia (Actor)
This Is Us: Seasons 1-3 DVD 3-Pack (Complete First Second Third Season)

Mandy Moore (Actor), Milo Ventimiglia (Actor)


Hannah Kearney – Olympian – (February 26, 1986 -)

Hannah Kearney
- Olympian
Hannah Kearney – Olympian

Hidden Treasures

Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site – Derry

Madame Sherri Forest and Castle – Chesterfield

Thompson Falls – Pinkhams Grant

Hampton Historical Society and Tuck Museum Complex – Hampton (History of the only woman convicted of witchcraft in the state of New Hampshire as well as other fascinating information.)

U.S.S. Albacore – Portsmouth

NATIONAL DOG DAY

National Dog Day on August 26th encourages dog ownership of all breeds. While seeking a new companion, be sure to consider the mutts, mixes, purebreds, and everything in between. 

Whether mixed or purebred, embrace the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe, and abuse-free life. They all give us companionship. Additionally, they keep us safe, and they aid those in need. Dogs play. Well, they play many roles in our lives, too! They keep us healthy, both physically and mentally.

While many days aim to find loving homes for dogs, this day expands that consideration to look beyond the breed. Look into the heart of the animal. The purpose of the National Dog Day Foundation is to rescue 10,000 dogs each year.

A dog is man’s best friend.

Breeds

Purebreds are animals whose parents were both of the same breed. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes official breeds, not all dogs with parents from the same breed are considered official by the AKC. One benefit of purebred animals is that characteristics such as behavior and size are predictable.

With mixed breed animals, the genetics becomes uncertain, and some of the predictability is lost. However, when it comes to choosing a dog to add to your family or for training one to join a team, both purebred and mixed breeds may still fit the bill. Both types of dogs, young and old, find their way to shelters.

Many popular breeds fill shelters due to recent films or television shows. Families buy an animal imagining they will make the perfect pet but are unprepared for the training, care, and other responsibilities that come with canine care. Regardless of their genetics, all dogs require care and training. If there’s a particular breed that has captured your heart, check the shelters. You might be surprised to find either a purebred or one that is a mix of the kind you’re fond of.

Meet Rosie. She is spoiled rotten and happily shares our home with 5 cats and us humans too.

When dogs find a forever home, their companionship creates lifelong benefits. They bring with them joy, loyalty, and devotion. Eventually, no matter the breed, these pets become family.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDogDay

Listen to Dog Walking by The Knits from their album Pixel Parks.

When considering adoption, adopt, don’t shop. If you have your heart set on a purebred companion, consider visiting a website like bestfriends.org or petfinder.com to find one at a shelter. Learn how organizations like these are changing the way we adopt. As you search for your new family member, get prepared. Keep in mind the needs of a small versus large dog. Until you find your forever companion, consider volunteering at your shelter or becoming a foster parent.

Use #NationalDogDay and post photos of your dog on social media. Take your dog for a walk.  If you do not have a dog, ask to take your neighbor’s dog for a stroll, or volunteer at a shelter.