This week we celebrate the 4th of July! And if you are reading this the day it is posted, we are celebrating the holiday today!
Some refer to the holiday as the 4th of July while others say Independence Day. It is an American holiday and one we celebrate annually. It marks the day that the United States became its own nation.
The Fourth of July is the day America was born. And is America’s birthday celebration. Thus the reason for barbecues or picnics, gatherings of families, parades, and fireworks.
The 4th of July is a federal holiday so lots of people have the day off from work. And this year it falls on a Monday. Making it a long weekend for many.
But not my dad. Since he cares for people’s pets when they go away, he is extra busy on a holiday weekend. This means we are always home for holidays.
Does your family do any special celebrations? Or gatherings with family and friends? Often families have annual traditions. They might go camping or have barbecues or go to local festivals. And maybe watch fireworks in the evening.
Happy Fourth of July!
We sometimes go out for breakfast after my dad gets his work done. And later in the day we usually have a barbecue. Overall it is a quiet day spent together. Which is fine with me.
It may be a quiet day at home for us. But not a day off for me. Because my mom still needs my help. Although maybe not quite as much help as when we are out and about for appointments or errands.
When referring to a holiday like Independence Day, it makes me think about the independence I give my mom every day. With my help, she can live her days more fully. And not have to be asking or waiting for someone to help.
When she needs some assistance, she just asks me. I am always nearby and very willing to help. And never feel bothered or inconvenienced by her needing my help.
So as we celebrate the holiday this year, my mom and I will reflect on the birthday of our country. As well as the independence I give her daily.
Clint, my name is Diego, and I am also a Canine Companions Service Dog. After reading your DNA Blog, my Mom ordered a kit, we did the swab and sent it in to the company. Guess What: We are 36% related. My father is a full lab named Kevin II. He lives in California now, but he used to live on this farm with my Mom and Dad as they were his puppy raisers. That makes me their grandpuppy. The test says I am 88.3% lab and 11.7 Golden. My Mother’s name Ghita is a lab golden cross., so all of my Golden comes from her. My mother doesn’t like the name the test gives us Goldador, it sounds like some fancy la la dog where as lab golden cross is better for hard working dogs like us. We are having a quiet 4th of July as well. We do a couple of special things-we always have an American Flag with a light above it, but today my Dad hangs all the military flags as well. He was in the Navy for 31 years and was Captain of two ships. He has a ship’s bell that was given to him when he left the USS Wadsworth. At a special time today they will ring (or my Dad says strike it) it as a way to say Happy Birthday USA.
Hey Diego… It is so nice to meet you! Thanks for reading my blog and commenting. I love meeting new friends. Especially ones who are related to me! That is so interesting about your father, Kevin. Your mom must be so proud to have raised a pup who was selected as a breeder. And honored to have been partnered with one of his pups! My mom and I agree with your mom… we don’t like Goldador either. And much prefer Lab Golden cross.
It sounds like you have some very special and meaningful traditions for the 4th. It must be beautiful with the military flags hanging with the American flag. Ringing the bell to say Happy Birthday USA is a great tradition. Especially since it was given to your dad when he left the USS Wadsworth. My grampie was in the Navy, too. I never got to meet him but my dad has told me some stories about him being in the navy and on a ship. I’m sure he would have loved me!
Enjoy your quiet day with your mom and dad!
Sending great big hugs and wags to you and your mom from me and my mom! ❤️ 🐾