Hugs not drugs.

 Yesterday, according to the fine folks at National Day Calendar, was 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.

They go on to say that "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."

Well, you know I love the puppies, and I'm a fan of things that make their lives safer. However, there are some issues about this day that need to be addressed, because I am a noodge and can never be happy.

1) There is also a National Hug Your Dog Day, which the competing National Today people say takes place every April 10. Curiously, it is not on the National Day page. National Today gives no origin for this holiday, but I think they may have seized pride of place. After all, "dog" is a more inclusive noun than "hound," hound referring especially to "a dog of any of numerous hunting breeds including both scent hounds (such as the bloodhound and beagle) and sight hounds (such as the greyhound and Afghan hound)" according to Webster. National Today does not list Hug Your Hound Day. I think there's gonna be a rumble between National Day and National Today at some point.

2) Most dogs don't like hugs. They will put up with it because they love us, but according to at least one canine behaviorist, they show signs of not liking it. Animals just don't understand hugs. It's an aggressive and dangerous move, and to smaller prey pets like rabbits, it could mean they are what's for dinner. Dogs like their freedom of movement. Some may take to hugs better than others, but that may be older or smarter dogs that have caught on that it is us showing affection and it means no harm. It's hard to fight instincts.

3) If your dog is large, as mine are, and independent-minded, as mine are (especially larger dog Tralfaz), there may be repercussions to hugs if you catch them at the wrong time. 

And I dare to wonder how my back got to be such a mess.

Ultimately I did not spend yesterday hugging the dogs, but they were allowed to do as they pleased and run roughshod over the rules. So, pretty much like every day.