The Dog Days of Summer occur between the beginning of July through about the second week of August. It’s the height of summer—the weather is hot and humid, mosquitos are out in full force, and it’s often too hot to walk Yogi, my parents’ adorable Goldendoodle, unless it’s early morning or late evening. 

Because he gets overheated so easily, you’d think he’d be more of a water dog. But he refuses to swim, and he’s only willing to get wet up to his legs, which then makes him look like he’s got these skinny little stick legs supporting his fluffy sheep body. Interestingly, he loves to go to the groomer; I’m guessing it has to do with how much attention he gets.

Anyway, there I was, out on one sultry evening, equipped with my dog walking bag. This is a fanny pack that I have dedicated to all the accouterements Yogi might need while we are out on one of our jaunts. I have a small water bottle, collapsible bowl, treats, and of course bags (specifically, those blue ones that the newspaper comes in that everyone saves for me because you can never have too many).

I have often said that I come up with my best creative ideas, or solutions to problems (real life dilemmas, or made up ones like the puzzles in the newspaper) when I’m out walking. On this particular evening I generated this gem that I will now share with you: 

The Dog Poop Blues

Woke up this morning

Strapped that pack around my waist

Rushed out the door

Didn’t even use my toothpaste

Chorus:

Yeah, I got the Dog Poop Blues

(The Dog Poop Blues)

Woo, I got the Dog Poop Blues

(The Dog Poop Blues)

You wonder why I’m barefoot

‘Cuz I ain’t got time to get no shoes

I got the Dog Poop Blues

(The Dog Poop Blues)

Walkin’ down the driveway

And going up the street

Seems to take a lifetime

We talk to everyone we meet

Repeat Chorus

He’s pulling on the harness

Snatching trash that’s been thrown away

Afraid he’ll yank my arm off

If I don’t let him have his way

Repeat Chorus

He’s slowin’ down and sniffin’

Squattin’ in the yard

I got my blue bag ready

But—oooo—that smell makes it so hard

Repeat Chorus

I’m tired of the bug bites

That cover my legs and arms

But Yogi’s fur protects him

Like a hundred magic charms

Repeat Chorus

He’s really pantin’ and a-droolin’

Just plopped down under a tree

Doesn’t want to budge

And won’t even make room for me

Repeat Chorus

I forgot to bring any kleenex

My nose is starting to run

I need to use the restroom

I’m no longer having fun

Repeat Chorus

I’m out of treats and water

I guess we’ll call it a day

We’ll try again tomorrow

Guess there’s nothing left to say

—’Cept—

I got the Dog Poop Blues…

(Repeat Chorus)

Enjoy a great rest of the summer, stay cool out there, and may you always have lots of treats.