national dog day

It's time to celebrate your furry friends!  As any dog lover knows, they are one of the most loving, protective, and loyal pets known to man.  So, today is your day - National Dog Day!  

Founded in 2004, National Dog Day is celebrated to recognize not only family dogs, but also the multitude of dogs who need to be rescued and those whose lives are committed to service that keeps us safe.  Did you know that countless dogs put their lives on the line for us every day?  With a propensity for selflessly protecting, even if it risks their own lives, each day dogs serve beside law enforcement officers, as military war dogs alongside our armed forces, safely guiding a blind companion or a child who is disabled, and as rescuers of victims who have experienced a tragedy.   

Pictured above is Sadie.  She was rescued several years ago after being abandoned.  I found her along a busy road gnawing on some scraps of food that had been thrown out.  (So very sad!) Upon realizing that she was only receiving temporary care from a family that was not in a position to provide her with a permanent home, I quickly scooped her up and took her in as ours.  I thank God every day for the blessing she is to us. Invariably loyal, unconditionally loving, and ever so sweet, Sadie and her gentle nature are an endless joy.  

If you are looking for a companion of your own who will be forever grateful to you (and you're ready for the responsibility), take a look at PetFinder.com or Recycled Doggies, if you're in the Cincinnati area.

Click here for the official National Dog Day website or here to follow their Facebook page.

Learn more about the dogs in military service at US War Dogs.

And if you already have a devoted dog companion of your own, enjoy today as a celebration of the many ways they enrich your own life.

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freshly pressed watermelon juice

The last days of summer may be upon us, but cooling off in this warm weather still merits a glass of refreshing, crisp watermelon juice.  The best kind?  Fresh-pressed.  Juicing provides a myriad of health benefits (as a supplement to nutritionally sound meals).  If you don't already own a juicer, consider it an investment in your health.  By extracting the nutrients from vegetables and fruits, juicing allows our bodies to absorb the nutrients like a sponge while consuming an optimal amount of vegetables in an efficient manner.  Among its copious benefits, juicing helps to lower blood pressure, prevent cancer, provide increased energy, and hydrate the skin.  If you are new to juicing, Watermelon Juice would be a palatable start.  Light, sweet, and refreshing, this recipe is simple and super easy.  Just add chunks of watermelon to your juicer along with fresh lemon, to taste.  Serve in chilled glasses and enjoy!

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