The dog days of summer are around the corner, but it is plenty hot on the Winter Haven fields, right now. The phrase, "dog days of summer", usually refer to the extremely hot days of July and August. Here in Florida the dog days come much sooner, Friday the mercury hit 90 degrees. The Romans referred to the dog days as diēs caniculārēs and associated the hot weather with the star Sirius. They considered Sirius to be the "Dog Star" because it is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog). Sirius is also the brightest star in the night sky.
The Romans would be proud of our hitting stars today.
Herb O: 4/ 5 with a HR
Edwards: 3/ 4 with a double and a triple.
Bobby Z: 3/ 4 with a double.
Jacobs: 4/4 with a triple.
Lopez: 3/ 4.
Schapeler: 3/4.
Laffoon: 3/4 .
In keeping with this theme we had three dog teams take the field today, all chasing one bone. The winning team was the Fox Terriers. (Best in show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, 17 times). Herb, S. Hill, Scarbrough, Edwards, Zelazny, Moots, D. Hill, Thompson and Merritt were the champs. Fox terriers originated in the British Isles in the 17th century and were bred to drive fox and other game from their dens. Despite their roots, they are not generally used for hunting these days. However, they are known as excellent watch dogs. The WHSS Fox Terriers came to hunt. They had three innings in which they scored three runs. They played excellent defense, turning a double play, getting runners out at 3rd and home.
The silver medal was a two way tie. The Poodles, (Nine times a winner at Westminster) consisted of Coffman, Crest, Laffoon, Duff, Finnegen, Giordano, Reagen, Farwis, Wells and G. Baker. Poodles come in three sizes - standard, miniature and toy - and all three compete separately at Westminster. It's also one of the most popular breeds in America. Of the group, the standard poodle, which is over 15 inches tall, has racked up the most Best in Show awards, with four. The miniature poodle, between 10 and 15 inches tall, has won three times and the toy poodle, which is 10 inches or less, has captured the title twice.
These canines knew how to use their gloves; they turned two double plays in the game. Trying to get a ball past Jimmy Laffoon, at shortstop, was like trying to throw a steak past a hungry dog.
The other silver medal went to the Scottish Terriers, (eight time, Best In Show, winner). Gonzalez, Witmer, Jacobs, Lopez, Schapeler, Matta, JD, Marino and J. Smith all barked loud, just not loud enough to take first place. The Scottish terrier, or Scottie, not only holds eight Best in Show awards, it is also the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House three times. Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower and George W. Bush all owned Scotties during their time in office.
The game was close, at the end of six innings the score was Fox Terriers 9, Poodles 8 and Scottish Terriers 8. Every team had a chance to win it, in the 7th inning. However, the only team that feasted on "Gravy Train" in the 7th was the Fox Terriers. They increased their lead, scoring two runs, when Rich Moots started the inning with a triple and Duff Hill then doubled him in. The bottom of the lineup continued to (bow) wow us, when John Merritt singled in Duff Hill.
The other two teams were caged, as they failed to score in the 7th.
Final score: Fox Terriers 11- Poodles 8 - Scottish Terriers 8.
Here are a few lessons that dogs can teach all of us:
Enjoy the simple pleasure of a walk.
Run and play daily.
Be loyal, faithful and quick to forgive.
Always drink plenty of water.
Keep digging until you find what you want.
Avoid biting when a growl will do.
Take naps.
When a loved one comes home, always greet them.
Submitted By Nick Matta
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