What Is the Dog Daze of Summer? And How to Get Through It.

Can you revive that “endless summer” feeling once you’ve entered the dog daze of summer?

Yes, I know, the traditional expression is dog days, not dog daze. But what we’re talking about here is the DOG DAZE of summer. It’s a real thing and it happens every year to nearly all of us. (Plus, it’s a popular name for summertime craft brews).

As we’re approaching the end of the dog days of summer. Feeling how I’m feeling today confirms my conviction the expression should instead be known as the “dog daze” of summer.

Of course, the dog daze would naturally occur during the dog days. But it would be what you call that feeling you get near the end of the stretch.

Officially speaking, the Farmer’s Almanac has the end marked for August 11^th this year. And I’m good with that. Because mid-August is also about the time the dog daze begins to wane.

The dog daze of summer sets in when those endless summer hopes and desires have faded into being just plain dog tired. 

Can you even get your inner dog to go play one last time? Is it even possible once the dog daze sets in? Yes, it-is-possible. And you must find a way no matter what.

A full and rewarding summer depends on it—so don’t give up now!

Summer, in all her glory, sure can deliver a punch at times. Many of us have been through different trials depending on where we’re living. Heatwaves, humidity, storms, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, you name it. Have you had enough yet? Are you looking for a change?

The weather has been ridiculously hot in so many places all summer long. Even the typically more temperate places like the Pacific Northwest and England. Who would have ever thought England would have a serious heatwave? 

You’ve either got the daze or it’s coming, and you just need to get through it. 

And if you think about it, it’s not a lot different than a winter that refuses to let go—just a different temperature.

It starts to wear on us… we’re ready for a change. Depending on the severity of your daze, it can seem like a very long time.

So, then what happens next?

We’ve had as much fun as we can handle, haven’t we?—No, you haven’t.

So, we all have our favorite seasons, our favorite times of the year. And naturally, they’re not all the same.

Whether you’re a full-blown four-seasons type or you live in one of those two-season meccas, the change of season is the kind of change everyone seems to automatically accept… even look forward to.

Wow, a change we look forward to! Who let that happen? 

That’s as if there were a choice. And maybe it’s why—That we have no choice in the matter.

For me, the Fall, or Autumn if you prefer, is the one I always look forward to. It’s clearly my favorite.

It could be because it’s rooted in the new school year of days gone by. By now, we should realize that we never really let go of those times. If we even could… or if we wanted to, for that matter. Just like the dog daze.

Feelings of summer come to an end, no matter how much we wished it would or wouldn’t. Accepting the time has come and gone, until next year—This is what we must do.

Anticipation of something new and something familiar comes at the same time…

Autumn can be a time of rebirth and a refreshing, healthy change… of getting into a different rhythm, a different pace. Cool, crisp mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. What could be better?

It’s comforting to know the dog daze is coming to an end… could it be time to think about taking some new “classes.” Metaphorically, or not. It’s a familiar place. And in its own way, at just the right time and not a day too soon.

Hang on… a change is near.

Be untucked.

p.s. If you know someone who’s stuck in the daze, be sure to share this post with them. Who knows? It might even help snap them out of it.

p.p. s. This post is a reprise of one I wrote several years ago. You can read the original here.

p.p.p.s. If you’re interested in learning more about the dog days of summer, check out this fun post on Wonderopolis.org

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