It's Officially Summer. Here's How I'm Celebrating It.

The USA turns 250 this July 4th. I've been going down memory lane — and it turns out Airedales have more to do with American history than most people know.

As a kid, summer meant no school, riding bikes, swimming at the rec park, family vacations, and more time with Kandy — my first Airedale.

We always spent time with both sets of grandparents, in New Windsor and Keuka Lake, both up in New York. And this particular July has me thinking about all of it more than usual.

This July marks fifty years since I got to be on the Betsy Ross float for the Bicentennial. My mom was on the float too. The parade was in New Windsor, where she grew up and her parents lived out their lives.

Never heard of New Windsor? Most people haven't. But here's the interesting thing: it sits on the Hudson River, about twenty minutes from West Point — unless you take the Old Storm King Highway, which I'm not even sure they still allow. It played a role in the Revolutionary War and was the site of General Washington's last cantonment.

"Were there Airedales in the Revolution? No — they're an English breed and didn't make it across the pond until the late 1800s. But the breed has served in the White House and on the front lines. So yes, we have our own history of paws and stripes. And it's worth telling."

What I'm Doing This Summer

Over the next few weeks leading up to July 4th, I'm sharing the Airedale stories that tie to this country's 250 years — presidents, war dogs, and family dogs like Kandy. The history is bigger than most people know, including most Airedale owners.

And this isn't only an Airedale story. Even though I'm leading with the breed I know best, the celebration of dogs in American history belongs to all of us. As long as your best friend is by your side, this story is yours too.

Coming Next Week:

I'll introduce you to the three U.S. presidents who had Airedales in the White House. One of them owned what became the first celebrity pet ever to live there — and most people have never heard of him.

The current celebrity Airedale title in our house is, of course, already taken. Fleetwood claimed it on day one and shows no signs of giving it up — despite having done absolutely nothing to earn the role. 😂

With love and a wagging tail,

Kim Opdyke 💗