Semi Q Canines

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100 – July, 2026

By Sarah Montague

In July of 2026 the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, or its “semiquincentennial.” Since this is a hard word to wrap your tongue—or mind—around, it’s generally referred to as the “Semi Q.” In a wide range of celebrations all over the country, homage will be paid to our first citizens—the various tribes representing Indigenous peoples—the founding fathers—Jefferson, Madison, Washington, etc.— and other social, cultural, political and artistic movers, shakers and shapers of the American experience.

America is one year younger than Jane Austen, and one year older than the great mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and the statesman Henry Clay.

But—there is no history—especially ours, that does not include dogs. As much as Washington, Jefferson, Madison and the like, dogs have also helped to shape our country—as important partners in work and domestic life—from sled dogs to farm dogs—and as companion animals.

Jefferson liked Briards, Benjamin Franklin, Newfoundlands (though he never owned one, he was devoted to his son’s dog.) And, leaping ahead more than a century, who can forget Barack Obama’s promise, to his daughters Sasha and Malia of a puppy, resulting in the arrival of the stylish Portuguese Waterdog, Bo, who was later joined by Sonny.

“It Being a Good Morning, I Went Out with the Hounds”

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100 – July, 2026

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Posted by AnthonyA on Jul 11 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.