Why Oui Follow Their Lead
Ordinary dogs in an extraordinary place is the definition of our Ouest House companions. If you’re picturing long trail runs, delicious river soaks, lazy porch naps, and sun-induced ennui, you’re sniffing in the right direction. The Dog Days of Summer are here, and no one knows them better than our Ouest House canine crew: Gigi, Bruce, and Copper.
Before we unleash their stories, let’s dive into the origin of this phrase. Contrary to popular belief, the Dog Days aren’t just about our pups panting in the heat; they’re celestial with origins tracing back to ancient Roman astronomy. Around late July, Sirius, the Dog Star, rises with the sun. As the brightest star in the night sky (about 25 times more luminous than the Sun), the Romans believed it added extra heat, hence the “Dog Days.” Modern science has since cooled that theory: Sirius is 8.6 light-years away and radiates zero additional warmth to Earth. What actually drives the heat is Earth’s axial tilt. After the summer solstice, we continue absorbing more solar energy than we release, making the annual period from approximately July 3 to August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere reliably sweltering. Sirius is just there for the show.
But that phrase stuck and it now conjures up the dreamy, drowsy stretch of summer. It is not the time to hustle, but the time for river floats and peak bagging followed by late-day naps, and much-deserved ‘pup cups.’ Our crew’s favorite flavors? Read on.
Gigi, a ranch rescue with impeccable manners is founder Jenny Walton’s refined shadow and loves her bacon and cheese flavored ice cream. Her summer itinerary includes early-morning massages, office observations, and evening runs along the Snake south of town.
Bruce, a sleek spotted Braque Français, belongs to founder Anna Cole, and he prefers peanut butter flavored ice cream, and most definitely without any interruptions. He’s the “monsieur” who wakes up ready and willing to do anything, anywhere, and is prepared for it all.
Copper, a Golden Doodle is a legendary heartbreaker (think most popular in high school), and is owned by Kristen Broeder, our maestro of Creative Ops. He always says ‘oui’ to vanilla. His days begin in the park, where he can mingle and connect with family and friends, and show off his new baby brother.
Being a dog in the Tetons is truly the ultimate. It’s more than the cooler air and endless trails that make this the best life a dog could dream of. It’s the culture. Dogs are coffee-date companions, co-conspirators, and adventurous explorers. They roam among wildflowers, leap over irrigation ditches, swim lakes, float rivers, camp alongside us, and convene for off-leash happy hours. Their lives are full, fun, and often freakishly physical and idyllic.
At Ouest House, we believe the best ideas come from balance, from movement and stillness, wildness and restraint. We see it in our work, and we see it in our dogs. Gigi, Bruce, and Copper may not pitch campaigns or write copy (yet!), but their presence reminds us of the value of good instincts, loyal partnerships, and knowing when it’s time to take a break and just bask in the mountains.
So here’s to the Dog Days. May yours be filled with the sound of the river, the taste of your favorite scoop, and a little stardust. And, remember. Always bring the dogs.
Merci for reading.
