With temperatures across the country soaring, roofing contractors are feeling the effects of the dog days of summer. Luckily, many have furry friends by their side.

No doubt about it, everything about dogs makes life better. Dogs love unconditionally, work tirelessly and remain forever faithful to their humans. No wonder there’s a special day to celebrate pooches of all shapes, sizes and breeds.

National Dog Day, on August 26, was created in 2004 to raise awareness for dogs that need fur-ever homes and recognize the impact pups have on everyday life.

In honor of such a celebration, Atlas Roofing asked Asphalt Lifers to brag about their canine companions and showcase their puppy love.

Walter Sweetness Sampson Saharsky

Age: 1
Breed: Weimador (Silver Lab and Weimaraner mix)
Dad: Paul Saharsky
Dad's job: Owner of H and S Roofing (Green Bay, WI)

How did you meet Walter?
We knew the breed would be active to our lifestyle and his blue color was what sold us. He is tall like a Weimaraner but a bit thicker like a lab. He always wants to please everyone and is definitely a dopey dog.

How did Walter get his name?
My daughter Payton was named after Walter Payton – a former Chicago Bears running back (although we are Packers fans). Walter Payton's nickname was “Sweetness.” Walter’s (the dog’s) full name is Walter Sweetness Sampson.

What are your favorite things to do with Walter?
We love swimming, walks, and hikes in the woods. He also loves playing fetch with softballs.

What does Walter mean to your family?
When my daughter Payton, who works in our office, brought home a pup, we knew he needed to be a shop dog too. He brings a smile to your face. Many of our customers go out of their way to stop by.

Does Walter do any tricks?
He sits, shakes hands, gives hugs, and our favorite – sings when you say, "I love you.”

What are some ways you spoil Walter?
His favorite treats are pig ears, carrots and apples. He loves going in the woods.

---

Gus Franklin

Age: 2
Breed: Miniature schnauzer
Dad: Trey Franklin
Dad's job: Project manager/roofing manager for 1-10 Construction (Royse City, TX)

How did you meet Gus?
I lost my ride-or-die dog of 13 years to cancer, and I had just been devastated without him. My husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, decided he was going to get me a puppy and propose at the same time. Well, the ring got stuck in Customs so instead I got a puppy for my birthday.

How did Gus get his name?
I loved Cinderella as a kid. When I saw Gus, he was this little fat, fluffy, tiny furball. The first thing that popped into my head was the mouse from Cinderella named Gus.

What are your favorite things to do with Gus?
Probably our favorite thing to do is kayak fishing. He loves to go fishing with me. He gets on my kayak, and we take off for the day and just fish.

What does Gus mean to your family?
Gus brings everyone together. He keeps everyone in smiles and always wants to be there for people.

Does Gus do any tricks?
He can shake, sit, and lay down. He also loves to play fetch.

What are some ways you spoil Gus?
Gus loves going on car rides, the four-wheelers, and the tractor. One of his favorite things is to get out and ride.

---

Sweet Lou Bacon Wicket Carlson

Age: 1½
Breed: Terrier mix
Mom: Lauren Carlson
Mom's job: Marketing and communications manager for Atlas Roofing (Atlanta, GA)

How did you meet Sweet Lou Bacon Wicket?
We found each other at the local county shelter. He was being surrendered by a family who couldn't care for him anymore as we were leaving the shelter empty-handed. It was perfect timing.

How did he get his name?
He’s named Sweet Lou for the Detroit Tigers legendary second baseman "Sweet Lou" Whitaker. Our children chose Bacon Wicket.

What are your favorite things to do with Sweet Lou?
We go for hikes, camp in the North Georgia mountains, and cuddle on the couch.

What does Sweet Lou mean to your family?
He fits in perfectly with our family. He's loving, loyal, and is always up for an adventure.

Does Sweet Lou do any tricks?
Sit, lay down, and a modified rollover. We're always working on it.

What are some ways you spoil Sweet Lou?
I'd say we don't really spoil him so much as we love showing him new things and taking him on adventures that we imagine he hasn't experienced before, like to the beach, camping and hiking, having a pup-cup at the local ice cream spot, etc.

---

Zeus McAdams

Age: 2
Breed: Great Pyrenees
Dad: Jacob “Whopper” McAdams
Dad's job: Production coordinator for MRN Contracting (Loganville, GA)

How did you meet Zeus?
I got Zeus from a friend who couldn't/didn't have time to take care of him. I have had him since he was six months old.

How did Zeus get his name?
He got the name Zeus due to the large size of his paws. I knew he would be a large dog even as a puppy.

What are your favorite things to do with Zeus?
We like to go on walks, car rides and wrestle.

What does Zeus mean to your family?
He means the world to my family and me. He is great with my nieces and nephew.

Does Zeus do any tricks?
The only tricks he knows are how to sit, lay down, speak, and shake hands. (But he only does them if he feels like it.)

What are some ways you spoil Zeus?
I spoil him with new toys and bones.

---

Molly Pelletier

Age: 12
Breed: Chocolate Lab
Dad: Brian Pelletier
Dad's job: National account manager for Atlas Roofing (Chicago, IL)

How did you meet Molly?
We used a breeder because of the breeder’s reputation and strong bloodlines. She was one of 11 pups from her mom. Previously, I had a Lab from a pet store, and she had lots of health issues. I didn't want to go through that again.

How did she get her name?
One look at her and we came up with the name Molly. She just looked like one.

What are your favorite things to do with Molly?
She enjoys hunting, fishing, swimming, car rides, and playing in the snow.

What does Molly mean to your family?
She means the world. She's been through a lot with us. She marches to the beat of her own drum, even today.

Does Molly do any tricks?
Yes, she knows heel, stay, lay down, fetch, sit, paw, up, and get it.

What are some ways you spoil Molly?
She sneaks into bed with us and rides in the car. She loves swimming at my parent’s pool, walks, and lots of treats.