Groundhog Day: It's Time for a Change

Where does the time go anyway? It's hard to believe that a year has already passed since I wrote a piece about Groundhog Day. And while our cats continue to maintain the same position they held as last year, when it comes to their feelings about the fuss made over a silly Groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil, I have to say I agree with them. After all, what is so special about a groundhog? One has to wonder why has this species in the animal kingdom has been given such acclaim? To be perfectly honest, there are many other critters I would like to see featured. What is wrong with bestowing the title on a canine? I think that that ground-dog day has a lovely ring to it. I think it would be ever so much easier to identify with a cute little doggie standing up on his or her back legs, waving a paw to the left when predicting a longer winter, or barking three times in a row when announcing an early spring. Judging by the comments on last year's ranting, most folks would love to have a kitty honored for this annual tradition. Ground kitties are ever so precise, and since they far prefer the warm weather to freezing temperatures, a loud and rapturous purr of contentment would certainly never cause anyone to wonder about whether that over-played Punxsutawney Phil had really seen his shadow, scurrying off to hide in his den. Cats are ever so much more upfront about disseminating crucial information to their adoring public. I have yet to meet a dishonest cat! While chatting the other day with a dear friend who is passionate about horses concerning this annual festive event, I could not help but feel compassion for her and other horse-lovers while she shared her dismay about groundhogs in general. Since these little creatures are capable of wreaking havoc in pastures, digging holes that are very dangerous to equines if they happen to trip into one, what kind of message are those men that worship the groundhog sending to horse lovers? It just isn't fair. She made it perfectly clear to me that it is about time that a pony should be recruited to fill the leading role in this long standing tradition, by of all things, a groundhog. For shame! After all, just simply offer up a lump of sugar or a carrot in payment for this assignment, which would result in an accurate and straight-forward report. I must agree with the folks that think that a groundhog, no matter how long his predictions have been held in high esteem, has been seriously over-estimated as the only critter that can render sage advice about our future weather. What do you think? Take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to share with a comment. Image Source: Flickr user knittypnut