Observing National Dogs Day
Man’s best friend, your favourite floof, a very good doggo, the perfect pupper—whatever you call your canine companion, it’s a no-brainer that you will always claim your pet as the Best Dog in the World!
Primarily and in their own way, all dogs are the best dogs. To honour the special animals in our lives, we have the widely celebrated National Dog Day. We already know that we treat our furry friends well on the regular.But on August 26th, make sure to go the extra mile.
But first, let’s go back to where National Dog Day began
National Dog Day is celebrated every year on August 26th. It is observed to show our appreciation for dogs, not just our own, but all over the world. It is also to show how they have impacted our lives every day. Apart from family dogs, we also pay tribute to the service dogs who have been trained to maintain our safety.
More importantly, we bring awareness to dogs that have been abused, neglected, and abandoned; put a stop to puppy mills; and end breed-specific laws that regulate and ban certain dog breeds in reducing incidents of dog attacks.
National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an author, animal behaviourist. Paige, who is the owner of the National Dog Day Foundation, is also an advocate of cats—she is the founder of National Cat Day.
Celebrate dogs all over the world
Starting with your very own nap and snuggle buddy.
Commence the day with a morning walk in the park. Give your dog some extra time to play around and socialise with other dogs. Pamper them with a visit to the pet salon for a good grooming session. Then, invite your friends and your dog’s playmates over for a backyard pool party, with lots of treats and a celebratory cake. Don’t forget to gift them with a new toy!
That should show how much you love your pet pooch. But what about the dogs other than our own? How do we extend that love to them?
Now that we know National Dog Day is not just about our beloved four-legged family members, consider these activities dedicated to our other fluffy friends:
· Connect with and donate to animal charity organisations
· Adopt (don’t shop) a dog at the local shelter – especially if this is your first time, or when you can take responsibility for another pet
· Volunteer at a shelter – help spread the word and care for animals that have yet to find their forever home
Keep in mind that because National Dog Day comes once a year, it does not mean you only engage in these activities the same way. Continue your commitment to your pet and all others still living in shelters by showing them love the best way you know how.
Read our previous article on Why dogs are superheroes – find out how they change lives.