Celebrate National Dog Day Every August 26
On August 26 we honor man’s best friend with his (or her) very own day: National Dog Day.
Whether you have a dog (or two, or ten) or you just love dogs, you can celebrate this day.
Colleen Paige, animal advocate and founder of many animal-related days, created National Dog Day in 2004. Her idea for the day is to recognize all dogs and advocate for their humane treatment at all times.
Why Every Dog Does Deserve to Have His Day
Dogs are loving and loyal. No matter what you do or say, they just want your approval. And they’ve been loyal human companions for more than 15,000 years.
But dogs can be much more than just loving friends. Sure some dogs we invite into our homes for companionship. But other dogs have jobs to do. Bomb sniffing dogs, service dogs for the blind, and search and rescue dogs to name a few. And they do their jobs with devotion.
The thing they all have in common is their devotion to their masters and their desire to please.
But too often dogs are neglected, abused and abandoned. Of course, you wouldn’t do that.
But others do. From taping a dog’s muzzle shut because it barked too much to throwing a dog out of a moving car.
Too many dogs suffer at the hands of people they just want to love.
And puppy mill breeders endure a lifetime of darkness in cramped wire cages. Their puppies are lucky enough to get out, but many have genetic deformities, behavioral problems and other issues.
But we can help change that by spreading the word about abuses and promoting adoption from shelters.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficially slobbery, tail-waggin’ holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating National Dog Day
If you have a dog, make it his own personal holiday: Spend extra time with him, give him a good brushing, play with his favorite toy (or get him a new one), and give him an extra-special treat.
Don’t have a dog but want one? This is a great day to adopt a dog from your local shelter or rescue organization. Check out Petfinder to see dogs available or find a shelter near you.
Some shelters even waive or discount their adoption fees in honor of the day. But even if yours doesn’t, a loyal companion is worth the fee!
If you can’t adopt a dog, consider donating time, supplies, or money to your local rescue instead. Many have wish lists posted on their websites. Some have wish lists set up with Amazon.
And many (many!) shelters and rescues are understaffed and overworked. They’d love to have a dedicated volunteer (hopefully for more than one day!).
Get your kids involved too. If they’re old enough, they may also be able to volunteer. At the very least, they can help you buy or collect donations. Shelters often need clean towels, newspaper, food, toys and more.
Follow National Dog Day on Facebook.
Spread the word about National Dog Day and how many dogs in shelters, puppy mills, and on the streets need our help. Consider following one or more of these animal advocacy Facebook pages, too:
- Feeding Pets of the Homeless: Homeless people have pets, too. And those pets need help too.
- Harley: Harley was a rescued puppy mill breeder dog. He lost an eye, most of his teeth and has a whole host of health issues from his years at the breeders. He and his human mom & dad traveled the country speaking out against puppy mills. Harley passed away in March 2016, but his page and his dream to end puppy mills remain very active.
- Mama Jade: Mama Jade was a former bait dog that found her way to an angel who rescued her and ended up setting up a charity to help even more dogs. Mama Jade left us at Christmas 2015, but the rescue begun because of her is still working hard to save as many dogs (and the occasional cat!) as possible.
- Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary: A sanctuary for former research animals to live out their lives in comfort.
Depending on your child’s age, he or she might like one of these books about dogs (you’ll probably enjoy them too!):
- May I Pet Your Dog, by Stephanie Calmenson: Teaches young children how to approach a strange dog safely.
- Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch, by Mona Kerby: The story of a stray dog who joined postal carriers in the mail wagon.
- Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog’s Tale, by Laurie Myers: Read the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition from the perspective of Lewis’ Newfoundland dog, Seaman.
Find more ideas for celebrating the day on the official National Dog Day website.
How will you be spending National Dog Day?