Mishall RehmanThey comfort you, they aide you, they love you unconditionally and can truly be your best friend.
So, show your four-legged, furry canine some extra TLC for National Dog Day.
Started in 2004 by Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige, National Dog Day not only celebrates all dogs, both mixed breed and pure breeds but brings public attention to the plight of dogs in shelters and the rescue work that needs to be done.
National Dog Day is recognized in the U.S. on Monday, Aug. 26.
Paige, who also is the founder of National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day, chose August 26th because it was the day that she first adopted a dog at the age of ten.
Because of her experiences with pet adoption, Paige strongly advocates for pet adoption through National Dog Day.
National Dog Day “strongly discourages buying dogs from pet stores supplied by puppy mills, backyard breeders, the internet and newspaper ads.”
“Millions of dogs are killed each year because they’re simply unwanted. They’re unwanted because no one realized how to properly care for the demands of the breed. They’re unwanted because they were bought as a Christmas gift for a child that didn’t keep their promises about caring for the dog…unwanted because they shed too much…unwanted because they bark too much. Unwanted…simply because someone changed their mind. All a dog wants to do is love you and be loved by you.
“Dogs are amazing, courageous, sensitive, and sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect. Please consider bringing what was once considered “unwanted love,” into your heart and home on National Dog Day,” said Paige in a statement on the National Dog Day official website.
According to the website for National Dog Day, there are many ways pet owners can celebrate their furry friends.
Owners can do something as simple as giving their dog a good brush to get rid of excessive hair, take photos of their dog and enter the official contest, or do a safety check around the house.
People could also choose to do something more hands-on like throw a National Dog Day party, adopt a dog from a shelter, donate toys and blankets to a shelter or group that helps stray dogs, or give your own dog a holistic massage.
To learn more ways you can celebrate your dog this National Dog Day click here.
