Tuesday, August 26th was National Dog Day. I am ashamed to admit I did not know there was such a thing. Of course everyday should be National Dog Day as far as I’m concerned.
This special day, now celebrating its 10 anniversary, was put aside to appreciate our beloved dogs and also to raise awareness and help shelters and rescues find homes for the overwhelming number of unwanted dogs.
We should always appreciate our best friends, but if this day can bring some extra attention, then let’s celebrate!
National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige. She is considered to be one of America’s leading pet and family lifestyle experts. “I founded National Dog Day to show our deep appreciation for the historical connection of companionship for one another.”
So whether you are celebrating the day a little late or planning for next year’s event, here are some of Paige’s suggestions:
- Adopt a dog from your local shelter or pure breed rescue organization.
- Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to walk a dog or play with a dog, clean cages or anything else they need help with.
- Have a safety check of your home to make sure it’s safe for your dog and others.
- Donate blankets, food and toys to animal welfare organizations.
- Organize a peaceful demonstration in front of your community pet store that sells puppies.
- Write your Congressman and ask that he/she support the ban of Puppy Mills and Gas Chambers in your state.
- Order an adorable dog shaped flower arrangement from 1-800-Flowers.com and enjoy a 10% discount by using code DOG when placing your order!
- Have a National Dog Day party and invite all your friends and their dogs!
- Spend the day taking photos of your dog and then enter our photo contest!
- Buy an official National Dog Day Tee here and sport it proudly!
- Assist an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog.
- Have a portrait painted of your dog to suspend the fleeting magic of dogdom.
- Buy your dog a fun new dog toy….or two…or five.
- Give your dog some fun exercise by taking him or her to a doggy play resort.
- Brush your dog to eliminate excess fur.
- Give your dog a massage or holistic spa treatment.
- Teach your dog a new trick.
- Buy your dog a fashionable collar and leash.
- Hire a professional pet photographer for a fun photo shoot.
- Take your dog to the beach.
source: http://www.nationaldogday.com/#!celebrate/cee5
I think # 1 is the most important, if you have room for one more dog, please consider adoption or at least lend a hand at your local shelter.
And put this important date on your calendar for next time!