International Dog Day
There are many reasons to celebrate dogs. They have been man’s best friends for over 20,000 years. Whether you want someone to cuddle, protect your livestock, or guard your property, you should get a dog.
International Dog Day is celebrated every year on August 26th to promote dog ownership and increase awareness of owning dogs and caring for them. Let’s discuss the historical significance of International Dog Day and how you can celebrate it.
Historical Significance
International Dog Day came into existence in 2004. Colleen Paige, an animal advocate and pet & family lifestyle expert created the day to celebrate dogs and promote their welfare. Initially, Dog Day was a local event in New York City, however, it has now grown into a globally recognized event. In 2013, the New York legislation recognize Dog Day and listed it on their website.
International Dog Day has its website and leverages its platform to spread the word. Key areas of focus of National Dog Day are:
- Increase down ownership of all breeds
- Helping dog owners take better care of their dogs
- Promote the welfare of homeless dogs
How to Celebrate International Dog Day?
Here are some amazing ways to celebrate International Dog Day.
Adopt a Dog
The best thing you can do on Dog Day is to adopt a dog from a dog shelter. Many people pay thousands of dollars on rare, exotic breeds. However, there are several dogs on the streets and in dog shelters waiting for loving owners. Instead of buying a dog, adopt one.
Volunteer at a Dog Shelter
Owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibilities and expenses. Not everyone has the time and financial resources to keep a dog. If you can’t afford to own a dog, you can volunteer at a dog shelter to spend time with dogs that need care and affection.
Donate to Animal Welfare Organizations
Another amazing way to celebrate Dog Day is to donate to a dog welfare organization or animal welfare organization. Some popular animal welfare organizations are:
- Humane Society of the United States
- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
- Best Friends Animal Society
- Animal Welfare Institute
Spend More Time with Your Dog
If you have a dog, spending more time with it is another effortless way to celebrate Dog Day. If you don’t get enough time to spend with your dog, take this day as an opportunity to give your furry friend all the love and attention it deserves. Start taking better care of your dog in terms of food, exercise, and training.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are meant to be loved every day. But as dogs bring so much joy and happiness in our lives, the least we can do for them is celebrating National Dog Day. You can do a lot of different things to celebrate the day, from adopting a dog to taking better care of your dog.
So, how do you plan to celebrate National Dog Day?