National Dog Day
"Dogs should not have to lose their lives because of the atrocities they have been forced to endure at the hands of man"
-Colleen Paige, Founder of National Dog Day
National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th and was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Animal Rescue Advocate, Conservationist, Dog Trainer and Author, Colleen Paige.
National Dog Day celebrates all dogs, mixed breed and pure. The goal is to educate the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledge family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day...for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage, now they're detecting cancer and seizures...things even humans cannot do. NDD was adopted into New York State Legislation in 2013.
"Millions of dogs are killed each year because they're simply unwanted", says Colleen Paige, founder of National Dog Day. " 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!"
Ways to Celebrate
Celebrating National Dog Day can be as easy as giving your four-legged friend a big hug and kiss! But for those who want to take their love and appreciation to another level, here is a list of ways for you to celebrate!
Adopt a dog from your local shelter or rescue organization.
Donate blankets, food and toys to animal welfare organizations
Sponsor a Pawtastic Friends dog for Enrichment Training https://www.pawtasticfriends.com/dogs
Spend the day taking photos of your dog and enter them in the Pawtastic Friends 2022 Calendar Contest https://www.gogophotocontest.com/pawtasticfriends
Volunteer with Pawtastic Friends https://www.pawtasticfriends.com/volunteer
Purchase Pawtastic Friends retail apparel (proceeds support enrichment training session) https://www.pawtasticfriends.com/apparel
Assist an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog
Hire a professional pet photographer for a fun photo shoot https://www.pawtraitsbynicole.com
Take your dog for a long walk or drive; spend the day together!
Resource: https://www.nationaldogday.com/about1