Mark your calendars: Aug. 26 is National Dog Day. Not surprisingly, we are all dog lovers here at DogTime, so we celebrate our fur babies every day of the year. This holiday just gives us an excuse to go all out.
Origins of the (Best) Holiday
First celebrated in 2004, National Dog Day was found by Colleen Paige. Paige is an animal rescue advocate, conservationist, dog trainer, and author. Her mission is to “help galvanize 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.”
Moreover, Aug. 26 is a special day for Paige. On that day when she was 10 years old, her family adopted her first dog.
This day officially encourages dog ownership of all breeds. “Dogs should not have to lose their lives because of the atrocities they have been forced to endure at the hands of man,” says Paige.
Additionally, Paige was instrumental in having this special day adopted into New York State Legislation in 2013. “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.”
If a dog is adopted on this special date, they can celebrate with other canine parties around the globe. Many shelters also throw parties for pups on this national holiday. Given that there are so many celebrations, this is a good day to adopt a pup!
Everyone, even those without dogs, are encouraged to donate $5 to their local shelter or rescue on Aug. 26.
Other Important Doggie Dates
As if you need another excuse, there are even more dog holidays to celebrate. Along with National Dog Day, there is National Puppy Day on March 23, which celebrates the unconditional love and affection puppies give us. Similarly, the organizers’ goal is to help puppies find their forever homes. This day also aims to “educate people about the horrors of puppy mills across the country.”
If you want to celebrate all dog holidays, mark your calendar for National Dog Mom’s Day, National Rescue Dog Day, and National Make A Dog’s Day.
