International Dog Day
Happy International Dog Day! August 26th has been declared as the day to celebrate man’s best friend. This is a day to celebrate all dogs, whether pedigree or mixed, and to remember the importance of dogs in our world.
International Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an advocate for animals and an expert on pet and family lifestyle. Colleen chose 26th August as the perfect date for Dog Day because it was the birthday of Sheltie, the dog her family adopted when she was 10. International Dog Day has many supporters, including former US President George W Bush, owner of a Scottish terrier named Barney.
Dog Day’s helps to spread awareness of the number of dogs that need to be rescued every year. It also recognises just how important dogs are to our society. Dogs play vital roles in daily life. They are our home companions, but also work hard, saving lives as search and rescue dogs, working as guide dogs for the blind or service dogs for disabled people, catching criminals, and detecting harmful substances. International Dog Day is an ideal opportunity to appreciate all our beloved canine companions.
Supporting all breeds includes denouncing “breed bans”, when a particular breed of dog is banned in an area. International Dog Day also promotes ethical dog breeding. Puppy mills and backyard breeders are notorious for poor animal welfare, and unethical dog breeding often creates unhealthy dogs. Instead, Dog Day promotes ethical dog breeders and reputable dog rescues as ideal places to find your canine companion and new best friend.
There are so many ways to support International Dog Day. Why not volunteer at a dog sanctuary, walking dogs or cleaning kennels? You may even find the perfect pet to adopt. If you have a dog of your own, you could treat him to a fun outing to the beach or the woods. You could try a new activity, such as canine agility or obedience classes. Other ideas include donating blankets and food to a local dog shelter; treating your dog to a trip to the groomer, or buying your dog a nice new collar and leash.
But it’s important to remember what International Dog Day is about all year round, not just on 26th August. We should uphold the ideals of Dog Day every day. We should do our best care about all dogs, whether they are pedigree or mixed. We should also be sure to support reputable dog breeders and rescue homes, and avoid unethical breeders and puppy mills. Dog welfare is important every day of every year. International Dog Day is just a good day to be reminded of it.