National Dog Day

A Day to Honor Your Dog and Encourage Rescue

Bobbi Leder
Bobbi Leder, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Jul 29, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
August 26, 2009 is National Dog Day. So what exactly is National Dog Day? Well, think of it as an opportunity to thank your best friend for all he does for you. Founder, Colleen Paige, came up with the idea as a way to help raise awareness of the number of dogs that are available for adoption each year. Paige also thought it would be a great idea to acknowledge working dogs (e.g. service, military), and dogs that contribute to their own families - even if that means a paw or lick that brightened their owner's day.

Mothers, fathers, and even grandparents have their own day, so why not dogs? Canines add so much value to our lives, and they provide unconditional love regardless of what you look like, your income, or status. There are thousands of dogs being put to death each day due to overpopulation and lack of resources, so please make a point of doing something to raise awareness, and encourage responsible dog ownership and dog adoption on August 26, 2009. Paige encourages everyone to donate $5 to their local shelter on National Dog Day.

Another way you can help is to host an event (e.g. a birthday party), and instead of asking for gifts, ask for a small donation or dog supply that can benefit a local shelter, rescue group, or animal food bank. And don't forget to celebrate National Dog Day with your very own dog. How about a special trip to his favorite park, a treat from the dog bakery, or special cuddle time on the couch? Maybe August 26, 2009 will be the day you decide to foster a dog or volunteer at an animal shelter. Whatever good deed you decide to do on National Dog Day, remember that August 26, 2009 is a special day to celebrate man's best friend.

"It is the Human Condition to Love.
It is Love that Changes the Human Condition.
It is the Love of one Human that can Change a Nation.
It is that Love which empowers one Nation, to save man's best friend."
~ Colleen Paige - Founder of National Dog Day

For more information, visit NationalDogDay.com. To read Top 10 Reasons to Rescue a Dog, click here.

Published by Bobbi Leder

Bobbi Leder is the author of the picture book, THE SECRET POLICE DOG. Leder has been published with a variety of print and web-based magazines, websites, anthologies, and newspapers.  View profile

  • August 26, 2009 is National Dog Day.

13 Comments

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  • Sheri Fresonke Harper8/25/2009

    Terrific info :)

  • Branwen668/4/2009

    Sounds like a good day to celebrate the memory of my Wolfi, who is greatly missed. :(

  • cheryl m brown8/1/2009

    What a great idea! I will celebrate the day honoring my beloved Fluffy that I miss dearly.

  • Faith Draper8/1/2009

    Great article :) I've never heard of National Dog Day but think it's a great idea and although I don't have a dog will celebrate in honor of those who have passed.

  • John Smither7/31/2009

    National dog day, sounds like a good idea.

  • jobythebay7/31/2009

    I have to tell you that my pampered Pomeranian has a special day every day! I do try to give to shelters though - especially her stuff that she doesn't want and blankets.

  • Tricia Goss7/30/2009

    I love the idea of honoring your dog by asking for gifts for less fortunate pups.

  • Jill P. Viers7/30/2009

    Thanks for sharing this. I didn't know there was a National Dog Day, but I'm really excited to celebrate it now! I love your idea for hosting a party and donating money instead of receiving gifts.

  • Christine Zibas7/30/2009

    What a great day to celebrate. One of the things I like to do (which is very inexpensive) is to use free dog food coupons to get food for my local shelter. They can always use a helping hand, whether it's dog food, newspapers, or a cash donation. National Dog Day would be a great time to think about helping out. Also this year, the shelter is particularly full as many dogs have become victims of foreclosure. So many pooches to love....

  • Tony Vega7/29/2009

    Every dog should have his day ;-) Great pic!

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