National Dog Day: Amazing Day for Paws in 2021 (United States)

National dog day in the United States is celebrated on August 26th every year. Also known as dog appreciation day, this day encourages dog owners of all breeds. It is a day for people to recognize the importance of dogs and how they impact their lives on a daily basis. It is also a day to draw attention to the plight of abused, abandoned, and stray dogs who do not have proper food to eat or shelter to stay. National Dog Day also serves to raise awareness of the thousands of dogs that needs to be rescued and encourages admiration for family dogs and working dogs, such as bomb dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, and law enforcement dogs.

 

Why Celebrate?

Dogs keep us safe and aid those in need. If you’ve ever been to the hills or areas where you don’t know the path, you must’ve noticed that if there are dogs in those areas then they become the path leader and whenever you are in the possibility of any risk or difficulty they come to support you and stand beside you. They also support and help people who are blind, deaf or disabled, dogs do a lot for us humans, and this is an opportunity to give something back.

They play many roles in our life as they keep us healthy both physically and mentally. A dog is a man’s best friend. They are loyal and trustworthy. Keeping a dog with you also helps in the way that they easily detect people doing suspicious activities and they instantly start barking when they see such a person entering your house so that you become conscious and aware.

 

The History behind National Dog Day

This National Dog day was founded by author, animal behaviorist, and pet lover, Colleen Paige in 2004. She devised this observational holiday to not only show appreciation for dogs but to also bring attention to the plight of abused and abandoned dogs.

When dogs find a forever home, their companionship creates lifelong profits. They are a source of joy in the family. They bring with them loyalty and devotion. Eventually no matter the breed, these pets become family.

 

How to Celebrate

 

You can adopt a dog on this National dog day or if you already have a dog and don’t plan to adopt another one. You can celebrate it in other ways. For example, you can volunteer at your local shelter, donate to animal welfare organizations, spend some quality time with your dog, buy your dog some treats or a new toy, etc. National Dog Day is about providing dogs with love, compassion, respect, and protection they deserve.

You should do everything that your pup loves like going on a long walk. Or consider taking them on a hike and giving them plenty of time to stop and smell the flowers. Every year, numerous events are held on the occasion of National Dog Day. There are a number of different ways to celebrate this National dog day and make it a special one for your lovely pup.

These are some of the things that you can consider doing this National dog day:

 

Spend Quality Time

Dogs are those selfless creatures who give us companionship in all moods and emotions. If you are happy, your dog will jump along with joy. If you are sad, he also becomes sad. You can talk to your dog about your entire day and narrate all your happy and sad stories and you’ll never feel like you are talking to someone who cannot speak because all their barks and moans make you feel that they understand what you are up to and want to say.

You can take a day off and spend more time with your beloved pet and buy him/her new toys or a doghouse. Your dog and you can also watch his favorite dog movies or something that your pet likes to watch.

 

Go For A Long Walk In A New Place

Seldom is the case when dogs don’t want or like to roam outside in the fresh air. Otherwise, you have to forcefully drag them back into the house. Most dogs love exploring new, intriguing and interesting places with their best friend. If there’s a downtown area, beach, or local trail you’ve been wanting to check out, take your dog with you. And if your pet is scared of new places or people, take them on their favorite familiar route.

 

Host a Small Party

You can also throw a small party for your pup wherein you can invite a few families who have dogs too. Or you can cook some delicious food for your dog and their furry best friends and arrange some activities and fun events. You can also arrange for best-dressed competition or similar things like this which will create an amusing and positive environment.

 

Portrait Gifts

You can give your friends who own pets a portrait of their picture with their pup. You can even get yourself a portrait of your picture with your doggo. A dog painting is full of colors and creativity, thus it will definitely add more colors to your dog’s already colorful world and your family treasure. You can choose a black and white charcoal sketch or a colorful watercolor one.

 

Bake A Dog-Friendly Treat

There are lots of recipes online for doggy cakes, homemade biscuits, and other delicious dog food. It’s fun to make something homemade for your pet, and they’re sure to love whatever you give them holding the fact that you’ve made it for him yourself. Plus, if you’re not a fan of baking, you can just pick up your pup’s favorite on the way home. If there’s something that your dog loves to eat then it is mandatory to make it on this occasion.

 

Volunteer work

Some people take time to volunteer their time and money to various dog welfare organizations. Also, some people conduct National Dog Day events to raise money for their local animal shelter where you can offer your services as a volunteer. By doing such deeds you show your care and concern for these loyal and selfless creatures.

 

Adoption

You can also celebrate this day by adopting a dog and bringing a new member to your family. There are local shelters in most of the countries that pick up strays or take in animals that have been given up or abandoned. While seeking a new companion be sure to consider the mutts, mixes, and purebreds. Whether mixed or purebred embrace the opportunity to welcome a new member to your family and for all dogs to live a happy, healthy, safe and abuse-free life.

Photoshoot with your dog

You can plan a photoshoot on this big day. Give him a good shower and dress up in the best cloth and make him pose for some cute pictures. You can also buy some matching clothes for your pup and yourself and get clicked. We have an entire dog photography guide, so I won’t take much of your time here. Please make sure you read this.

 

Materialistic gifts

Dogs are not just loved by their owners but their friends and family as well. We all have had our favorite pets that never really were ours, they were either our friends or relatives but their cute and innocent antics make us fond of them.

You can get your dog some gifts to make him happy this dog’s day. Anything that your dog doesn’t have can be gifted like smart dog collars, bones, or a Casper dog mattress that’s as comfy as their owner’s. You can also buy them new toys and clothes.

Conclusion

As the saying goes that the best therapist has fur and four legs, these sweet creatures are the best thing we come home to after a long, tiring day. They somehow know to fix your cranky mood without even saying a word. They should be appreciated every day for all the adorable things they do for us. Well, anyone can own a dog but making them come to you wagging their tails needs a lot of care and love. So, take a day out from your busy schedules, and on this National Dog Day celebrate your lovely furry friend. Treat them, play with them, and never ever forget to love them. 

National Dog Day is about providing dogs with the love, compassion, respect, and protection they deserve. The holiday is actively promoted on social media as well. National Dog Day has even been supported by many high profile individuals such as former US President George W Bush whose own dog, Barney the Scottish terrier has his own website and has even starred in a series of short films. To celebrate dogs and their varied talents this dog’s day, both by taking the time to treat the dogs in your own life and by supporting dogs in need.

When is National Dog Day celebrated?

It is celebrated on 26th August.

Who founded National Dog Day?

National Dog Day was founded by Colleen Paige.

Why National Dog Day is celebrated?

It is celebrated to embrace the opportunity for all dogs(mixed or pure breed) to live happy,safe and abuse-free life.

How do we celebrate National Dog Day?

Host a play-date for your furry friends or donate to your local animal shelter. There are many more ways to celebrate it.

What can we do to help dogs on National Dog Day?

You can donate to your local animal shelter or adopt a dog or anything that makes this world a little better place for our furry friends and other animals as well.