This special day happens on August 26 every single year to honour our furry friends and help dogs in need.
What is International Dog Day?
The holiday was started in 2004 by an animal lover named Colleen Paige. She picked August 26 because that was the exact day her family adopted her very first dog, Sheltie, from an animal shelter.
The day is not just about giving your own dog extra treats. It has a couple of important goals:
Promote adoption: It encourages people to rescue dogs from shelters instead of buying them from pet stores.
Thank working dogs: This day is also about paying tribute to all the various service dogs – dogs for the disabled & blind, dogs for detecting drugs, bombs, dogs that risk their lives on a daily basis protecting us and keeping us safe
Raise awareness: It reminds the world that every dog deserves a safe, happy life free from abuse.
Fun Ways to Celebrate
You can join the global celebration in many easy ways:
Spoil your dog (more than you usually do): Take your dog for an extra-long walk, play their favourite game, or give them a special healthy treat.
Help a shelter: Donate money, blankets, toys or food to a local animal shelter. You can also volunteer your time to walk shelter dogs.
Adopt or foster: If you are ready for a new family member, visit a shelter to give a rescue dog a second chance at a loving home.
Share online: Post a cute picture of your dog on social media to show the world why they are so special to you.
