National Dog Day
National Dog Day. If you're a dog lover, August 26th is the day for you - and these beloved animals. Started by Animal Miracle Network, National Dog Day celebrates dogs of all breeds and types: family dogs, service dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, police dogs, rescue dogs.... But more than that, the day is to raise public awareness of the many dogs that need to be rescued, and dogs who live in shelters looking for a loving home.
They actively strive to raise awareness of the fact that although every one has the right to have a purebred dog, many of these dogs come from puppy mills which have a very low quality of life for the breeding females. Their website says, "[W]hile we feel that American's have the constitutional right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying from pet stores, backyard breeders, the internet, newspaper ads and puppy mills, and rather encourage those seeking new canine companions, to verify that they are buying from a reputable breeder, educate themselves about their dog's breed and better yet - visit their local shelter or pure breed rescue group for a new furry family member that will be forever grateful."
The day was founded by pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige in 2004. She poetically says on the National Dog Day website, "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."
This year she and the world mourn the loss of the National Dog Day Ambassadog, Tinkerbelle, a Chihuahua rescued by Paige's husband, but who sadly succumbed to brain cancer in February, at just ten years old. Her husband, an ex-football player who credits Tinkerbelle with helping him walk again after recovering from spinal fusion surgery. They ask that people adopt a dog from a shelter or donate to their favorite charity in Tinkerbelle's name. The Fairy Dust Fund will feature five different pet cancer organizations that people can donate to, rotating which one is featured prominently on their page.
"Tinkerbelle brought attention to the myriad of homeless dogs in America," says Kathleen Kelly, Director of Communications for Animal Miracle Network. "she spent years at our events, giving lots of love to people who never liked small dogs. Many people, after spending just a few moments with her, would head over to our adoption center and adopt a Chihuahua or another dog. She showed people that adopted dogs are full of love, can behave well and give so much joy to everyone around them."
You can submit your silliest dog of the year photo, online, and although no one will replace Tinkerbelle in their hearts, the Network has a wonderful new AmbassaDog - Spirit.
They actively strive to raise awareness of the fact that although every one has the right to have a purebred dog, many of these dogs come from puppy mills which have a very low quality of life for the breeding females. Their website says, "[W]hile we feel that American's have the constitutional right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying from pet stores, backyard breeders, the internet, newspaper ads and puppy mills, and rather encourage those seeking new canine companions, to verify that they are buying from a reputable breeder, educate themselves about their dog's breed and better yet - visit their local shelter or pure breed rescue group for a new furry family member that will be forever grateful."
The day was founded by pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige in 2004. She poetically says on the National Dog Day website, "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."
This year she and the world mourn the loss of the National Dog Day Ambassadog, Tinkerbelle, a Chihuahua rescued by Paige's husband, but who sadly succumbed to brain cancer in February, at just ten years old. Her husband, an ex-football player who credits Tinkerbelle with helping him walk again after recovering from spinal fusion surgery. They ask that people adopt a dog from a shelter or donate to their favorite charity in Tinkerbelle's name. The Fairy Dust Fund will feature five different pet cancer organizations that people can donate to, rotating which one is featured prominently on their page.
"Tinkerbelle brought attention to the myriad of homeless dogs in America," says Kathleen Kelly, Director of Communications for Animal Miracle Network. "she spent years at our events, giving lots of love to people who never liked small dogs. Many people, after spending just a few moments with her, would head over to our adoption center and adopt a Chihuahua or another dog. She showed people that adopted dogs are full of love, can behave well and give so much joy to everyone around them."
You can submit your silliest dog of the year photo, online, and although no one will replace Tinkerbelle in their hearts, the Network has a wonderful new AmbassaDog - Spirit.
