You may be a fan of cats, but do you have a dog or two at home that you cannot live without? You might like to know that August 26 is National Dog Day, and it is celebrated every year. No matter if dogs are pets or service animals, purebred, or rescue dogs, they play an important role in a human’s life. I have two dogs at home that I love so much, and I am very blessed to have them in my family.
National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige who is now a pet lifestyle expert and animal advocate. Paige chose August 26 because it was the date her family adopted their first dog when she was 10 years old. The day celebrates the love, loyalty, and companionship that our dogs bring to people’s lives.
My dogs are named Scout and Lexi. Scout is a Cairn Terrier, and we got him back in 2018. It was the best decision ever. From the very first night, he has kept the nightmares away, and he lets us know whenever there is a bug, spider, or scorpion in the house. Scout makes me feel safe at home when I am alone. Sometimes Scout will act like a therapy dog every once in a while, going to us when one of us is upset, and we never trained him to do that.
In 2021, we noticed he needed a buddy to play with, so we decided to get another dog. Lexi is a Yorkshire Terrier, and we got her from some friends in June of that year. I sometimes call her Sweet Pea because she is little and sweet, but with a very expressive personality just like the flower. Lexi acts as if she is a big dog, completely unaware that she is small.
Despite her tiny size, she is a very smart pup. I love how Lexi waits for me every night to go to sleep and gets worried when Scout is not around with her. As the famous playwright William Shakespeare would say, “Though she be but little she is fierce.” If Scout gets rough when playing with her, she will fight back and push him off the sofa.
Other than loving on our dogs, the main purpose of National Dog Day is for people to recognize how many dogs need to get rescued every year. It also encourages people to adopt dogs and appreciate what they do in life. While National Dog Day started off as a memory of a ten-year-old girl and her dog, now it is a day to appreciate the unique bond that we have with our dogs of all kinds. As Josh Billings, a 19th-century American humorist and lecturer, wrote, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” What a true statement that is.
There are so many ways to celebrate National Dog Day with your dog. Maybe plan a special little doggie spa day at home. You can start by massaging their paws, tummy, and back of the ears. Then you go on and have their nails done. After that, you can give them a bath, but only if your dog is comfortable. If not, you can have a cup of water on the side and use a washcloth with soapy water to clean your pup. To add the final touch and end the spa day, put lotion or balm specially made for dogs on their nose and paw pads.
Another way to show your appreciation to your dog is to go to a dog park. Some dog parks hold dog friendly events. My favorites in my area are Bark in the Park in the spring and Petpalooza in the fall, hosted by the Prattville/Autauga Humane Society. Events like those often have a fun backdrop for a photoshoot, some contests for you and your pup to participate in, and dog toys and treats you can buy for them. Some may offer chip or nail services at special prices. Plus, your dog gets the chance to socialize as you look around.
The other thing you can do is simply spend quality time with your pup. If there is one thing a dog loves, it is spending some time with you no matter what the plans are. You can take your pup to the coffee shop because chances are they will carry a dog-safe “pup cup” treat for your little buddy. You can also treat them by taking them to a pet store and getting a new toy or treat that they will love.
National Dog Day shows the importance of adoption, so consider adopting a rescue. My dogs have changed so much over the years, and I am glad they get along and are close, compared to when they met the first time. Scout is now 7 years old and Lexi is 4 years old, and I love watching them play together, rely on each another, and smother me with kisses when I come home from Camp ASCCA. It is true what people say, that a dog is a man’s best friend.
