National Dog Day

National Dog Day is an annual event to raise awareness about dogs in shelters, foster homes, and rescue groups across the country. It takes place on August 26.

Every year, more than 6 million dogs enter animal shelters in the United States

There are many events held around the country for National Dog Day. One of the largest events is held at The White House where dogs are brought by their owners or volunteers. The day begins with photos with the president followed by a dog parade on the South Lawn.

On Wednesday, August 26 fine establishments across America will participate in offering “happy hour” prices all day long for anyone who shows up with a canine

While not a holiday that has been formally celebrated in the United States, Dog Day is a widely recognized day to celebrate dogs and their loving owners.

    The most likely reason for this lack of an official holiday is because there are so many holidays dedicated to or have some aspect of recognition for man’s best friend, so it would be impossible to officially declare one without excluding another. Regardless of how you look at it, Dog Day falls on August 26th of each year in honor of a man who had a very special connection with canines.   

In 2004 Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige celebrated National Dog Day by rescuing a Labrador Retriever named Rutherford from a kill shelter in Los Angeles, California after being abandoned and only having three legs. When she returned home to New York City, she started a grassroots campaign of dog lovers who wanted to honor their canine family members on August 26th by adopting that day from one of the many shelters across America that have dogs needing homes.

National Dog Day should be about celebrating the wonderful furry companions. When we celebrate dogs, we hope this encourages people to adopt from local, city and county shelters. The more shelter dogs that are adopted out, the less euthanasia of those dogs who have no place to go. It is a win-win! Those dogs that cannot be adopted will remain in their safe shelters until they can come up for adoption.

If you are looking for a new furry family member, please consider rescuing one from your local shelter or rescue organization today!

Rescue a Dog – Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center

• Fido’s Free Waggin’ Pet Adoptions
• Humane Society of Indianapolis – Indy Humane Alliance Org Development Incorporated (IHA
• Puppy Rescue