By Dr. Becker
National Dog Day – also known as International Dog Day, World Dog Day, and National Dog Appreciation Day – was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an animal behaviorist and author, and is celebrated each year on August 26th.
The purpose of National Dog Day is to remind people of the number of dogs needing rescue each year, and to acknowledge the role of family dogs and working dogs in our lives.
In the words of Ms. Paige:
“I founded National Dog Day in 2004 to honor dogs… for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work protecting our streets, homes and families as Police K-9’s, Military Working Dogs, Guide Dogs, and Therapy Dogs.
I want the world to celebrate dogs for their capacity to love and their ability to impact our lives everyday in the most miraculous ways.
I want this to be a day to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure – to help abolish puppy mills and end breed specific legislation so we can create a world where all dogs (and every animal) can live a happy, safe and ‘abuse-free life.’”
