This holiday dedicated to our sweet pups was founded in 2004 and was intended to celebrate the unconditional love canines have for their people.  National Dog Day is all encompassing of advocating against puppy mills, celebrating law enforcement dogs, appreciating dogs that assist in disabilities, and loving the pups we have welcomed into our homes and families.

There is no doubt that dogs are lovers.  While they may make you crazy with their shedding hair, clumsy movements around your home, chewed up shoes or kids’ toys, muddy paws and dirtiness that is brought in from outdoors, one thing remains the same…they LOVE you with every ounce of their heart.  This holiday was created to remind us to show them that same love. The National Dog Day official website gives us 20 different ways to celebrate.  Let’s take a look at some:

1. Adopt a dog from your local shelter or pure breed rescue organization.
2. Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to walk a dog or play with a dog, clean cages or anything else they need help with.
3. Donate blankets, food and toys to animal welfare organizations.
4. Write your Congressman and ask that he/she support the ban of Puppy Mills and Gas Chambers in your state.
5. Have a National Dog Day party and invite all your friends and their dogs!
6. Assist an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog.
7. Buy your dog a fun new dog toy….or two…or five.
8. Give your dog some fun exercise by taking him or her to a doggy play resort.
9. Brush your dog to eliminate excess fur.
10. Teach your dog a new trick.
11. Buy your dog a fashionable collar and leash.
12. Hire a professional pet photographer for a fun photo shoot.

Even if you don’t use one of the suggestions listed above, you can always spend an extra few minutes with your pup.  Scratch their ears a little longer, rub their belly instead of watching TV, or take them on an extra loop around the block. Show them the love they show you every day!

Source: http://www.nationaldogday.com/#!about1/c141h