Americans celebrate a long list of holidays each year; some which need no explanation as to why they exist (like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week), and others that are a bit questionable or farfetched, to say the least (such as National Hairball Awareness Day, Take Your Plants for a Walk Day and Bad Poetry Day, just to name a few). One holiday many people aren’t aware of, but that certainly deserves to exist and be recognized, celebrates our most loyal four-legged companions: dogs.
About National Dog Day
Founded in 2004, National Dog Day celebrates all canine breeds, both pure and mixed. In addition to honoring the dogs we
welcome into our family as well as those that work tirelessly and selflessly to serve humans – whether it be in the military, law enforcement or serving the blind, disabled and those living with PTSD – National Dog Day also exists to raise awareness about the millions of dogs that need to be rescued.
An estimated 3.9 million dogs are taken into shelters annually, usually due to being homeless or abandoned. Most shelters are almost always at or near capacity. Not all shelters have “no-kill” designations, and it’s sadly estimated that 1.2 million dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. National Dog Day encourages us all to celebrate the furry friends many of us have already welcomed into our homes, but also to get involved as much as you can to help this species that depends on us and loves us unconditionally.
Ways You Can Help
- Adopt – The single best way you can do your part is to adopt a dog from a local shelter, where they take in stray animals and provide shelter to ones that have been given up or abandoned by the families they loved. There are a number of great shelters and pet rescues in the Houston metro area, including BARC Animal Shelter, Houston SPCA, Citizensfor AnimalProtection (CAP), Houston Humane Society and Friends For Life, just to name a handful.
- Donate – If you’re unable to welcome a canine companion into your home but still want to help support the shelters and organizations in your area, consider donating money, pet food, toys, blankets and other resources to organizations like the ones listed above (and there are plenty of other great ones as well).
- Volunteer – The vast majority of shelters offer a number of ways for people in the community to volunteer and personally help animals in need. Some offer more specific or unique volunteer opportunities than others, but most generally need help feeding, walking, playing with and cleaning up after the animals. Visit a shelter near you online or in person to find out how you can get involved.
To learn more about this wonderful holiday and the many ways you can do your part in celebrating, visit www.nationaldogday.com. In case you were wondering, there is also a similar holiday for Americans’ other favorite four-legged pets; National Cat Day is celebrated each year on October 29, so be on the lookout for ways you can chip in for your kitty friends as well!
Treat Your Four-Legged Friend to a Comfy New Bed from Living Designs Furniture
As a manufacturer and purveyor of quality,handmadefurniture, all of us at Living Designs Furniture know that nothing quite completes a home like a dog, which is why we wanted to offer your animal pals the best in honor of National Dog Day. In addition to sofas, headboards, chaises, love seats, accent chairs and other types of furniture, we also offer a variety of quality, well-designed and customizable products for pets, including comfy beds, steps, and stools. For more information about our array of pet products, contactus online or visit our store in Houston today!