Every year on August 26th, National Dog Day is observed to celebrate the love, loyalty and companionship that dogs bring to our lives.

Whether they are pets, service animals, police dogs or rescue dogs, these amazing creatures play an important role in people’s lives. They give us unconditional love and make our lives more fulfilling and joyful.

When was the first National Dog Day celebrated?

National Dog Day has been observed since 2004, when dog trainer, animal behaviorist, activist and author Colleen Paige created it to celebrate our four-legged companions, raise awareness of the importance of adopting dogs from shelters, and encourage the adoption of all dogs, regardless of breed, who need a home.

According to the National Dog Day website, Paige also created other national observances, including National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day, National Cat Day and National Wildlife Day.

Why is National Dog Day celebrated on August 26th?

The National Dog Day website states that August 26 has a special meaning for the founder of the holiday: On that day, the family of then ten-year-old Paige adopted their first dog, a “Sheltie,” from the local animal shelter.

Is there an International Dog Day?

Since the inception of National Dog Day, its celebration has expanded worldwide. Today, International Dog Day is celebrated every year around the world as a global holiday for all dog lovers.

International Dog Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the situation of hundreds of dogs who need to be rescued because they are denied proper care. The main aim of International Dog Day is to encourage people to take care of these needy animals.

On this day, people are encouraged to adopt stray dogs and raise awareness about the problems they face. Moreover, this day is to tell people to provide a safe, loving and caring environment for all dogs.

Todd and Anna Giorgi run the Special Needs Senior Dog Sanctuary in Stamford, Connecticut, which provides love and support to senior dogs in need.

What you should know before adopting a dog

Here are some things to consider when considering getting a dog:

• How much exercise does my dog ​​need? It’s important to know the potential temperament of the dog breed you’re adopting. Potential shelter dog owners should ask themselves, “What’s right for me energetically and what’s right for me physically?” For example, if your house has stairs and you’re adopting an older dog, will you be able to carry your puppy up and down?
• How often does my dog ​​need someone to be home? Anyone considering adopting a dog should ask themselves how often they will actually be home before committing to a four-legged companion, as some dogs, both individually and depending on their breed, do better on their own than others. The last thing a new dog owner wants is for their pup to experience increasing separation anxiety.
• Make sure you can afford the financial costs of owning a dog. For example, if you have to work most days or want to take a spontaneous weekend trip, you’ll need to be prepared to bring your puppy with you if permitted, or arrange for it to be looked after while you’re away. This could mean paying for a dog sitter, dog walker, doggy daycare and/or boarding.
• Be prepared to spend a lot of time and affection with your pet – once you adopt it, it will become part of your family.
• If you are interested in adopting a shelter animal, you can visit ClearTheShelters.com or DesocuparLosAlbergues.com en Español for more information and to find a shelter near you.

Some of the information in this article was originally published in a CNBC TV18 article in 2023.