August 26, 2013

One of our favorite photos...Happy National Dog Day to our White Dog Army and all of you!

White Dog reminded Steve as he was making breakfast bacon that today, Monday, August 26^th, is National Dog Day. Nothing says “I appreciate you to a White Dog,” she added, “like chewy bacon.” “Nothing says pancreatitis attack for Nuka like bacon. How about a nice omelet with kibble instead?” Over breakfast we learned that this special day had a long and worthy history.

Founded in 2004 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist, Colleen Paige, National Dog Day was created to honor dogs more than we currently do, to give them "a day", to show deep appreciation for our long connection to each other - for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work, their capacity for love and their ability to impact our lives every day in the most miraculous ways. National Dog Day wishes to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure - and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and ”abuse-free life”.

This is what their website has to say: No one can win hearts like man’s best friend and in honor of this bond between man and canine, Dog Day is celebrated.

Take time to appreciate the love and value that dogs bring to our daily lives, and to do your bit for homeless and abused dogs the world over. From keeping us safe working for the emergency services to supporting people who are blind, deaf or disabled, dogs do a lot for us humans, and this is an opportunity to give something back.

Recommendations for ways to celebrate Dog Day range from adopting a dog from a rescue home to giving your dog a holistic spa treatment or even buying yourself and your dog matching t-shirts.

The National Dog Day Foundation supports all breeds and varieties of dogs and discourages purchasing from unethical backyard breeders and puppy mills; instead, support reputable breeders or adopt from rescue homes.

Dog Day has been supported by such high profile individuals as former US President George W Bush whose own dog, Barney the Scottish terrier has his own website and has even starred in a series of short films. So celebrate dogs and their varied talents today, both by taking the time to treat the dogs in your own life and by supporting dogs in need.

To this, The White Dog Army adds, a special day of recognition is wonderful and should be celebrated with joy and sharing. But life is short and the opportunities to let those we love know it are finite. Treat EVERY day in your furbaby’s (not just dogs) life as if it were a day to honor and appreciate the bounty and blessing he or she adds to your existence.

Happy Dog Day!