Cbtopdog: National Dog Day

I'll bet you always wondered if such a day existed...now you know! –Kim

How to Celebrate National Dog Day – August 26
by M. Kaye Hash & Verjh

August 26 is National Dog Day. It seems very appropriate that such a day has been established. Dogs play an important role in the lives of so many people. One day isn't long enough for the celebration of dogs, but it's a great way to get the celebration started.

If at all possible, celebrate this day by adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group. There are so many wonderful dogs in need of a home. If adopting isn't an option for you right now, then commit to some volunteer time working at a shelter. That is one way to celebrate dog day that can extend throughout the year. Perhaps you could open your home and heart and do some foster care for a shelter or rescue organization.
Donate money to your local animal shelter. Many shelters are in need and are struggling to care for their animals as well as helps these animals become adopted. Even just donating five dollars for National Dog Day will help.
Gather up your extra pet supplies, or those you are no longer using, and take them to your local shelter for National Dog Day. Crates, bedding, food, leashes and just about anything else is needed.
Give your time for National Dog Day if you have nothing else to give. Shelters need volunteers who are willing to bathe and brush the animals and help clean out the kennels. If nothing else you can help walk the dogs. This helps keep them socialized and lets them expend some of the pent up energy from waiting to go to a good home.
There would be fewer dogs in shelters if people would act responsibly and have their dogs spayed or neutered. In celebration of dog day, help promote spay/neuter programs in your area.
Service dogs make the world accessible for many disabled people. Donate to a program that trains service dogs. Your contribution to such a cause can make a difference in someone's life.
If appropriate, consider entering a dog therapy training program with your dog. Therapy dogs are a wonderful source of encouragement and delight for the elderly, the terminally ill and for children in hospitals.
Look out for the dogs in your neighborhood. Offer to water the dog next door while the owners are at work or take the elderly lady's dog from down the street for a walk so she doesn't have to. Watch for strange dogs in the area and call Animal Control if necessary for the safety of the people and pets in your neighborhood.
Hug your own dog. After all, it is National Dog Day so make sure you spend some extra quality time with your own pooch. Buy a new toy or bed, take him for a ride in the car just for the sake of it, or let her play fetch until she decides she's done.
Today would be a good day for you to check the veterinarian records for your dog, just to make sure everything is current. Your dog depends on you to take care of his/her physical needs, as well as to fulfill his/her desire for love and attention.