National Dog Day has celebrated on August 26th annually and was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Animal Rescue Advocate, Conservationist, Dog Trainer, and Author, Colleen Paige, also the founder of many other holidays such as National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day, National Cat Day,
National Wildlife Day and many more philanthropic days to bring attention to the plight of animals around the globe and encourage adoption.
​ WHY AUGUST 26TH?
The date of August 26th is significant, as it’s the date that Colleen’s family adopted her first dog “Sheltie” from the local animal shelter when Colleen was 10 years old.
National Dog Day celebrates all dogs, mixed breed and pure. Our mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work each day selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day…for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from the wreckage, now they’re detecting cancer and seizures…things even humans cannot do. NDD was adopted into New York State Legislation in 2013. Read more about it here.
National Dog Day is against any kind of breed ban. “Dogs should not have to lose their lives because of the atrocities they have been forced to endure at the hands of man”, says Colleen Paige, founder of National Dog Day.
While we feel Americans have the constitutional right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying dogs from pet stores supplied by puppy mills, backyard breeders, the internet, and newspaper ads. Rather, we encourage those seeking new canine companions to consider choosing adoption first. If you’d like a pure breed dog, look into a pure breed rescue in your city to see if they might have some little furry soul just waiting to complete your life. Another great place to find a new best friend is at large chain pet stores that host adoption drives for local shelters and rescues. When considering buying from a breeder, verify that you’re buying from a reputable breeder by checking out their licensing, and internet reviews and ask for local references such as from a veterinarian. It’s vital to educate yourself about the breed you’re considering parenting.
“Millions of dogs are killed each year because they’re simply unwanted, says Colleen Paige, founder of National Dog Day. They’re unwanted because no one knows how to care for the breed’s demands properly. They’re unwanted because they were bought as a Christmas gift for a child who didn’t keep their promises about caring for the dog, shed too much…unwanted because they bark too much. UNWANTED…simply because someone changed their mind. All a dog wants to do is love you and be loved by you. Dogs are amazing, courageous, sensitive and sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect. Please consider bringing what was once considered “unwanted love”, into your heart and home on National Dog Day!”
For dogs adopted on August 26th, National Dog Day becomes many a dog’s birthdays. For all dogs, it’s as popular and exciting as the Super Bowl, with the anticipation of the day culminating in an explosion of network news stories, national TV show segments, online videos, shelter events, internet photos and K9 parties planned around the globe! Even citizens who are not dog owners will be encouraged to donate $5 to their local shelter or rescue on August 26th.
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