National Dog Day isn’t just a day to post a photo of your furry friend (although we love seeing all the Instagram pics!). It was originally created in 2004 to raise awareness of the need to rescue dogs. The day was conceived by Colleen Paige; August 26 is significant because it’s the date that Colleen’s family adopted their very first dog. Colleen created the day as a celebration of all dogs, mixed and purebred, and to bring light to dogs that have loved, cared for, and saved the lives of humans.
As any dog-owner knows, dogs are underappreciated and much too pure for this world. They love unconditionally, regardless of their past, and forgive more easily than any human can. However seemingly impossible it is, some dogs even go above and beyond this for the sake of their human. Every day, there are dogs putting their lives on the line working for law enforcement, sniffing out bombs, and pulling victims out of wreckage. There are also service dogs that work for veterans with PTSD, the disabled, can detect seizures, and even sense high blood sugar for diabetics. They don’t ask for anything in return, but a lot of love is the only way we can repay them for what they’ve selflessly done. A big hug-and-kiss to all the dogs out there that are heroes, whether it’s for our country, in the community, or just for a single person.
Another purpose of National Dog Day is to focus on encouraging adoption. Buying a puppy from a breeder, puppy mill, or pet store only adds to the issue of overpopulation of dogs we are facing. When someone purchases a purebred puppy, it results in a potentially adoptable shelter dog being put to death. Adopting a dog is a much more humane option, as you are giving a forever home to a pup that would otherwise be put down. Puppies from breeders will always find a home, but dogs in shelters are unwanted (usually for ridiculous reasons) and will be eventually killed if not adopted in time. Adopt, don’t shop!
Last year, celebrities like Carrie Underwood took to Instagram to post a photo of their rescued furry friend with hashtags like #Adopt and #AdoptDontShop. Many others posted candid pics of their pups in celebration of how much love and adventure their little friend brings to their world. Following our recent rescue of Demoiselle, our beautiful grey Pitbull, and our other rescue dog, Mr. Bear, we’re certainly advocating for adoption this National Dog Day!
How can you celebrate National Dog Day? It could be just as easy as giving your dog belly rubs and his favorite Bark at the Moon treat, or you could even go ahead and give a shelter dog a forever home! Green Butterfly Brands would like to assist fellow dog lovers in the area of treats by offering a 10% off coupon code on their latest treat, Bark at the Moon Wild Caught Salmon Treats. Simply enter coupon code: SALMNTEN to receive 10% off your entire order of Salmon Treats available on Amazon here for a limited time. There are also many other ways to celebrate, like volunteering at your local shelter, donating food, blankets, and toys, or even just posting a photo of your four-legged best friend on Instagram. Whatever you do, remember to not only appreciate your dog today, but everyday, because loving you is their everyday job.
The Green Butterfly Blog 