Prepare to Pawty on National Dog Day

Mark your calendar: Sunday is National Dog Day!

On Aug. 26 each year, people are encouraged to recognize the number of dogs needing to be rescued, and to acknowledge family dogs as well as working dogs who save lives, keep us safe and bring us comfort.

National Dog Day was started in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige. She wanted it to be a way for people to show appreciation to pooches for their “endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work, their capacity for love and their ability to impact our lives everyday in the most miraculous ways,” according to the National Dog Day website.

The National Dog Day Facebook page reports that the holiday has helped save more than 1 million dogs in the eight years since its inception.

Last year, National Dog Day went global for the first time. Pet parents in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Australia and Canada celebrated their dogs along with Americans.

So, need some ideas for ways to celebrate? Here you go:

Keep your pooch impacting your life in miraculous ways for many National Dog Days to come by feeding him a healthy diet along with i Love Dogs premium vitamins and supplements. Your dog will appreciate their yummy flavor, and you’ll be comforted knowing their ingredients are all natural, human grade and veterinarian formulated specifically for dogs.

i Love Dogs Take your dog out for a celebratory meal in a restaurant that welcomes four-legged guests. Search iLoveDogFriendly.com (or download our handy Dog Friendly app) for a wet nose-welcoming restaurant near you, as well as hotels, dog parks and much more.

i Love Dogs Pamper your pooch with a day at the spa — in your own home. Treat him to a grooming session that includes a bath, mani/pedi and brush out.

i Love Dogs Want to really, really splurge? We suggest one of our fabulous diamond dog collars. We’ll donate part of the proceeds to the shelter or rescue of your choice.

i Love Dogs Speaking of donations, how about contributing some cash to your local shelter, or better yet, spending some quality time there giving a little lovin’ to the pooches? You just might find a new fur-legged family member to celebrate National Dog Day with.

No matter how you choose to spend time with your precious pup, the i Love Dogs pack wishes all you dog moms and dads – and, of course, your beloved pooches – a pawesome National Dog Day!

PHOTO: Facebook

Laura Goldman

Laura Goldman is senior social media writer for i Love Dogs, Inc. She does love dogs. And elephants and turtles. Along with writing about the loves of her life, Laura likes to play with her two pound pups and tell anyone who’ll listen just how awesome Pit Bulls are.