Celebrate National Pet Day With Your Pets

National Pet Day was founded in 2006 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige to not only celebrate the joy our pets bring to us, but also to bring attention to pet adoption. Thousands of pets are housed in shelters around the country and are awaiting their forever homes. The holiday is now recognized in several countries around the world, and its mission is promoted by many celebrities.

Pets generally make their human owners

happier, with many sharing a special bond and trust. Dogs are affectionately known as ‘man’s best friend,’ highlighting their role as faithful companions that show unconditional love and support. Cats also provide their human owners love and support, but with a lot more independence. Loyal dogs will heed their owners’ calls on-demand, while cat owners can experience a little more resistance from their lovable, but much more independent, feline friends.

Dogs are also special in that they can be trained to perform specific tasks, further strengthening their bond
with their human owners. Breeds such as German Shepherds can be trained as K-9 dogs and assist local law enforcement in numerous ways. Service dogs are trained to aid humans with disabilities in incredibly special ways. Their intelligence, obedience, and disposition are inspirational as they help their owners navigate regular daily tasks.

Loving pet owners spend quality time with their pets daily, but on this special day, they may consider taking their dog on an extra-long walk or getting out some extra toys to play with their cats. Maybe a special treat or two is involved, along with a trip to the local dog park.        
Sharing photos of you and your pets on social media is another cool way to show what they mean to you. These are just a few of the many ways to celebrate this special day with the fur friends you love.

According to some of the latest research,

about 68 percent of households in America own at least one pet. Cats and dogs are the most common, followed by birds, small mammals, and reptiles. Pets can provide emotional support to their owners, improving their mental health and quality of life. In very stressful times or in those moments of extreme hardship or grief, our pets can be the one conduit we can count on to cheer us up or get us through those difficult events.

Whether you choose to celebrate National Pet Day in a special
way or not, the best way to recognize the day is to continue to bring awareness to the overcrowding issues at animal shelters across the country. In 2023, 380,000 dogs and cats were euthanized due to a lack of space, funding, and volunteers. This sad reality can tug at the heartstrings of even the stingiest of humans. Please consider adopting a pet or volunteering at a local animal shelter if you can. Shelters are also in need of financial assistance, and donations are welcome.