August 26th is International Dog Day (though we personally feel it should be every day, and celebrated as such too!)

It’s a day to not only commemorate how helpful dogs are to us humans in so many countless ways (pets, police dogs, support dogs, etc), but also to help spread awareness to help out those stuck in shelters waiting to be adopted. And we definitely should have enough love in our hearts to go around, after all, it’s not like giving affection costs anything. In fact, quite the opposite, it ends up being a truly enriching experience.

Image Source – PetPartners

So here’s some great ways you could celebrate this International Dog Day!

1. Spend some extra time with your own dog, and make him/her feel special

Their entire world really does revolve around us, as does their day. How about you take some extra time out from your schedule and give them a special treat. Play with them, take them on a picnic, or just keep it simple and sit on the floor and talk to them while petting. Our dogs really just want us to spend some quality time with them.

Image Source – Animal Reiki Source

2. Volunteer for the day at a shelter

Our house pets aren’t the only ones looking for affection. In fact, there are so many out there that require and are even desperately waiting for a bit of care. Whether they are injured strays or abandoned pets, so many dogs end up in shelters purely because they have no other place or option left. What do they need most? Food, a safe place to sleep, and a bit of affection. They aren’t asking for much, right? And since shelters take care of the first two of those needs abundantly, we can easily help out in the last one, don’t you think?

Image Source – Delta Animal Shelter

3. Donate to your local shelter

Even if you don’t have the time or opportunity to volunteer at your local shelter, you can still help out. How? There’s the obvious way of donating funds because whether you admit or not, caring for so many animals, many of whom tend to require medical attention certainly does rack up the bills. But if you can’t, or don’t want to go down that route, you can still donate supplies, and that too ends up being extremely helpful. Shelters are always on the lookout for basic supplies like medical supplies, dog food, towels, bedding, food bowls, cleaning supplies, and so many other items. Even old bed sheets that are just sitting at the back of your linen closet gathering dust can be of help. So what are you waiting for?

Image Source – Dogtime

4. Feed some strays

While our house pets are often spoiled little buggers, the same definitely can’t be said of the poor strays that must survive on their own on the streets. They definitely could use a helping hand. And with the Indian courts and law coming out in support of all animal dignity, right to life, and of course, the right of people to care for them, there really is no excuse not to help out here and there. Whether you feed a dog that lives in your locality on a daily basis, or buy a pack of biscuits for one you just met randomly while out for errands, each bite you provide is a blessing for the one receiving it. Bet no one knew you were a superhero, right?

Image Source – ResQ

5. Share adoption posts on social media

Even if you can’t do anything else, sharing adoption posts on your social media is pretty helpful too. You never know, you might actually help an abandoned and unloved dog find his family and forever home. And trust us when we say, that act might not change the world, but it will definitely change that one dog’s world. The satisfaction you will feel will be unlike anything else you could experience.

Image Source – Vintonva

Have a Paw-some Day!

Image Source – NewDoggy.com