National Dog Day

What Is National Dog Day?

August 26 is "National Dog Day," an observance that originated in the United States in 2004. It is a day to express gratitude for dogs and to raise awareness about shelter dogs and animals in rescue facilities.

The Origins and Background of National Dog Day

National Dog Day was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an American animal welfare advocate, author, and pet lifestyle expert. It originally began as an observance within the United States, but it has since spread around the world through social media, and is now increasingly recognized in Japan as well, often referred to there as "World Dog Day."

• Year created: 2004
• Creator: Colleen Paige, an American animal welfare advocate
• Purpose: To express gratitude toward dogs and raise awareness about shelter dogs

Fun Facts About Dogs

• A dog's sense of smell: A dog's sense of smell is said to be far more powerful than a human's, which is why dogs play vital roles in fields such as disaster search-and-rescue and quarantine detection.
• Japan's own Dog Day is November 1: In Japan, November 1 is "Dog Day," because 1-1-1 can be read as "wan wan wan," the Japanese sound for a dog's bark.
• Choosing a shelter dog: Adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization — often called adopting a "rescue dog" — is a growing movement.
• A long history with humans: Dogs are believed to be one of the earliest animals domesticated by humans, with a shared history going back more than 10,000 years.

Ways to Enjoy National Dog Day

Why not spend some extra quality time with your dog, or look into organizations that support rescue dogs? It's a great opportunity to reflect on the long history of the bond between dogs and people.