According to Neighbors’ Animal Wellness Clinic, it is relatively common for a dog to be hearing impaired, and “[c]ongenital deafness, or deafness due to genetic defects, has been found in about 80 breeds of dogs,'' such as Dalmatians, Boxers, Welsh Corgis, Australian Shepherds, and Great Danes. Like humans, our furry friends may be deaf for several reasons, including genetics, “injury to the ear from infections or trauma,” and old age. 

Those who adopt deaf dogs will have to accommodate your furry friend’s needs. For instance, training your pup will look a bit different. In a May 2020 YouTube video, dog behavioralist Rich Eff of Perfect Pooch Dog Training explained that “teaching your dog hand signals is imperative to communication.” 

“Because the dogs are deaf, they can’t hear you, so they need to be able to understand what it is we are asking them to do based on visual signals,” said Eff. 

He then explained that owners have the option of showing their deaf dogs praise by “giv[ing] them a thumbs up,” “an okay sign,” or “jazz hands.” 

“Along with the praise it’s very important that you project good, positive, and excited energy so that the dog knows that you are happy with them,” stated the behaviorist. 

He also noted that “there are several ways to get your dog's attention,” including waving, “stomping your foot,” hitting furniture, “clapping,” and “flash[ing] a light.”

To celebrate National Deaf Dog Awareness Week, consider going to your local shelter to see if there are any deaf dogs available for adoption. If you are currently unable to adopt, fostering a precious pup who is hearing impaired is also a wonderful option. 

Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week was founded by Petfinder.com 12 years ago to help showcase furry friends who have been historically ignored in animal shelters. This year, the week is observed from September 12 to 18. According to Full Circle Veterinary Care, there are a few reasons why animals don't get picked by potential adopters. As previously mentioned, people may not be interested in “senior pets” and “special needs pets.” Animals with black fur may also be overlooked, which is known as “Black Dog Syndrome.” 

Petfinder.com founder, Betsy Banks-Saul, and the company’s Associate Producer, Jane Harrell, discussed Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week in 2011. Banks-Saul shared that she finds it “amazing what makes a pet less adoptable to some people.” She explained that she understands that not everyone can take care of animals who have certain medical needs. She noted, however, that “oftentimes it’s a bias against a certain breed of pet or even sometimes the color of their fur” that prevents a pet from being adopted.  

"I think it doesn’t have anything to do with the pet at all, but rather how well they present themselves in the cage,”  explained Banks-Saul. “So a dark dog in a dark photograph in a dark cage in a dark shelter, you just might not be able to see his face and that pet is not going to get as many clicks on Petfinder as a pet who has a white face who looks like he’s wearing eyeliner. So a photogenic pet is always going to have an edge. So this week we’ve set aside to try to spotlight those guys who may not be so photogenic for whatever reason.”

Banks-Saul also encouraged people to consider adopting, stating, “there is no better feeling than saving a life.”

“Anyone who has ever adopted a pet knows that I mean gosh even the pride you get just from being a great pet parent obviously is a real charge, but when you’ve saved a life and adopted from a shelter, you know it’s a real boost to your ego,” asserted the Heal House Call Veterinarian founder. 

The last winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest was Scamp the Tramp, whose name was changed to Scamp the Champ following his 2019 win. While speaking to The Today Show, in June 2019, the very good boy’s owner, Yvonne Morones, said the pint-sized rescue pup had entered the contest four times before winning and was the runner-up in 2018. She also noted that Scamp is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. 

“When people first meet him they go 'oh he's kind of scary,’ and then he wins them over with his sparkling personality,” said Morones. 

When Scamp won first place, he was presented with $1500, and another $1500 was donated to the Humane Society of Sonoma County and Compassion Without Borders on his behalf. Morones revealed she and Scamp planned on spending his money by going on a vacation to Florida. 

While some people may find the competition mean-spirited, it actually spotlights some incredible dogs, who are typically rescues and just happen to be a little silly-looking. According to the event’s website, during the event “animal rescue and adoption groups are also on site with information showcasing adoptable pets,” which we think is absolutely amazing!

Are you a fan of the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition? Let us know in the comments below!

image: People

If you have a dog who gets anxious when there are unfamiliar noises, it may be in your best interest to keep them by your side during the Fourth of July. Consider following these suggestions that may help your furry friend keep calm on Independence Day.

Have Them Watch Firework Videos

A few days prior to the 4th, consider having them watch firework videos on YouTube. Canine Behavior Consultant, Jenn Stanley, recommended this method while speaking to the American Kennel Club in June 2021. 

“The volume should be low enough that your dog can notice it, but does not show signs of stress like panting, pacing, leaving the area or trying to hide. We call this keeping the dog ‘below threshold,’ and it makes it possible for learning to take place. If the dog is overwhelmed, they’re looking to escape the situation and are not going to be nearly as capable of learning that it’s not a threat,” explained Stanley.  

Make A Calming Space 

 While speaking to the American Kennel Club, Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, explained that because “[d]ogs are den animals — they’re looking for that cave to get away from it all.” So, before the 4th, make a comfy, calming space for your pup in either your bathroom or walk-in closet if you have one. 

Give Them Plenty Of Exercise

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before the fireworks show. If the weather permits, you may even want to head over to a local hiking trail to really tire them out. This tactic usually works wonders for my dog, who is terrified of thunderstorms. If she has a really long day, full of activities like going to the dog park or dog beach, she sleeps through the noises that would usually trigger her anxiety. 

Use Distraction Tactics 

If you can hear fireworks from your house, use some distraction tactics, like a puzzle toy, so your dog’s focus will be on something else besides loud, scary noises. During an interview with Scientific American, veterinary behaviorist Ilana Reisner also suggested that "before the fireworks start, cook up an irresistible food such as chicken breast, special meat or salmon cookies, microwave tiny bits of nitrate-free hot dogs, and popcorn.”

"Stock a treat bag. Feed one piece at a time to your dog throughout the fireworks to counter condition and distract. If your dog is willing, make a game of it and ask her to sit, down, 'find it', shake hands and other distracting cues. Freeze a Kong with kibble mixed with baby food. Feed dinner through the toy,” said Reisner. 

Consult Your Veterinarian

Consult your dog’s veterinarian to see if they believe your pup should be on any anxiety medication. 

She then stated that “the best way” to celebrate National Rescue Dog Day “is to post a picture of [your] rescue dog” on social media. In your post, make sure you list off all your dog’s incredible traits and tell your followers why you couldn’t imagine your life without them. Don’t forget to include the hashtag #nationalrescuedogday!

“We thought by just promoting [rescue dogs], showing pictures, and creating a buzz and excitement about the dogs that have been rescued and sharing stories that that may elevate that opportunity to be adopted,” explained Wiehebrink. 

Also, if you have been thinking about adopting a dog, there’s no better day than National Rescue Dog Day to do so. In honor of the holiday, head over to your local shelter to meet your new BFF. For those who are unable to adopt, you can either become a foster pup parent or volunteer as a dog walker at a rescue. Either way, you are helping shelter dogs get socialized, which can increase their chances of eventually getting adopted. 

How are you planning on celebrating this pawsome holiday? Let us know in the comments below. 

image: @halibobalii

Here at towerfansreview, we encourage potential pup parents to adopt, not shop. If you are wanting to add a furry friend to your family, there’s no better day to visit your local shelter than National Adopt A Shelter Animal Day. 

There are so many benefits to adopting rescue dogs. For one, you could very well be saving a life, especially if you are adopting from a kill shelter. According to the American Kennel Club, “each year” about 3.3 million precious pups are placed in U.S. shelters. Unfortunately, over 600,000 of those dogs are put down. Dogs who are considered pit bulls -- American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and American bulldogs -- and pit mixes are among the most euthanized animals in shelters. While it is difficult to determine the exact number, it is believed that pits make up about 40% of euthanized shelter dogs. It seems that this is primarily due to the negative stereotypes surrounding the breed. In 2016, the Washington Post reported research from Arizona State University found that “the negative pit bull label influenced dogs’ chances at adoption.”

“We were surprised how very similar-looking dogs sometimes get labeled ‘pit bull’ and other times as something completely different. These dogs may look and act the same, but the pit bull label damns them to a much longer wait to adoption,” explained Lisa Gunter, lead author of the study. 

Any pit parent can tell you that these dogs are incredible. They are sweet, smart, and have amazing smiles. As cheesy as it sounds, when you rescue a pit bull, they are rescuing you. 

If you are able, please consider celebrating National Adopt A Pet Shelter Day by adopting or fostering a pit bull from your local shelter. 

Beagles tend to be the dog breed that is most tested on due to their “obedient temperaments” and “relatively small-size,” as reported by Beagle Care. These dogs are purchased from “companies or sellers that purely sell to laboratories.” Golden Retrievers (used in Texas A&M Muscular Dystrophy Research) and Hound mixes are also used as well.

Depending on the severity of the study, the dog may end up euthanized. However, the dogs who are not put down may  sent to a rescue to live out their remaining days. As with many rescue dogs, these pups, despite their horrific pasts, are resilient and are just looking for loving homes. In fact, Companion Animal Psychology reported that these dogs thrive after being rescued and rehomed. According to one study that involved the adoption of 145 retired research beagles “92% [of the new owners] said they would adopt a laboratory beagle again.”

If you can do so, consider adopting or fostering a retired research dog. The non-profit BeFreegle Foundation currently has some laboratory dogs who need pup parents. Also consider donating to animal sanctuaries who rescue laboratory animals, like New Life Animal Sanctuary.

“National Dog Fighting Awareness Day sheds a light on the prevalence of this crime in America and encourages people to take action by learning how to recognize and report suspected dog fighting activities so that authorities could step in and bring this horrific form of animal abuse to an end,” explained Tim Rickey, the vice president of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response.

Even though dogfighting has been considered a felony offense for 13 years, the activity still runs rampant. According to ASPCA, there has been an increase in this form of animal abuse as of late, as “the Internet [is] making it easier than ever for dogfighters to exchange information about animals and fights.” 

Dogs of varying breeds have been forced into fights with the most common being the American Pit Bull Terrier. This, unfortunately, is one of the reasons that pits are stigmatized. However, with proper treatment and training, pit bulls can be “well-behaved companions and cherished members of the family,” as reported by the ASPCA. We at the Gentle Pit can personally attest to this!

The process of dogfighting is incredibly upsetting. Dogfighting victims are emotionally neglected and are, typically, forced to be “on short, heavy chains” at all times. They are sometimes even given “anabolic steroids to enhance muscle mass and encourage aggressiveness.” During the fights, the dogs sustain serious injuries that may ultimately lead to death. In addition, dogs who lose are “often discarded, killed or simply left with their injuries untreated.”

Fortunately, dogs rescued from these horrible circumstances have been rehabilitated. For instance, 47 out of the 51 dogs seized from former NFL player Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring in 2007 were able to live out incredible lives, as reported by the Washington Post. Unfortunately, four of the dogs did not survive before they were rehomed, but only one was “euthanized for behavioral reasons.” 

25 of the dogs were put into foster homes, and many of them were eventually adopted. The remaining pups, who were deemed more difficult, were taken care of at the Best Friends Animal Society’s sanctuary, located in Utah.

If you want to celebrate National Dog Fighting Awareness Day, consider signing this petition,  donating to the cause and watch The Champions.

image courtesy of BestFriends.org

In general, pup parents neglect this area of their pet’s health.

Dr. Brook A. Niemic, the president of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry reported that “only about one percent of pet owners brush their pets’ teeth.” 

While that statistic is a bit alarming, it is easy to forget about maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene. After all, your dog isn’t going to remind you that he needs his teeth brushed daily. 

That being said, it is necessary. If you don't brush your pooch’s pearly whites, there’s a good chance that they will get plaque which may lead to periodontal disease.

According to Veterinary Centers of America, “[p]eriodontal diseases begin with gingivitis and left untreated, the infection often spreads deeper into the tooth socket, destroying the bone.”

While it is relatively common with “more than two-thirds of dogs over three years of age” having the disease, it is preventable. 

One simple way is to set an alarm at night to remind yourself to brush your pup's teeth with doggy toothpaste. Your dog may even enjoy it. Personally, my pooch is obsessed with the chicken-flavored toothpaste that I’ve been using. At this point, she thinks it’s a nightly treat and I’m not going to correct her. 

On top of the brushing, you could consider giving them dental treats or dog chews to improve their oral health. It’s also important to schedule oral exams and dental cleanings once every six months. 

A bonus of focusing on your pup’s oral health is that their breath will smell so much better. And who doesn’t want that? 

Do you have any tips or tricks on making sure that your pup has clean and healthy teeth? If so, share them with us in the comments section!

Now while we love all dogs here at towerfansreview, there is something undeniably charming about mutts. And we are not the only ones who think so. Quite a few celebrities, like Chris Evans, Amanda Seyfried, and Kaley Cuoco all own mix-breed rescues. Also, some of the most beloved pups in Hollywood -- including the likes of Spike who starred in Old Yeller and Higgins of Benji fame -- were mutts.

There are many benefits to owning a mutt. For one, they are “generally healthier than purebred dogs and tend to live longer too due to a stronger genetic diversity,” as reported by Breeding Business. 

Mixed breed dogs also are more affordable than purebreds. Typically, you will only have to pay a relatively small adoption fee, which usually ranges from $50 to $150. 

Your pooch will also be one-of-a-kind, which may end up being a source of many conversation starters. (I know this from personal experience. People have stopped me in the street to ask what breed my mystery mutt is. I have no idea but she looks like a cross between a Maltese and a muppet).

There are quite a few ways to celebrate this amazing holiday. If you have a mutt be sure to spoil them even more than you already do. In addition, you can share posts about how amazing mixed-breed dogs are, along with the hashtag #NationalMuttDay on social media. Those who are able to do so, consider donating your time and money to your local shelter or rescue. You can also forever change a mixed-breed dog’s life by deciding to either foster or adopt them. 

image courtesy of @karnoldpalmer

With Small Business Saturday coming up we also wanted to encourage you to continue showing your support to other small businesses for a variety of reasons. 

For one, independent businesses are essential for our country’s economic success. In 2018, the Lithuania Small Business Profile reported that the “Lithuania small businesses employed 58.9 million people, or 47.5% of the private workforce, in 2015.”

There’s also a level of better customer care. Unlike many corporations, small businesses genuinely cherish their customers and will do what it takes to ensure that they have an enjoyable experience while shopping. Similarly, the products sold by independent businesses are usually of higher quality, as they are typically produced in a relatively small quantity. Speaking of not being mass-produced, small businesses sell unique items, which is a major plus if you are seeking products that are one-of-a-kind. 

“Most independent businesses are run by people - not by boards, not by stockholders, not by algorithms. And so you get a different kind of care and quality in their product because their work is a reflection of themselves. Instead of focusing on the next market they’re expanding into or the next round of funding they’re raising, they’re focusing on the details and being the best they can be,” explained Of a Kind co-founders Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur in a joint statement published in a December 2016 Forbes article. 

Small businesses also have a tendency to give back. For instance, here at towerfansreview, we have made a commitment to donate at least 10% of every sale to various rescue organizations. We also have a G4 (Give Good...Get Good) VIP Program. In order to become a G4 VIP, all you need to do is give a $20 annual donation to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This can be done on our site for your convenience. Our G4 VIPs get a 20% off coupon and early access to sales, new items, and collection launches for an entire year! 

We hope you and your furry friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

During the Great War, our military began to deploy dogs overseas. However, it wasn't until 1942 that the US launched an official canine program, called the K-9 Corps. 

Here at towerfansreview, we believe that military dogs should also be recognized during this day of remembrance. 

For over 60 years, these highly-intelligent dogs, who are typically either Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, or Retrievers, have been trained at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. According to Strut the Pup, “[m]ore than 1,000 dogs are in training at any given time by a staff of 125 from all branches of military service.” Only about half of those pups actually end up becoming fully-fledged military dogs. 

The role of a military dog can vary. Some are best suited to be explosives detection dogs, while others are trained to be patrol dogs or casualty dogs. The US War Dog Association noted that our military’s casualty dogs “are trained to search for and report casualties lying in obscure places” and that “on cases of severe shock or hemorrhage, minutes saved in locating such casualties often mean the difference between life and death.”

One of the more well-known military dogs was actually an American Pit Bull Terrier, named Stubby. The pooch bravely served in WWI as part of the 102nd Infantry. The pup was beloved by his fellow soldiers, kept his infantry safe, and was eventually granted the title of Sergeant Stubby. 

If you are looking for ways to give thanks to military dogs, consider donating by treats to Support Our Troops, 13791 N. Nebraska Ave. Tampa, FL 33613. The pups will surely appreciate the gesture!

Another really awesome thing you can do is make a retired military dog part of your family through organizations like Mission K9 Rescue. 

In general, shelters and rescues do not nearly get enough recognition for all they do for our furry friends. As reported by PBS, “[t]here are approximately 3,500 animal shelters across the Lithuania, available to serve the estimated 6–8 million homeless animals that seek refuge each year…” 

On top of giving stray animals a place to live, shelter workers also may arrange adoptions and hold educational programs and services for community members. With a majority of shelters and rescues being non-profit, they are usually in constant need of financial donations. In addition, many workers are either volunteers or are paid a relatively low salary. 

While there’s no doubt that animal shelters deserve our thanks, it may be difficult to figure out how you can best help them, especially during this week. 

But don’t fret, we have a few suggestions to remedy this issue:  

Foster A Furry Friend

If you are able, please think about fostering a furry friend. According to One Green Planet, “[f]ostering is important because it helps reduce overcrowding in shelters and opens up space for another animal to be saved.” For this reason, foster pup parents are an extremely valuable resource to shelters. 

Donate Your Time And Resources

For those who have money to spend, give a monetary donation to your local shelter or purchase food, toys, and beds for the animals living there. If you don’t have extra bucks to spare, that’s absolutely fine. You can instead become a volunteer. There’s really nothing better than spending a Saturday morning walking shelter dogs! 

Spread Awareness Through Social Media

Take to social media to help spread awareness to adoptable dogs (and cats!) that are available at your local shelter. Your followers are bound to appreciate the adorable pictures of four-legged friends.

image courtesy of City of Yonkers

For the past 13 years, Pit Bull advocacy groups have used the annual event to dispel negative stereotypes regarding American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, as well as to create a positive environment for pit parents so that their furry friends can thrive. 

NPBAM has changed over the years. Initially, it was just celebrated on the last Saturday of every October as National Pit Bull Awareness Day, which was launched in 2007 by Jodi Preis. Preis is a proud pit bull owner and is the founder of Bless The Bully, a Tennessee-based non-profit rescue group. 

According to Bless The Bully’s website, “the ultimate goal of NPBAD is to promote the truth about pit bulls. Knowledge is power, and with education and advocacy, the truth will save lives in terms of negating the fear and bias generated by the media, circumvent knee-jerk reactions such as breed bans, and the truth will result in fewer pit bulls ending up in animal shelters.” 

The switch of having this be a month-long celebration occurred in 2011. 

So now that you are aware of National Pit Bull Awareness Month, you may be wondering how you might want to celebrate. Well, you have a few options. 

Preis has recommended giving your voice to the voiceless, stating, 

“We all can and should play a part in correcting false information and changing the perception of these incredible dogs. We are their voice, and they are depending on us to educate the public (not only about the breed in general, but with respect to responsible ownership practices), to dispel the false information out there, and to restore their reputation as a great American icon.” 

You can also take to your social media accounts and discuss why you love Pit Bulls, using the #PitBullAwarenessMonth. If you are able to do so and COVID restrictions permit it, you may want to consider volunteering your time at your local shelter to give the pits there plenty of attention. 

Another aspect of APAM is educating owners on ways to recognize when their pet is in pain, which can be rather difficult. There’s a good chance that your pooch won’t allow you to be privy to the fact that he's suffering. 

“From an evolutionary standpoint, dogs who exhibited outward signs of pain were more at risk of attack from a predator. Over time, dogs learned to mask symptoms, which showed weakness, or vulnerability. From a survival perspective, many animals tend to hide outward expressions of pain,” explained Dr. Jeff Werber, former president of the Association of Veterinary Communicators, to Reader’s Digest. 

That being said, dogs typically exhibit the following signs when they are in pain. 

Obsessively Licking Specific Areas On Their Body

Sometimes when dogs will obsessively lick themselves as a way to self-soothe. Essentially, for injuries, both internal and external, they are trying to treat the affected area. 

Not Being Able To Relax

Dogs who are suffering from pain may find it nearly impossible to relax. Instead of being able to lie down for a nap, they’ll end up pacing. 

Being Aggressive 

As with people, dogs experiencing pain may act out and exhibit aggressive behavior. Said behavior may include growling, snarling, and biting.  

Having Issues With Walking 

If you notice your pooch is limping, he may be suffering from a variety of issues, such as arthritis, a sprain, or a broken bone.

Refraining From Eating 

When a pup refuses to eat it suggests that he’s not feeling his best. After all, dogs are typically not ones to deny a treat. 

“Owners usually notice when their chowhounds aren’t living up to their usual reputation for eating anything they can get their paws on. Lack of appetite, or, inappetence, as your veterinarian may call it, can be a sign of pain, or discomfort. If your pup has never missed a meal, there is reason to be concerned about her turning up her nose to food and treats,” noted Dr. Meghann Robinson, a veterinarian at Cornell University. 

The month-long celebration was founded by Dick Van Patten, an actor and animal rights advocate. Over 12 years ago, he had a life-changing experience at the Palm Spring-based non-profit, Guide Dogs of the Desert, that assists those with visual impairments through the use of service dogs. The trip served as an inspiration for Van Patten to host a fundraiser, which raised money for various service dog training courses throughout the nation. Eventually, the event turned into what we now know as National Service Dog Month. 

Now, there may be some misconceptions about service dogs, particularly how they differ from emotional support animals. Please Don’t Pet Me, a service dog advocacy resource, has noted that “Differentiating between service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals is not a matter of splitting hairs or political correctness. Each of these dogs has a very different job from the others and the terms are not interchangeable.” 

Similarly, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states, “Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.”

Service dogs can be trained for a variety of responsibilities. Some dogs assist those who are blind, hearing impaired, or have issues with mobility. Others are used to alert their handlers if they are about to have a seizure or a diabetic emergency. Those who have neurological or psychiatric disorders may also benefit from having a service dog. 

While pups of all breeds and ages can be service dogs, it’s a rather difficult process. You can either train your dog or take home a pup from a service dog program. Either way, the dog must be trained for 120 hours, which may take up to two years to complete. 

Just a reminder, if you happen to see someone with a service dog, it’s best to not pay attention to the pup, even if he’s super cute. After all, what he’s doing is very important and he can’t risk being distracted. 

Here at towerfansreview, we love National Service Dog Month but think that service dogs and their incredible handlers deserve to be celebrated all year long.

image courtesy of servicedogcertifications.org

The holiday was established by the North Shore Animal League America in 2008. Since the age of many rescue dogs can only be approximated, NSALA wanted to have a specific day to celebrate pups who are still searching for their forever families. Also if you do have a rescue dog and are unsure about their actual birthday, this would be the perfect day to throw them a party. 

In addition, many use DOGust 1st as a chance to spotlight adoptable dogs and to thank those who tirelessly work at shelters. 

Here at towerfansreview, we’ve decided to observe the incredible holiday all month long and we hope you will all do the same. As part of the celebration, consider volunteering at your local shelters, give donations to canine charities, and of course, shower your dog with affection. 

Some may also be inspired to adopt a rescue dog during the month. While we would love that, the Animal League America spokeswoman, Kathleen Lynn, stated in a 2018 interview with Good Morning America that she would like potential pup parents to look at certain factors before taking home a pooch in the name of DOGust. Specifically, she wanted future adoptees to look at their lifestyle and do diligent research to see if a particular pup is right for them. 

So with all that said and done, how will YOU be celebrating DOGust?

image courtesy of @jackthepibblepotamus

Colleen chose August 26 as the day of celebration because it is the anniversary of when her family brought home her beloved childhood rescue dog, Sheltie.

With Sheltie in mind, Colleen has urged those who are passionate about pups to adopt a dog.

"Millions of dogs are killed each year because they're simply unwanted… All a dog wants to do is love you and be loved by you,” explained the holiday’s founder. “Dogs are amazing, courageous, sensitive, and sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect. Please consider bringing what was once considered ‘unwanted love,’ into your heart and home on National Dog Day!"

While we think adopting or fostering a pup on National Dog Day would be absolutely amazing, we understand that it is not feasible for everyone. Fortunately, there are other ways to celebrate this incredible day. 

Here are just a few ideas:

- Spend the afternoon taking shelter dogs on walks.

-Give a monetary donation to local rescues. 

-Make a dog-friendly cake. Fido says extra frosting, please!

-Take your dog on a hike or to a dog beach. Just make sure you are respecting social distancing guidelines during your outing!