It came and went without a whimper or whine. Yesterday was National Dog Day, and once again, I didn't buy a card or gift. I don't believe that Lucy, our Weimaraner, even noticed. Then again, I've noticed she rarely updates the calendar on her smartphone.

As I pondered the meaning of National Dog Day, it occurred to me that my dog doesn't need a day in her honor. C'mon, seriously? She's fed and walked and petted and loved and given treats and showered with toys every day of her pampered life. I should devote an entire day to her? Well...yes. At least according to the National Dog Day website.

National Dog Day (Also known as: International Dog Day & National Dog Appreciation Day) is celebrated August 26th annually and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day - for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.

Now I'm starting to feel bad about forgetting yesterday. Colleen Paige, an animal behaviorist and author, explains why she founded National Dog Day:

”I founded National Dog Day in 2004 to honor dogs, to give them "a day", to show our deep appreciation for the historical connection of companionship with one another - for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work protecting our streets, homes and families as Police K-9’s, Military Working Dogs, Guide Dogs and Therapy Dogs. My dog, Sailor, was tortured and starved when I found her in the shelter at 7 months old and she taught me what unconditional love and trust really meant. I want the world to celebrate dogs for their capacity to love and their ability to impact our lives everyday in the most miraculous ways. I want this to be a day to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure – to help abolish puppy mills and end breed specific legislation so we can create a world where all dogs (and every animal) can live a happy, safe and ”abuse-free life”.

If you'd like to get involved personally or as an organization, you'll find partnership info here.

Keeping with our dog theme:

And, as I mentioned earlier, our family dog is a Weimaraner. They do lots of cool things, but I've never tried to use Lucy as a alarm clock.

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