National Dog Day 2017 celebrates all breeds, pure and mixed, and recognises the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues. This special day also honours family dogs and service dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort.
“On National Dog Day, we celebrate the many ways that dogs enrich the lives of people and make enormous contributions to society,” said Lynette Brown, President of Dogs NSW.
Dogs enrich our lives! Photo: Tim Golder/Unsplash.com
“Individual health benefits of dog ownership are widely known, and now we know that pet owners save the public health care system in Australia $2 billion annually in reducing the number of visits to healthcare providers,” said Mrs Brown.
Dogs also serve in a variety of working roles – from guiding the visually impaired, disabled or suffering from mental illness to detecting bombs and drugs and locating those lost. Pet dogs also put their lives on the line to protect their families from disasters such as fires, earthquakes, drownings or even intruder attacks, she said.
12 Ways to celebrate National Dog Day 2017
- Take your dog to the vet for a check up. Preventative veterinary care is essential for your dog’s health and longevity
- Do a safety check of your home to prevent your dog becoming seriously ill from household dangers and poisonous plants.
- Donate blankets, food, flea & tick and worming medications to your local animal shelter
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Celebrate National Dog Day 2017 with a new toy for Rex. Photo: Justin Veenema/Unsplash.com
Buy a fun, new toy for your dog
- Regularly spend more time playing a game with your dog such as tug
- Have a portrait painted
- Assist an ill or elderly neighbour or friend by walking their dog
- Dog training doesn’t stop after puppy school. Keep up a few minutes of dog training regularly, it’s a great way to spend time and bond with your dog
- Get out in the morning and take your dog for a walk and allow them to sniff. They catch up on the doggie news when they sniff to read the ‘pee-mail’.
- Donate to an assistance dog charity
- Teach a new dog trick, a fun way to spend time with your dog
- Last but not least…give your dog a good life – not just a life worth living – by giving your dog daily high quality food, fresh water and the mental & physical stimulation your dog needs to be happy!
