National Dog Day 2024: A Special Day To Celebrate All Dog Around The World!

International Dog Day is celebrated annually on August 26 to honor all dogs, regardless of their shape, size, age, or breed, and to encourage adoption for those still waiting to find a forever home and family.

This day is a meaningful occasion to celebrate man’s best friend and to remember that every dog around the world deserves a better life - one filled with joy, love, protection, care, and respect. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness about dog adoption. If you're looking for a lifelong companion, shelters are full of four-legged friends waiting for their chance to bring happiness into your life.

Today, we also want to give special thought to all the dogs still left behind in many parts of the world due to neglect by people, governments, or local authorities. Let us remember all the dogs who have been killed, abused, mistreated, or those who live homeless and suffer without care. They need our help and rescue.

International Dog Day was established in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert and animal advocate, who chose August 26 as the date to celebrate because it was the day her family adopted their first dog, ‘Sheltie,’ from an animal shelter.

Since its inception, International Dog Day has grown in popularity and is now celebrated worldwide.

Today, choose to celebrate by giving your dog some extra cuddles, but also remember those in need. Consider volunteering at a shelter, making a donation, or adopting a dog who needs a forever friend.

Take this day to acknowledge how wonderful and valuable dogs are and give back to them in a positive way they deserve it.

Amazing facts about dogs

Let's explore some incredible facts about dogs to help you gain a better understanding of these amazing creatures. Did you know, for instance, that the most successful hunter in the animal kingdom is the African Hunting Dog? These remarkable dogs have a success rate of 50 to 70 percent in their hunts and even hold the Guinness World Record for it.

Another fascinating record goes to the Saluki, recognized as the oldest dog breed. This breed dates back to 329 BC, where they were kept as royal pets in Ancient Egypt. There are even rumors that this breed's origins can be traced further back, with carvings found in southern Iraq depicting dogs that resemble the Saluki, dating back to 7,000 BC. Pretty incredible, right?

Here’s another surprising fact: dogs have three eyelids! This is something many people don't realize about their furry friends. The third eyelid, known as the nictitating membrane or haw, helps to keep the eye lubricated and protected.

There are also unique features associated with specific dog breeds. For example, both Shar-Peis and Chow Chows have distinctive black tongues, and about 30 percent of Dalmatians are deaf in one ear.

And here's an interesting comparison: if a cheetah and a greyhound were to compete in a long-distance race, the greyhound would likely win! While cheetahs are known for their incredible speed over short distances, greyhounds excel in endurance, maintaining speeds of 35 mph for up to seven miles.

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