It's National Dog Day: Happy is Spelled D-O-G!

 "Happy" is Spelled D - O - G!

Today is National Dog Day! While every day is "dog day" here, it is nice to have a special date to remind us about how special our dogs are, what we've learned from them, and that not all dogs are as fortunate as ours having loving families to be spoiled by and wonderful homes to live in. The numbers of dogs across the breeds; just the number of Huskies alone, who are homeless and waiting in shelters to be adopted or fostered, is just staggering. I'd love to see everyone take today (or any/every day) to not only appreciate the wonder of our beloved dogs, but to also think about a homeless dog in a nearby shelter. Maybe stop by for a quick visit, give a hug and treat, maybe ask to take the dog out for a walk, and bring a less fortunate dog some cheer so he/she can have a happy National Dog Day, too. And, please, don't overlook the special needs dogs. They deserve love, too! Maybe you can become an advocate for the shelter dog and help spread the word about him/her and help to get that dog adopted! Now that's Happy!

How National Dog Day Came About

nationaldogday.com

National Dog Day (also known as International Dog Day) was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige. "Millions of dogs are killed each year because they're simply unwanted," states Colleen Paige. "They're unwanted because no one realized how to properly care for the demands of the breed. They're unwanted because they were bought as a Christmas gift for a child that didn't keep their promises about caring for the dog...unwanted because they shed too much...unwanted because they bark too much. UNWANTED...simply because someone changed their mind. All a dog wants to do is love and protect you. That's all. 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!" To learn more about Colleen's animal holidays, please visit HERE.

Husky Group Hug!

 In the following flashback video, it shows the joy and happiness of being a dog! Makes me just want to get out there and roll around, too!

Dig that Dog!

And what dog doesn't love a little digging?! Huskies sure do! Check out our other flashback video of Harley having a blast digging her way to...somewhere...nowhere...anywhere?!

 

Four years ago on National Dog Day, I wrote about what I've learned from my Siberian Huskies. It all hold today and I thought it was worth repeating. So here we go:

What I've Learned From My 

Siberian Huskies
by FiveSibesMom, Dorothy Wills-Raftery

1.  I’ve learned how to enjoy the more simpler things in life: the touch of a breeze, a beam of sunlight stretching across the deck, a butterfly as it flutters by, the feel of raindrops tapping my face, the smell of blooming flowers, the coolness of grass, the sound of fresh snow crunching under foot, and the taste of quietly falling snowflakes.
2. I appreciate food (even more so than before)!
3. I am reminded how wonderful snuggling together can be. 
4. I’ve learned how to be a kid again and play. Topping my list are running in the yard, splashing in mud puddles, running through a sprinkler, playing Sibe football, engaging in an enthusiastic game of Slide the Sibe (between the Hu-parent’s legs), and Fetch!
5. I’ve learned how to naturally de-stress: hanging out and relaxing with my daughter with a Sibe under each hand, each leg, and one across my lap at the end of a long day (or anytime) is pure bliss and the best way to unwind. 
6. I totally understand the meaning of trust and undying loyalty. 
7. I’ve learned even more about the meaning of patience and unconditional love.
   
8. I’ve learned a new language, Siberian Husky-ease, that I love to listen to, and occasionally speak.
9. I appreciate all things music – including the various octaves of the Sibes howling their hauntingly beautiful wolfsongs.
10. I totally appreciate Husky hugs and kisses for the priceless gems they are.  

While it's Wordless Wednesday, we actually are going off-the-map as we have a lot of words to say today since it's such a special "howliday!" We hope every pup is having a great Dog Day!