Today, August 26, we celebrate International Dog Day, nearly 3 weeks after Cat Day. An important date for all those who live, have lived, work or have worked with one of these marvelous creatures that have lived alongside human beings for thousands of years.
It was started by theIFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare – International Fund for the Protection of Animals) with the particular aim of paying tribute to dogs all over the world and reminding them to respect their well-being.
L’IFAW which was born in 1969 in Canada thanks to the animal welfare activist Brian Davies. Originally, this organization campaigned against seal hunting, before extending its actions to all animal species and therefore to dogs.
International Dog Day is directly inspired by National Dog Day (National Dog Day), created in the United States in 2004 by the animal protection activist Colleen Paige.
On the occasion of this special day, initiatives are carried out in the 4 corners of the planet by organizations to inform and raise public awareness around the rights of the dog, which unfortunately continue to be flouted, between negligence, mistreatment, cruelty and abandonment. .
A precious friend in more ways than one
It is also about honoring man’s best friend and all the benefits he brings to us on a daily basis, whatever his role: guide dog for the blind, assistance dog, therapy dog, research and rescue, disease detection and crisis prevention (covid-19, cancer, epilepsy, diabetes…) or simply as a loving and loyal member of the family.
Read also: A Golden Retriever digs a hole under the fence so that the neighbor’s dog can come and play with him (video)
Whether young, adult or senior, pedigree or cross, male or female, every dog deserves a life full of respect and happiness. This is what the actors of this International Day promote and remind, and what they do all year round: volunteers, veterinarians, activists…
If you are lucky enough to have one or more dogs in your family, take advantage of this day to show them and tell them, a little more than usual, that you love them.