A Texas city girl in a small New England town …
Let’s throw this day to the dogs! Not just any dog, though. Today, we toast to the mixed breeds of the world, so raise your water bowls high … because this one’s for the mutts! There’s no ifs, ands, or mutts about it — December 2 is National Mutt Day, and we’re here to celebrate. In fact, we love this day so much, we celebrate it twice a year. The next National Mutt Day is July 31!
In 2007, National Pitbull Awareness Day was created to help raise awareness about the truth about Pitbulls. For nearly 100 years, these four-legged friends were considered loyal, docile, and loving! Parents would often leave their babies or toddlers with their pit bulls while they ran to the store (Note: no child should be left alone or unattended with any dog).
Over the decades, pitties have unfortunately garnered a reputation as being ferocious, malicious, and dangerous beasts. An image far from the truth and based on the actions of maligned humans, not the animals themselves.
Pit bulls were born out of a mixture of a bulldog and a terrier in England in the 18th century, partly to help with much-needed rodent and vermin regulation from the Industrial Revolution, but also because dog fighting was, unfortunately, popular at the time. That said, as the now-extinct Bull and Terrier breed evolved into the American Staffordshire Pit Bull we now know and love, these pups were always considered affectionate, loyal, and great family dogs by breeders and owners alike.
🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉
🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉
Pets, particularly dogs and cats, have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, alleviate loneliness, and promote exercise and playfulness. Caring for an animal can help children become more secure and active as they age. Pets can also be a valuable source of companionship for the elderly. But, it doesn’t just end with pets. Being kind to animals is a great way to get connected with them on a deeper level out of respect and understanding. Being kind to animals is good for you, those around you, and the animals themselves.
In the Philippines, Carlos Polestico Garcia, a lawyer by profession, entered politics when he was elected to the House of Representatives to represent the third district of Bohol. He later became the eighth President of the Philippines. He was known for being a teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, and political economist who was passionate about animals and wildlife. So much so that on September 30, 1958, in the City of Manila, Garcia issued Proclamation No. 537 declaring the fourth day of October each year as Kindness to Animals Day.
The proclamation emphasized the importance of instilling the virtues of kindness, justice, and mercy in all living creatures and condemned all forms of cruelty to both men and animals. Garcia called upon all citizens and residents of the Philippines, government officials and employees, public and private schools, churches, and civic organizations, to observe this special day with programs and ceremonies so that all people can get involved to showcase their compassion for animals.
Pitbull Awareness Month was formed in 2007 to assist in increasing awareness of the truth about pit bulls. Pitbull rescue and education group Bless the Bullys in Tennessee came up with the concept of National Pitbull Awareness Month, which quickly caught on and spread throughout the country. Pitbulls have been referred to as ‘nanny dogs’ for almost a century because of their loyalty, docility, and love.
Pitbulls were once viewed as a representation of American pride. They can be therapy and service dogs too. You can depend on them for anything. The traits that make these dogs such great companions — like loyalty, strength, and a desire to please their family — however, they have been misused by a small number of people, leading to criticism of the entire breed throughout time. They are perceived as being nasty, malevolent, and possibly deadly creatures. a portrayal that is far from accurate and is based more on the conduct of the criticized people than that of animals.
Pitbulls were bred for dog fighting, which was regrettably common at the time, but they were developed in England in the 18th century as a hybrid between a bulldog and a terrier to help reduce pests and rats brought on by the Industrial Revolution. Even before the breed was dubbed the American Staffordshire Pitbull in the 1980s, many who breed and own the dogs have long believed them to be devoted family companions.
The death of a pet, whether furry, feathered, or an uncommon variety, is felt deeply. They become family and a familiar part of our lives. Mourning their death is different for everyone, and the observance provides a way to help heal the ache of loss. The pain of loss is real. As each person travels through their grief, we remember the companionship and comfort they provided to us. Don’t forget that part of the relationship includes the care you provide. The empty space left by the loss of a beloved pet is sometimes a difficult void to overcome.
Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason, so why not celebrate them? These furry friends range in all different shapes, sizes, and breeds. There is a dog out there for everyone! Whether you like big dogs or small dogs, every pup should be celebrated on National Dog Day. This holiday was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate. She created this day so that all dogs can be celebrated and also to draw attention to the number of dogs in shelters and to encourage adoption for those who have yet to find a place to call home. August 26 is significant to Colleen because it is the day her family adopted her Sheltie when she was 10 years old.
Since the first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown and is now celebrated across the world. In 2013, the holiday was written into New York legislation and can be seen on the New York State Senate’s website. To spread the word further, those who oversee the holiday have joined forces with many rescue partners, including The Humane Society of the United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. Together, they draw attention to the number of dogs that are without a home and try to actively encourage people searching for a dog to visit an adoption shelter instead of a pet store.
Since the first day back in 2004, it is estimated that approximately one million dogs have been saved through adoption in the U.S. For dog owners who aren’t looking to add to their family, National Dog Day has become a day for treating their friends like the legends they are and enjoying the connection that we’ve built up with dogs over thousands of years. Colleen Paige, the founder of the holiday, also uses the day to draw attention to the multiple ways in which dogs contribute to our society. From putting their lives on the line to help law enforcement track down bombs or drug dealers to providing assistance for those who need it, dogs play an important role. Nowadays, dogs can even identify cancer in patients.
National Dog Day has also been using its platform to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure, and continuously pushes for all dogs to be allowed to live happy and abuse-free lives. National Dog Day is on an upward trajectory and continues to grow in popularity. It is widely covered in the media each year, and rescue homes are the all-important exposure they need to get their message across. Whether you choose to celebrate by volunteering at a rescue home, making a donation to a shelter, or giving your furry friend an extra big cuddle, make sure you spend this day acknowledging just how awesome dogs are.
Under The Harvest Moon 