Disclosure: I received The Dog Lover’s Quotation Book free for review; however, all opinions are my own.
National Dog Day “celebrates all breeds, pure and mixed and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues. National Dog Day honors family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day – for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.”
That is a quote from the National Dog Day website. I love that there is a day set aside to honor dogs and how they make our lives better.
The Dog Lover’s Quotation Book
How cute is this? I love this little book from Hatherleigh Press. It’s filled with almost 200 quotes just for dog lovers. On National Dog Day, we celebrate our dogs; but, really, every day is National Dog Day if you love dogs.
In the Dog Lover’s Quotation Book you’ll find quotes like these:
“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” Andy Rooney
“Life is a series of dogs.” George Carlin
“Happiness is a warm puppy.” Charles Shultz
Though it is a small book, its words will fill you with lots of joy. I think this would make the perfect gift for any dog lover in your life, and I think you’ll want a copy for yourself too!
Watch Live Doggy Daycare Cams
EarthCam is honoring National Dog Day by sharing its Doggy Daycare Cams! Visit the dogs that romp and play at The Canine Club and Spa in Chanhassen, Minnesota with these “aww-some” live streaming views.
Courtesy of EarthCam, you can tune in here to watch these adorable dogs!
Five Pet-Friendly Tips for the Family Yard
In honor of National Dog Day, Lucky the TurfMutt, a rescue dog himself and the official spokesdog of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) environmental education program TurfMutt, encourages pet parents to reevaluate their family yard to ensure it’s appropriate for their furry friends.
Here are TurfMutt’s top five tips for ensuring the family yard is a place everyone can enjoy year-round.
Consider your dog’s needs
Each dog – senior, puppy, small, big, active breed or not-so-much – has different needs. Is your dog a water hound? Maybe you should include a splash pool or water fountain. Got a digger? A sand pit might work well to keep your dog entertained – and the mess contained. Does your dog love to run the perimeter of your yard? Design your yard with his path in mind. Does she have dog friends next door? Maybe an eye-level hole in the fence would keep her from barking. Jot down everything your dog needs from your family yard, then you map out your landscaping accordingly.
Keep your pet safe & sound
One of the most important pet features in your family yard is a secure fence – whether it’s made of wood, metal, vinyl or concrete. Inspect and fix your fence – or install one – so you can rest easy knowing your dog is safely within the boundary of your yard.
Include turfgrass
Turfgrass is safe – unlike concrete, asphalt or hard ground – and offers your pet a soft, cool spot to lie down, even during the hottest conditions. It also creates a comfortable backyard playground, and provides a place to take care of business – just be sure to clean up regularly! There are many types of turfgrass that can handle “ruff-housing” from dogs and kids alike. Check your climate zone to make sure you’re selecting an appropriate grass species for where you live. (Another bonus benefit is grass is very good at capturing and filtering rainwater.)
Select the right plants
You’ll want to have a balance of grass, flower plants, trees and shrubs in your family yard. Including this mix of species will not only be beautiful, it will also help support biodiversity. Remember, nature starts in your own backyard! Keeping your climate zone in mind, select appropriate landscaping for the areas you’ve identified in your yard. Around walking paths, for instance, you’ll want to include sturdy, yet soft foliage that can stand up to puppy and people traffic without scratching. Use elevated boxes and patio planters for more delicate flowering plants.
Avoid toxic plants
One last word of important advice – there are some plants and shrubs that are poisonous to dogs. You’ll want to avoid these in your outdoor living room entirely. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a list of toxic plants that you should refer to when shopping for your family yard.
How will you celebrate National Dog Day with your canine friend? Take a walk? Go to the doggy park? Play catch? However you celebrate, have fun and love on your dog!
Check out these posts for ways to celebrate and treat your dog:
Read about Gobi, the little dog who raced 77 miles across the Gobi desert when she found a new friend.
Do you know Tuna the Chiweenie? He’s an Instagram star! Read my interview with his owner.
Did you miss my post about Therabis? See how it can help with your dog’s separation anxiety.
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