National Dog Day celebrates family pets, service animals
Happy National Dog Day! Or, to our canine companions, woof woof yip woof yip.
The celebration, now in its 11th year, was founded by animal advocate Colleen Paige, who also created National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day.
According to its website, “National Dog Day serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day 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 a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.”
As today approached, dog-related organizations and businesses shared a wealth of information about our furry friends.
For example, California has been ranked the most “Dog Happy” state, according to the Milo’s Kitchen “Dog Happy” Survey.
Milo’s Kitchen brand dog treats surveyed 3,000 dog parents to determine how regularly they engage in thankful, grateful, and loving behaviors with their dogs (such as buying regular gifts for their dog, petting their dog, and telling their dog “I Love You”).
Other findings of the survey:
▪ 86 percent of dog owners say their dog “comforts them immeasurably.”
▪ 71 percent say their dog “reminds them to seek out more joy in life.”
▪ 64 percent say their dog “makes them look forward to going home more than anything else.”
▪ 63 percent say their dogs “make them much more patient and responsible.”
The dog-sitter network Rover.com compiled information on “The True Cost of Getting a Dog.” It estimated that adopting a pooch typically costs owners $2,858 in the first year. Those costs include:
▪ Adoption: $0-$500
▪ Spay/neuter surgery: $50-$200
▪ Microchip: $45
▪ Vaccinations: $50-$150
▪ Collar and leash: $30
▪ Dog bed: $40
▪ Dog training: $40/hour
▪ Licensing: In Stanislaus County, the one year license is $12 for an altered dog, $150 unaltered.
The list also covers a range of potential costs, such as teeth cleaning, flea and tick treatment, emergency veterinary bills and an estimated $40 a month in food.
The Stanislaus County Animal Services Agency has dozens of dogs available for adoption at 3647 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. It also offers low-cost vaccination clinics.
The county also needs foster homes for adoptable dogs. “By taking an animal into your home on a temporary basis,” its website says, “you provide them with a safe place to rest and heal, while giving us additional time to find them a permanent home.”
To learn more about Animal Services, go to www.stanislausanimalservices.com.
In her “Talking Dog” article n last year’s National Dog Day, columnist Lisa Moore suggested a number of ways people can contribute to the well-being of all dogs. Read it here: www.modbee.com/living/pets/article3170603.html.
And check out the winners of The Bee’s 2015 Cutest Dog Contest at modbee.upickem.net/engine/welcome.aspx?contestid=184479.
This story was originally published August 26, 2015 at 8:28 AM with the headline "National Dog Day celebrates family pets, service animals."