March 23 is National Puppy Day-all about reveling in the love, joy, and companionship that puppies shower upon us without condition. This day was founded by Colleen Paige-an animal behaviorist and animal rights activist-in 2006 to promote puppy adoptions and support for animal shelters from pet owners and animal lovers.
Besides allowing the world and sincerely granting tons of excuses to post picture after picture of puppies, National Puppy Day allows us to assess and ponder life with puppies and adopting from puppy shelters and rescue organizations.
For many, an instant lift of spirits in comfort and joy showcases a puppy. “They remind us to appreciate the simple things in life, like a wagging tail or a playful bark,” said Paige. “There’s a deep sense of connection when we open our hearts to a puppy, and it’s a bond that lasts a lifetime.”
Adopt, Don’t Shop
A major and important focus of National Puppy Day is on dog adoption. Every year, there are millions of puppies in need of a good home sitting in various shelters. Not only does the future pet parent benefit by getting his or her furry friend, but theirs also saves one unnecessary life. According to the ASPCA,3.3 million dogs enter U.S. shelters yearly.
Puppy adoption ensures that these animals will have a chance to live in an atmosphere filled with love and care while working against the demand of puppy mills, where dogs are raised in brutal conditions. Some animal shelters even use special promotions for National Puppy Day to find loving homes for these little cuties.
Puppy Play: More than Just Fun
Puppies give us pleasure and make a great contribution to our own mental and physical wellness. Evidence shows playing with puppies can reduce stress, calm anxiety, and boost heart health. Their playfulness, along with their endless love, provides comfort and livability to their human companions.
Puppy play keeps the owners active as they walk and play in the backyard with their puppy. All this equals good health for both parties-a win-win.
Puppy Love: A Growing Trend
Heartwarming stories, pictures, and videos about puppies and their families flood social media each year on Puppy Day. From celebrity Instagram accounts dedicated just to the pups to hilarious viral trends of puppies paralleling kids and other animals, the internet is splashed with laughter.
Puppy events and events are on the rise. Puppy parades, puppy yoga classes, and various puppy festivals are organized across the nation. The day takes on a cultural phenomenon as every pet owner, dog lover, and animal organization comes together to spread the word about responsible pet ownership.
