National Dog Day was established by Colleen Paige, an animal advocate and pet lifestyle expert. She chose August 26 because it commemorates the day her family adopted their first dog, a rescue named Sheltie.
The day is dedicated to honoring and appreciating our canine companions and promoting their well-being. It's a time to show appreciation for all dogs and recognize their contributions to our lives and society.
We have five fun ways to help you celebrate National Dog Day on August 26 — or any day you want to show a little extra love to man's best friend.
1. Start with a giggle.
If you're having a ruff day, this doggone good joke will surely get a round of a-paws.
Q: What do dogs and phones have in common?
A. They both have collar I.D.
2. If you have a dog...
Plan a special day celebrating your furry family member. Take a long leisurely walk or head to a local dog park:
- Belleview Station Dog Park, Denver
- Kennedy Dog Park, Denver
- Englewood Canine Corral, Englewood
- Duncan Park (Off-Leash Dog Area), Englewood
- Jason Park (Off-Leash Dog Area), Englewood
- Northwest Greenbelt (Off-Leash Dog Area), Englewood
- Cherry Creek State Park Off-Leash Dog Area & Park, Greenwood Village / Aurora
If you've got a high-energy pup, spend a couple of hours running around in the backyard together. Older dogs might like to spend an afternoon cuddling up with you while you read or watch a movie.
Finish the day with a special treat, like our homemade Peanut Butter Banana Pup Cakes!
3. If you don't have a dog...
National Dog Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of rescuing dogs from shelters and promoting responsible pet ownership. Consider supporting a local nonprofit with a monetary or in-kind donation of dog toys or gently-used blankets and towels.
If you've been thinking of adding a fur baby to your family, you can foster or adopt from one of these wonderful organizations:
- 4 Paws 4 Life Animal Rescue
- Douglas County Canine Rescue
- Dumb Friends League
- National Mill Dog Rescue
- Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue
4. Get lost in a book.
It would take many dog years to list all the excellent kid-friendly books available! Some of our personal favorites include:
- Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell (ages 0-5)
- Spot by Eric Hill (ages 0-5)
- Diary of a Pug by Kyla May (ages 6-9)
- Dog Man by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
- Hank the Cowdog by John R. Erickson (ages 6-9)
- The Puppy Place by Ellen Miles (ages 6-9)
- Ranger in Time by Kate Messner (ages 6-9)
- Dog Diaries by James Patterson with Steven Butler (ages 8-12)
- A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron (ages 8-12)
- Survivors by Erin Hunter (ages 8-12)
For a story-to-stage experience, don't miss Dog Man: The Musical, coming to Denver this September! This hilarious and heartwarming production follows the antics of Dav Pilkey's unique character, who has the head of a dog and the body of a policeman.
Tickets are $18-$34. Use code NCPMAN for $5 off full-price adult tickets. Get yours here.
5. Read with dogs.
Through the Arapahoe County Libraries' Doggie Tales program, young animal lovers can spend time reading to a trained therapy dog. Budding readers get a nonjudgmental listener while they practice their skills, and the dogs receive attention and socialization.
Denver Public Library offers Read with a Therapy Dog at select branches throughout the year as well.
Bonus points if you bring one of the books listed above!
