World Dog Day is commemorated on July 21, with the purpose of remembering the importance of these pets and, at the same time, to raise awareness about the immense number of dogs that are abandoned to their fate, or that are still waiting for a family to adopt them in a kennel or shelter.
Why is World Dog Day celebrated?
World Dog Day also serves to highlight the importance of caring for what many consider to be man’s best friend because of their unconditional loyalty and affection. In addition, it has been shown that caring for a pet has positive effects on mental health and decreases the risk of anxiety and depression.
July 21 was established as Dog Day to raise awareness about the abandonment of pets just before the start of the vacation period in the northern hemisphere, since summer is precisely the season when most pets are abandoned by people who do not want to take them on vacation or find an alternative for someone to take care of them during those days.
According to National Geographic, in 2004 the World Health Organization published a report that 70% of the world’s dogs do not have a home and several world capitals have millions of stray animals. For example, Lima has more than four million according to a 2019 report.
Currently there are approximately 300 million dogs in the world, with a wide variety of breeds and sizes, all very loving and willing to serve their masters in different ways.
Today we have police dogs, fire dogs, guide dogs and companion dogs. We also find model dogs that advertise in the media and social networks.
Raise awareness and educate
This date should lead us to become aware and educate us about the responsibility that comes with having a pet and the obligation to take care of it and respect it as a member of the family.
This education begins even before bringing a pet into our home, since we must think beforehand about how to combine its needs with what we can offer it. For example, active dogs that need a lot of exercise need a family and a space that can satisfy these needs, while older dogs or dogs with health problems need a quiet environment. We must also consider that certain breeds typical of very cold or very warm climates may have a hard time in other climatic conditions.
When adopting an animal from a shelter, it is a good idea to take some time to get to know the animal and see if the relationship can work. Many animals and especially dogs, after being abandoned, develop separation anxiety and can’t stand the absence of people for even a few hours, so they should be placed in a home where someone can be with them for most of the day. In the case of purebred animals, make sure that the breeder complies with legal and ethical requirements.
World Dog Day is a timely date to remember that taking care of a pet is a lifelong responsibility that involves time, dedication and money for its care and health.
How can we celebrate World Dog Day?
Although there is no single way to celebrate this day, many dog lovers do leisure activities that are to their pet’s liking, such as going out to the park, preparing their favorite food, running on the beach or in the countryside, or enjoying the whole day at home doing activities together.
Some animal rescue organizations offer vaccination, spaying, neutering, sterilization and adoption days for dogs.
On the other hand, there are also people who prefer to help as volunteers in a dog shelter and even decide to adopt a dog, so that it becomes a new member of their family.
