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Fall Dog Holidays raise awareness for pet obesity and pets for veterans as well as celebrate a variety of dogs and their unique characteristics!
OCTOBER DOG HOLIDAYS
National Fire Pup Day
October 1 – National Fire Pup Day
National Fire Pup Day recognizes the canine firefighters that have long been members of fire departments across the country whose heroism saves lives every day.
Dalmations aren’t the only dogs fit for carriage work but they were the ones who fulfilled the role of fire dogs and are easily identified by their spotted and speckled coats.
Dalmations began working in firehouses in the 1700’s. In the days of the horse-drawn fire carts, they provided a valuable service with their natural affinity to horses.
The Dalmatians ran alongside the horses, in front of or beneath the wagon axles clearing the way.
With the introduction of the red engines replacing horse-drawn wagons, the Dalmatians are not used in day-to-day work but remain a recognizable tradition in fire stations across the country.
Poodle Day
October 2* – Poodle Day
Poodle Day is an annual event in Carmel, California, that unites poodle owners and lovers and their furry companions
The fun-filled day includes a parade for poodles, poodle mixes, and their human companions as well as off-leash beach play and an evening cocktail parties.
In addition to being one of California’s premier vacation destinations, Carmel consistently ranks as one of th emost dog-friendly cities in America.
Mame Shiba Day
October 2 – Mame Shiba Day in Japan
‘Mame’ translates to bean in Japanese, so Mame Shiba Inus are a bean-sized version of the ancient Shiba Inu breed, an ancient warrior breed.
Mame Shiba Inus have a fox-like appearance and are about 11 inches tall and weigh ~ 10 to 14 pounds.
A fully-grown Mame Shiba Inu is usually 35 to 50 percent smaller than a regular-sized Shiba Inu.
National Pet Obesity Day
October 9* – National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
~ More walks, less table scraps ~
National Pet Obesity Day is to remind people to keep their pets healthy.
Currently more than half of all domestic dogs and cats are clinically overweight. That amounts to nearly 49 million dogs and more than 50 million cats who are a bit portlier than their peers.
This can lead to serious health issues for these animals including diabetes, arthritis, decreased life expectancy, high blood pressure and cancer.
Not only will it be hard for your pet, but it will be hard for you to watch, not to mention these conditions can quickly become very costly.
The good news is that pet obesity can be easily prevented by taking a few cautionary step
National Fetch Day
October 16* – National Fetch Day
Let’s make FETCH happen. Grab your dog and the nearest Chuckit! toy for National Fetch Day.
This holiday was created by Chuckit!, the company that continues to improve balls & launchers for both dogs & their humans.
Fetch may be one of the oldest bonding activities between dogs and their humans helping humans retrieve catches from their hunting.
But today it’s evolved into exercise and a bonding experience.
Do you know why dogs love to play fetch? They are chemically and psychologically disposed to the game.
The exercise creates a sort of “runner’s high” that triggers the reward regions in their brains. That tickling of the reward regions becomes self-reinforcing.
Dogs who feel good playing fetch play fetch more.
National Pet for Veterans Day
October 21 -National Pets for Veterans Day
The transition back into civilian life can be difficult for members of the armed forces. Many veterans return home with the invisible scars of mental & emotional trauma and may have difficulty reintegrating into typical society.
Dogs unconditional loyalty and friendship have helped many Veterans with this transition.
This day creates awareness of the mental health benefits of providing veterans with pets to care for, as well as, highlighting the benefits to rescued animals in need of a home.
Pit Bull Awareness Day
October 23: National Pit Bull Awareness Day
Did you know? Pit bulls were the national mascot of America during WWII, becoming “America’s dog.”
Plush Animal Lovers Day
October 28: Plush Animal Lovers Day
The origins of this holiday are unknown with urban legends tied to the other plush animals jealous of the Teddy Bear celebration and parade.
Regardless, today it’s a celebration for all plush toys.
Our pups love them to snuggle with or play with, especially if there is a squeaker!
NOVEMBER DOG HOLIDAYS
Slobber Appreciation Day
November 16: National Slobber Appreciation Day
This day was invented to bring awareness about the Newfoundland breed and its tendency to slobber.
Someone tried to be clever and create a slobber-catching trough for the dog to wear that was both ridiculous and potentially dangerous to the dog. Instead of this odd contraption, Newfoundland lovers decided to “Appreciate the Slobber”.
However, National Slobber Appreciation Day isn’t just for Newfies it’s for all breeds that slobber!
No shame, no excuses – today is the day to appreciate your lovable dog’s drool and let your pup let it all hang out!
DECEMBER DOG HOLIDAYS
Underdog Day
December 17*: Underdog Day
National Underdog Day recognizes that America loves its underdogs.
An underdog is a person or group in a competition, usually in sports and creative works, who is largely expected to lose.
The party, team, or individual expected to win is called the favorite or top dog.
When our beloved underdog wins, the outcome is an upset.
Each year on the third Friday in December, we cheer on the teams and individuals who are statistically expected to lose.
Today is also a great reminder to look for those pups in shelters to foster or adopt who might be considered an underdog with a WIN in their future.
