While dog owners all across town will tell you they celebrate their pups all year long, the month of August is officially National Dog Month! Did you know that dogs are the #1 most commonly owned pets on the planet? It’s with good reason, of course. Study after study proves our pawsome companions make us happier, less stressed and more optimistic.
National Dog Month was established in 2020 by the Milk-Bone brand (The J.M. Smucker Company) to honor all the ways dogs improve our lives. National Dog Month was declared by the Registrar during National Day to be celebrated every August.
All dog breeds, mixed and pure, are celebrated during these dog days of summer. The month-long celebration aims to engage the public and increase awareness of the overwhelming number of dogs who need to be rescued from pure-breed rescuers, rescues and public shelters each year.
Ways to Celebrate National Dog Month
Whether hosting dog-friendly events, volunteering at shelters or simply giving your pup some extra cuddles, National Dog Month offers plenty of opportunities to create unforgettable memories with our precious pups.
Adopt a Dog
National Dog Month is a great time to adopt a rescue dog if you are considering adopting a new pet. Check local animal shelters or rescue organizations to find a dog that fits well with your family, lifestyle and home.
Organize a Dog-Friendly Event
Round up some fellow dog lovers and their pets at a park or other pet-friendly space. It could be a doggie playdate, a picnic or a fun- filled day of dog games.
Volunteer at or Donate to a Shelter
Spend some time volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue center. If you don’t have the time to volunteer, you can always donate. Consider giving supplies like blankets and towels or money to the shelter instead of your time. Don’t forget those charitable organizations that place service animals for our military veterans and children with physical and cognitive needs.
Get Active
Explore new outdoor activities you can enjoy with your dogs, such as hiking, swimming, walking or running. It’s a great way to bond and keep both you and your pup healthy. Spoil Your Pup with New Toys and Treats We know you already spoil your pup! Treat your dog to new toys and delicious treats. For an extra special touch, try baking home-made dog treats.
Share Your Adoption Story
If you’ve adopted a dog, share your heartwarming adoption story on social media or with friends and family. This can inspire others to consider adoption, too.
Doggy Spa Day
Pamper your pooch with a spa day at home or at the groomer. Give them a relaxing bath, brush their fur, and trim their nails. They’ll appreciate the extra attention and love.
The Staurowky Family
We first introduced you to Merrie, Bill, Mia, Ethan and Eric Staurowsky in July 2023. Every year, you’ll find one of the Staurowskys working
tirelessly to get the Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade ready for thousands of spectators. Their sense of hometown pride has been passed down for generations.
The Staurowskys love living in Broomall with their beloved Lulu, a Basset Hound who they adopted from the Tri State Basset Hound Rescue in 2015. Lulu can be found dressed in red, white and blue on the Fourth, too, ready to show off for the parade. Now nine years old, the Staurowskys say she’s a
homebody. “She also has a spot on her side that looks like a pretty famous mouse,” said Merrie. “We love her!”
The Cirillo Family
We introduced the Cirillo Family, Leighann, Mike, Dominic, Liam and Arden, to readers back in June 2020.
Their son Liam, who was nine at the time, was instrumental in their family getting their puppy that Spring. After months of pleading his case, which included a PowerPoint presentation (!), Liam’s parents gave in and adopted a three-month-old Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle mix (a Morkie-Poo) whom they named “Marshmallow.” With everyone being homebound that year because of the pandemic, it was the perfect time to adopt a dog so everyone could learn how to take care of him.
Marshmallow (Mellow) loves to take long walks, eat snacks, bark at passers by and snuggle with her family. She has learned so much since she was a puppy such as how to sit and lay down on command. “The best part of having her is all the love she gives – she loves a family group hug, and she always makes us laugh with her crazy antics,” she added.
With August being National Dog Month, Lulu and Marshmallow will likely get a little extra pampering! However you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalDogMonth to post on social media.