March 23rd is National Puppy Day.   The goal says the National Puppy Day website, is “to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills.” Begun in 2006 by author Colleen Paige, it has been adopted by a wide range of agencies and organizations to celebrate the unconditional love that puppies bring to people’s lives.

Celebrate, celebrate

The ways to observe the day are limitless.  This year, we’ve culled the many ideas supplied by readers to the most responsible ones.  But there’s no reason not to add in a few puppy parties, new toys, family vacations, and pup portraits.

  • Adopt a puppy from your local shelter, rescue or pure breed, certified rescue organization.
  • Donate, donate and donate some more. It doesn’t have to be money—food, gently used bedding, toys, leashes and collars, etc. are always appreciated by shelters and rescue organizations.
  • Contact your Congressman and request support to ban your state’s puppy mills.
  • Know a sick or elderly person? Take their pup for a walk that will make you both feel great.
  • Host a community event to raise money for your local animal shelter.
  • Volunteer at your local shelter and offer the help they need.
  • Puppy-proof your home and yard.
  • Install a car safety harness to keep your puppy safe during travel from
  • From the first bark, make sure that your garden is puppy safe from toxic plants and materials.
  • Buy a puppy gate to keep your puppy out of hazardous areas of the home.
  • Microchip & I.D. Tag your puppy so the shelter can locate you if he gets lost.
  • Make sure you have all required vaccines and a regular health exam.
  • Buy a canine first aid kit and put it in your car in case of injury while away from home.
  • Teach your children and their friends to be kind to your puppy by never pulling on his ears or tail.
  • Take your puppy to an elderly community and spread some love.
  • Install a fence around your unfenced yard so your puppy can run and enjoy some freedom at home.

 

Inspiring quotes about man’s best friend

Happiness is a warm puppy.

-Charles M. Schulz

Dogs never bite me.

-Marilyn Monroe

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.

-Andy Rooney

Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.

-Kinky Friedman

The more boys I meet, the more I love my dog.

-Carrie Underwood

 

Don’t take a puppy for granted

  • Having a puppy is like having a baby or child. They need your time, attention and effort.
  • Socialization is the key to a happy puppy and, ultimately, a balanced dog. They need to ply with other dogs.  They need to be comfortable around people other than you.
  • Spay or neuter your pet. Let’s break the cycle of “throwaway” dogs.

 

And remember that puppies grow up.  Too many animals are given up when they outgrow the puppy stage of life.  If you’re ready for a puppy, go for it.  What better way to celebrate National Puppy Day with a new four-legged friend.