International Dog Day 2021: History, Significance and Quotes

Here's everything you need to know about International Dog Day

(Photo: iStock)

International Dog Day is celebrated every year on 26 August. The day is observed to celebrate all dogs, irrespective of their breed, shape, size, etc. It is also celebrated to encourage people to adopting dogs, instead of buying them from pet shops.

International Dog Day: History

International Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Animal Rescue Advocate, Conservationist, Dog Trainer and Author. First International Dog Day was celebrated on 26 August 2004.

The date 26 August was chosen because it was the date when Paige's family adopted their first dog 'Sheltie', when he was 10 years old.

Colleen Paige is also the founder of many such days like National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day, National Cat Day, and National Wildlife Day.

International Dog Day: Significance

There are many dogs around the world who need to be rescued because people, and local authorities do not take appropriate care of them. Many of them are often abused and some are even brutally killed. International Dog Day also raises awareness about such problems faced by dogs, and encourage people to take better care of these dogs as they deserve a better life.

Quotes on International Dog Day

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.”

Mark Twain

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”

Will Rogers

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

Josh Billings

“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.”

Mark Twain

“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”

Johnny Depp

(With inputs from nationaldogday.com)