Celebrate National Rescue Dog Day
Honoring the Bond Between Rescue Dogs and Their Guardians
Today is National Rescue Dog Day. This special celebration was started by Lisa Wiehebrink, the founder of the nationally recognized literacy program, Tails That Teach, which encourages both reading proficiency and compassion. Lisa is also the author of Love Me Gently: A Kids Guide for Man's Best Friend.
My wife and I adopted our rescue dog Angel thirteen years ago and she has taught us so much. In fact, if it wasn't for Angel, we may never have started our dog care business and we consider her a cofounder of this family enterprise. She's showed us how to have respect for her and ourselves, along with other life changing gifts.
Angel was going to be killed because was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. The shelter we called to inquire about her said that her disability made her less adoptable.
When we met her, a day I’ll never forget, we were told she would eventually need a very expensive total hip replacement, which is why she was in danger of being destroyed. We also were informed that she was given up by an elderly couple who were unable to care for her, so she might have some trauma. We wanted to meet her anyway.
When we got into the shelter room to introduce ourselves to Angel, she was shy and stayed inside her kennel despite the door being open. The shelter staff asked us if we wanted to coax her out with some string cheese. Even then we put her health first and said we’d try to get to know her without the cheese.
I stood watching as my wife sat on the floor facing this timid little Chihuahua/Dachshund. We were quiet and just tried to breathe calmness and hope into the air. After not too long, Angel poked her little tan head out. Her shiney brown eyes captured my heart first. Then, slowly, inch by inch, her little body tumbled out until she was completely outside of the kennel. The next thing we knew, Angel got into my wife's arms and nuzzled her head into my wife's willing shoulder and neck.
At that point we both shed a tear, knowing we found our beloved family dog.
Yes, our rescue dog really did rescue me and our family. You just never know what is in store when you put love first.
According to the National Rescue Dog Day campaign, you can celebrate this day in the following ways:
Share a photo of your rescue dog on social media by using the #nationalrescuedogday hashtag.
Show your rescue dog some extra affection by taking a leisurely walk together, giving your dog a special treat, a new toy, or some cuddles.
Consider adopting a dog from a local shelter or a pure breed rescue group to save a life.
Consider fostering dogs who are still waiting for their forever homes.
Volunteer or donate to your local or favorite rescue shelter.
Promote, especially to children, the importance of kindness, unconditional love, and responsible care of all animals.
I’d like to add one last way to celebrate - train your rescue dog! By doing this you maximize their safety, resilience, and adaptability.
Training your dog will give it a more full and free life. You’re also helping to show others that rescue dogs can be as emotionally and physically healthy as any other pup. This helps to foster community well-being because your dog’s behavior demonstrates to others how to overcome abandonment and adversity.
How will you celebrate National Rescue Dog day?
Please share in the comments your rescue dog experience and what is special about the pup you rescued. 🐾
Both my little Dachshunds are rescue dogs and I wouldn't have it any other way. They're great pals for me and I don't mind saying they live a life fit for a king and queen!