Let’s face it, our dogs do a lot for us, and we might not even realize it. Personally, I know my fur babies have helped me overcome so much. They have helped me see through difficult personal problems and have always been there by my side.
This is why I’m happy to find out that there’s a very special holiday my dogs and I can celebrate together – Thankful for My Dog Day.
Imagine my excitement to find out that there’s a day dedicated to showing how much I appreciate my dogs.
Let’s talk about why this day matters, when it started, and how you can celebrate it with your fur babies.
When is Thankful for My Dog Day?
Thankful for My Dog Day is a special day celebrated by dog lovers throughout the United States on November 23.
This fun holiday was created in 2020 by M.Y.O.S. Canine Muscle Formula to show how important dogs are to us and how much we love them.
It’s a day to show our furry friends how much we love and appreciate them for being loyal, friendly, and loving no matter what.
Dogs have been our companions for centuries, and they hold a special place in our hearts. They are more than just pets; they are a part of our families.
They make us feel safe, give us comfort, and keep us company. They are there for us when we need them the most, and they never judge or hold grudges against us.
Thankful for My Dog Day is a great time to think about how important our dogs are to us.
How To Celebrate Thankful for My Dog Day?
There are plenty of ways to celebrate this special holiday. Try these suggestions for fun stuff to do on Thankful for My Dog Day.
Spend Quality Time with Your Dog
Spending time with your furry friend is a great way to celebrate “Thankful for My Dog Day.” Take the day off or clear your schedule so that you can spend time with your dog.
You can plan a long walk or hike outside, where you can get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. This will not only make your dog happy, but it will also help you stay active and healthy.
Just make sure to check ahead of time for any rules or restrictions, and bring your dog plenty of water and snacks.
Personally, my favorite way to spend quality time with my dogs is to just chill with them at home. I noticed that they are happier whenever I give them a lot of attention and belly rubs.
Learn about all the fun outdoor activities you can try with your dog.
Take Your Dog Out
If your dog enjoys running around and playing, try taking them to the park or the beach for some outdoor fun. They will appreciate the opportunity to get some exercise and discover new sights and scents.
If you have a backyard, you can build an obstacle course for your pet. Make a fun and challenging course from household materials like cones, hula hoops, and tunnels.
This will both excite your dog’s mind and give them excellent physical exercise.
You could also plan a date with your dog at a nearby restaurant, café, or beach that allows dogs. Many restaurants and cafes have patios or outdoor seating areas where you and your furry friend can eat together.
Make sure that whatever you choose is something that your dog will enjoy and that you and your dog will both have a great time doing.
Watch a Movie with Your Dog
If you and your dog want to chill out, you can cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie together.
Dogs love being with their owners, and they’ll appreciate the extra love and attention you’re giving them.
You can watch some of the nine best dog movies of all time.
Learn Something New with Your Dog
Attending a dog training class is a great way to improve your dog’s behavior and obedience skills. It’s also a great way to bond with your dog for Thankful for my Dog Day.
Look for a dog training center or pet store near you that offers obedience classes, agility training, or other activities that you and your furry friend would enjoy.
You’ll not only learn new ways to train your dog, but you’ll also get to meet other dog owners and their pets, which can help you make new friends.
If you prefer to learn on your own, consider reading up on dog-related topics.
There are a lot of books, articles, and online resources on everything from basic obedience training to advanced tricks and agility.
You could also learn about nutrition and health, how to change your dog’s behavior, and how to make homemade treats for your dog.
As you learn more about your dog’s needs and interests, you’ll understand them better, making your relationship stronger and more enjoyable.
Learn how to read your dog’s body language.
Give your Dog a Special Gift or Treat
Giving your dog a special gift on Grateful for My Dog Day is a wonderful way to express your love and gratitude. You can give them a new toy or their favorite food.
Chew toys, puzzle toys, and interactive toys that dispense goodies are all popular choices.
You might even bake your own dog treats at home using dog-friendly recipes like this one from The Cookie Rookie.
If you need help deciding what type of treat or toy to get your fur baby, take them to the pet shop and let them choose something they enjoy.
This way, you can be sure that you’re getting something that they’ll enjoy.
Check out the ultimate gift guide for your dogs.
Volunteer at a Local Shelter with Your Dog
Thankful for My Dog Day is an excellent opportunity to volunteer at a local animal shelter in your area.
Not only will you show your furry friend how much you care, but you’ll also be helping other dogs who are in need so that someday, they can make a difference in another person’s life, too.
You can call your local animal shelter ahead of time and ask about ways to help out. Volunteers are always needed to walk dogs, clean kennels, and play with puppies.
Spending time with shelter dogs is also a great way to learn about different breeds and personalities. It might even help you decide if you’re ready to adopt a new dog in the future.
Learn everything you need to know about getting a new dog to keep your first one company.
Remember that the best gift you can give your dog is your love and attention. So, take the time to give them plenty of cuddles, belly rubs, and playtime.
Spend time with your dog and make new memories that you’ll both remember for the rest of your lives.
Find out about some of the wonderful organizations that help dogs in our charity spotlight series.
The Important Role Dogs Play in our Lives
Dogs play a vital role in our lives as companions, protectors, and helpers.
They have been bred over thousands of years to perform specific tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding. But beyond their physical abilities, dogs offer emotional support, companionship, and unconditional love.
There are many reasons why you should be thankful for your dog and how they bring value to your life.
- Unconditional love: Dogs have an incredible ability to love their owners unconditionally, which can bring immense joy and comfort to your life.
- Companionship: Dogs make great companions and can provide a sense of companionship, even when you’re feeling lonely.
- Emotional support: Dogs can provide emotional support and help alleviate anxiety and stress.
- Protection: Dogs are known for their ability to protect their owners, which can help you feel safe and secure.
- Health benefits: Owning a dog can have numerous health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, and decreasing stress levels.
- Increased physical activity: Having a dog encourages you to be more physically active, as you need to take them for walks and play with them.
- Improved social life: Dogs can help improve your social life by providing opportunities to meet new people at dog parks and other pet-friendly places.
- Unwavering loyalty: Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and devotion to their owners, which can be a source of comfort and support.
- Fun and entertainment: Dogs can be a source of fun and entertainment, as they are playful and often do silly things that make us laugh.
- Life lessons: Owning a dog can teach you valuable life lessons, such as responsibility, patience, and compassion.
Dogs Making a Difference Worldwide
There are millions of dogs making a difference every day all over the world. All of them deserve recognition, but we couldn’t possibly list each one of them.
Instead, we’ve decided to feature individual dogs, dog charities, and organizations below.
Trakr, the German Shepherd & The Search & Rescue Team from 9/11
During the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, Trakr, a German Shepherd, became well-known for his exceptional efforts as a search and rescue dog.
James Symington, a Canadian police officer, was Trakr’s handler and a canine search and rescue team member dispatched to assist in the rescue attempt.
Trakr and the other incredible dogs who were part of the rescue mission’s brave actions gave people hope and inspiration. Their incredible bravery and hard work showed how important search-and-rescue dogs are in times of trouble.
Nemo, the German Shepherd & Military Dogs
Nemo was a German Shepherd who served as a military dog during the Vietnam War.
He protected his handler, Airman 2nd Class Robert Thorneburg, during a surprise attack by enemy troops, even though Nemo was shot and wounded.
Nemo’s bravery saved Thorneburg’s life and prevented a disaster at the airbase.
For his service, Nemo was awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross, and he became a symbol of the crucial role that military dogs play in protecting their handlers and fellow soldiers.
Balto, the Siberian Husky
Balto was a Siberian Husky who became famous for leading his team on the final leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska.
The serum run was a dog sled relay that transported diphtheria antitoxin serum from Nenana, Alaska to Nome, where an outbreak of the disease had happened.
Balto and his team completed the final leg of the journey in record time, traveling through blizzard conditions and saving the lives of countless people in Nome.
The serum run and Balto’s role became a symbol of bravery and determination, and a statue of Balto was erected in New York City’s Central Park in his honor.
Paws for Purple Heart
Paws for Purple Hearts is a non-profit group that trains service dogs to help military veterans with physical disabilities, PTSD, or TBI.
The group understands how important the bond between people and animals is and helps veterans get the help they need to regain their independence, improve their mental health, and get back into civilian life.
Paws for Purple Hearts’ service dogs hugely impact veterans’ quality of life. They give them companionship, love, and support as they deal with disabilities and everyday problems.
The work of the organization has helped reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which has made it possible for veterans and their families to live happier healthier lives.
Also, Paws for Purple Hearts’ work has helped more people learn about the benefits of animal-assisted therapy and how service dogs help people and communities.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Medical Service Dogs, Inc. (MSD) is a non-profit organization that helps veterans, first responders, and people with disabilities like PTSD, seizure disorders, diabetes, and mobility issues get highly trained service dogs.
Their goal is to make the lives of people in need better by giving them the tools they need to live on their own with the help of a service dog.
MSD’s dogs are trained to do many different things, like find things that have been dropped, open doors, turn lights on and off, and warn when seizures or changes in blood sugar levels happen.
They also give emotional support and company, lowering stress and anxiety and encouraging people to interact.
At the end of the day, we should thank our dogs for plenty of things. My dogs have saved my life more times than I could count.
In fact, I’d love to dedicate this holiday to my late dog, Popo, who saved our family’s lives by finding and alerting us all about a snake she had found in our garage. Thank you, our sweet princess.
Celebrate your dogs every day, and celebrate all the other dog holidays too.