Above / Dog ownership creates puppy love and memories that last a lifetime. (PN File Photo)
Today, August 26, is International Dog Day! This special day during National Dog Month is another time to promote dog adoptions.
Recently we learned that back in 2004, International Dog Day first was established by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert. According to Dog Day Radio, Paige chose to create this special day on August 26 because it was the date her family adopted their first dog “Sheltie” from an animal shelter home.
For many years, PN has helped to promote Lizzy’s Fund as a way to educate the community about opportunities and the need to care for senior dogs. Among its mission is to ensure that every senior dog is as healthy as it can be while feeling loved and secure. For more information, visit lizzysfund.org.
Meanwhile, we are grateful to many dog owners who just happened to have photos handy to send upon request to Ashley Penick yesterday. And believe it or not, more than a few dog owners said their dogs actually “smile” for photos!
‘A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.’ —Josh Billings (19th-century American humorist & columnist)
Since dogs are known to be the most popular pet in the world, everyone who has ever owned and cared for a dog knows that life is better with a dog. In fact, actual scientific evidence proves having a dog is good for your physical (Walking is beneficial!) and emotional (Canine companionship is comforting.) health.
Of course, dogs take time, attention and dedication. And it’s always amazing to learn how many dog owners own two or three.
According to the National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI) and many other studies, dogs are just plain good for you as friends and companions. Their constant love, care, daily structure and needs help provide purpose.
Dogs provide companionship – Unconditional love and emotional support help address social isolation around the clock.
Dogs help us cope – Individuals who work with trained service dogs have better coping skills as well as significantly less symptoms of PTSD.
Dogs help prevent stress – Canine companionship can offer comfort and joy. Multiple studies show that dogs and therapy dogs help alleviate stress and anxiety. Many studies show that simply petting a familiar dog lowers blood pressure and heart rate, slows breathing and relaxes muscle tension.
Dogs help keep human hearts healthy – Studies show dog owners have lower blood pressure and improved responses to stress.
Dog walking is good exercise – Most dog owners walk at least five hours more per week than individuals without a dog.
Dogs help all ages – Pets improve cognitive functions and social interactions for all ages. Visiting dogs also can decrease agitated behaviors in senior citizens with dementia and help folks in hospitals get better quicker.
Dogs make most humans happier – Simply watching a dog wag his tail or hugging your friendly furry pet can raise your level of oxytocin while boosting your mood with their unconditional love, especially during tough times.
Is it coincidental that National Dog Month begins during Dog Days?
Every August this publication recognizes the 40 days and nights called “Dog Days” when the dog star Sirrus is the brightest from July 3 until Aug. 11. Those Dog Days end during National Dog Month when promotions continue to remind readers that friendly pups make a difference as special stars in the lives of their owners.
August 26 is International Dog Day
Moving right along, we just love that today, International Dog Day, just happens to be the day 8-year-old Maki, a shih tzu mix, arrives at our house for another extended stay. With fond memories of our two family dogs, (Prairie, a labrador/golden retriever mix, given to us by a farmer in DeKalb; and Karl, a papillon with papers, given to our son when he was at Purdue), we’ll begin nearly two weeks of joyful dog-sitting.
Furthermore, any dog owner who might need special dog care by day or overnight boarding is welcome to Central Bark, a dog care center opened recently at 4389 Fox Valley Center. For more info that includes a story about a recent PN visit, check out www.positivelynaperville.com/2025/08/04/central-bark-location-opens.
Special thanks to folks who sent or provided opportunities for dog photos including Barbara Crookston, Kevin Coyne, Denise Long, Jeff Penick, Nancy Quigley, Tom Wehrli and many, many summer Naperville Municipal Band Concerts. —PN
One more thing… Remember the annual Ashley Whippet International K-9 Frisbee Championship again will be held at Nike Park Labor Day weekend. Seeing is believing!
All ages will enjoy the 2025 event that runs 9AM to 4:30PM Sat., Aug. 30; and Sun., Aug. 31. Admission is free of charge. Food tent available both days. Seating is available in the sunshine. Folks might want to BYO collapsible chairs and sunhats.
For more info, visit www.ashleywhippet.com.
