National Puppy Day: Dedicated to the adorable bundles of joy

National Puppy Day, observed on March 23 every year in the USA, celebrates the love and affection puppies bring into the lives of their human companions. Their cuddles and wiggles make us smile. There are always squeals of delight when there are puppies around.

The day, however, is also meant to raise awareness of the need to care for and find homes for orphaned pups and to educate people about the horrors of ‘puppy mills’ across the country.

Puppies are a big responsibility. One must be sure to consider all the factors involved and adopt from a shelter. The puppies there need love and a home just as much as any other and they grow into loyal pets, too.

National Puppy Day was instituted in 2006 by pet lifestyle expert, animal behaviourist and author Colleen Paige, who is also the founder of National Dog Day and National Cat Day. Paige says the day can be celebrated in a plethora of ways.

1. Adopt a pup from a local shelter or rescue organization.
2. Donate money, food, and toys to your local animal shelter.
3. Organize a peaceful demonstration in front of your community pet store that sells puppies.
4. Assist an ill or elderly neighbour by walking their pup.
5. Have a puppy party and invite your friends with their puppies!
6. Host a community event to raise money for your local animal shelter.
7. Volunteer at the shelter and offer to walk or play with a puppy, clean cages, or do anything else they need help with.
8. Have a portrait painted of your puppy to suspend the fleeting magic of puppyhood.
9. Buy your pup a fun puppy toy.
10. Give your pup some exercise by taking it to a puppy daycare.
11. Brush your pup to eliminate excess fur.
12. Give your pup a massage or holistic spa treatment.
13. Get your pup some leash training lessons.
14. Buy your pup a fashionable collar and leash.
15. Have a T-shirt made with your pup’s photo on it.
16. Take your pup to the beach.
17. Throw out chemical cleaners and buy non-toxic cleaners for your home.
18. Install a car safety harness to keep your puppy safe during travel
19. If you haven’t already, switch to a holistic brand of puppy food to keep your pup healthy.
20. Buy your pup a comfy new bed.
21. Take your pup on a pet-friendly vacation.
22. Buy canine first aid kits for the home and for your car.
23. Microchip and tag your puppy so a shelter can locate you if it gets lost.
24. Make sure your pup has all required vaccines and a regular health examination.
25. Pledge to feed your puppy only all-natural food and treats.
26. Teach your children and their friends to be kind to your pup by never pulling its ears or tail.
27. Pledge to walk your pup every day for proper health and behaviour management.
28. Make your home pet-friendly by choosing pet-friendly fabrics that can withstand your pup’s wear and tear.
29. Pledge to never chain your puppy outside the house. Always include it in your family.
30. Last but not least, pledge never to yell at or hit your pup, to be patient and kind and give it lots of love and praise every day.

Now these are things those who own dogs in India, or wish to have one, can certainly do.