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National Make a Dog's Day

Animal · October 22

A day for doing something kind for a dog, from a longer walk to a visit with shelter dogs waiting for a home.

National Make a Dog's Day falls on Friday, October 22, 2027. That is 360 days away.

The idea is simple. Pick a dog, yours, a neighbor's or one at a local shelter, and do something that makes its day better than usual.

Dogs are not hard to please, which helps. Most of what they love is ordinary: a walk on a new route, time to sniff at their own pace, a game of fetch, a person sitting on the floor with them. Sniffing matters more than many people expect. A dog learns about its world mostly through its nose, so a slow walk with plenty of stops can be more satisfying than a fast one around the block.

For dogs without a home, a good day can look different. Shelters often welcome volunteers to walk dogs, help with cleaning or simply spend quiet time with animals that are nervous. Some accept donations of towels, blankets or toys, and many post a wish list so people know what is actually useful. Even sharing a photo of an adoptable dog can help it be seen by the right person.

At home, small changes count. A puzzle feeder turns dinner into a game. A fresh blanket by a sunny window gets noticed right away. Treats are welcome, though plain dog treats in modest amounts are kinder than food from the table.

Most dogs will not know why the walk went longer today. They will remember the squirrel.

Ways to celebrate

• Take your dog on a slow walk with extra time to sniff.
• Volunteer to walk dogs at a local shelter.
• Share a photo of an adoptable dog from a nearby rescue.
• Donate old towels or blankets to a shelter that requests them.
• Try a homemade puzzle toy using a muffin tin and tennis balls.

Dates

All national days on October 22

Also on October 22

• National Nut Day
• Global Champagne Day
• National Color Day
• International Caps Lock Day

Categories: Animal days