International Puppy Day: Meaning, Origin, and Adopting Shelter Dogs

Every March 23rd is International Puppy Day. This day was established to raise awareness about puppy abandonment and illegal breeding practices and promote the adoption of abandoned dogs. It is a meaningful commemorative day to reflect on our boundless love and affection for puppies and increase awareness of the importance of improving companion animal welfare.

International Puppy Day, the Epitome of Love for Companion Animals

1. Established to Raise Awareness of Puppy Abandonment

In 2006, Colin Page, an American companion animal scholar, proposed International Puppy Day. This initiative stemmed from a desire to emphasize the preciousness of all puppies and shed light on the realities of puppy abandonment and illegal breeding. It aimed to celebrate unconditional love for puppies and establish a culture of adopting abandoned dogs. It is said that this initiative has helped rescue millions of animals.

2. Companion Animal Families' Commemorative Activities on SNS

On International Puppy Day, companion animal families around the world engage in various activities on social media. They share photos of their dogs with the hashtag #nationalpuppyday and send messages encouraging the adoption of abandoned dogs.

Ways to Commemorate International Puppy Day

1. Activities with Your Companion Dog

Companion animal owners commemorate Puppy Day by spending time with their dogs. They engage in various activities together, such as going for walks, playing, and exchanging gifts. If you haven't prepared anything yet, do it now and take your dog out...

2. Adopting Abandoned Dogs and Engaging in Donation Activities

Another great way to commemorate the day is to donate to animal shelters or animal welfare organizations. You can also help abandoned dogs by volunteering at shelters or providing temporary care.

3. Participating in Campaigns and Events

You can also participate in various campaigns and events that promote the adoption of abandoned dogs and raise awareness of canine welfare. Examples include Pitpet and animal welfare organizations' puppy adoption campaigns and AI photo exhibitions of abandoned dogs.

The Significance of Adopting Abandoned Dogs

1. Becoming a Family for Dogs Who Haven't Received Love

Adopting an abandoned dog has the profound meaning of becoming a new family for a dog that has been discarded. Most abandoned dogs have painful memories of being abandoned by their families more than once, so becoming a warm family for them is a significant act.

2. Responsible Adoption is Necessary

However, responsible adoption is crucial when adopting an abandoned dog. Due to the trauma of being abandoned, abandoned dogs may take a long time to open up to humans. It requires patience and consistent care. You should also consider the financial burden associated with taking care of a companion animal.

On this International Puppy Day, I hope that companion animal families can spend a happy time with their beloved dogs. And for those who do not have companion animals, I hope that this meaningful day will encourage you to consider adopting an abandoned dog. It can be a big change for a puppy's life.