National Puppy Day
National Puppy Day is an unofficial holiday that takes place every year on March 23. The purpose of this day is not only to celebrate puppies but to shed light on the cruelty that happens in puppy mills and encourage adoption from overcrowded shelters.
History of Puppy Day
This day was created in 2006 by animal expert and behaviorist, author Colleen Paige. She is also credited with being the inventor of many other pet-related holidays. Paige believed that there needed to be a day to bring awareness to the abusive practices taking place in puppy mills, and to the fact that there are many abandoned dogs in need of adoption and loving families.
What are puppy mills?
Puppy mills are places where dogs are kept and continuously bred, so their puppies can be sold. This is often done through inhumane practices, and when the dogs get older and can no longer procreate, they are abandoned or, more often, euthanized.
National Puppy Day encourages adoption as a way to fight back against puppy mills, ending their source of profit. It is estimated that there are around 10 000 puppy mills in the United States, which breed 2 million puppies a year. In contrast, around the same number of dogs have to be euthanized in shelters every year, which is why it is so important to adopt not shop.
Celebrating National Puppy Day
On March 23, some shelters will hold events where people can visit and spend time with the dogs, to encourage the adoption of those dogs who need a home.
You can also celebrate by volunteering at these shelters, or by raising awareness of the necessity of adoption. And if you have a dog, why not celebrate by treating them to a special day!
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