National Dog Day

August 26^this a day for people to celebrate the importance of dogs in our lives, National Dog Day. It gives us a chance to recognize the daily work these loving creatures do each day for themselves, their people and others around them. 

In 2004, Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige founded National Dog Day to celebrate all shape, size, bread and mix of dogs. Her mission to help dogs in need and celebrate family and work dogs alike inspired her to create a day of recognition. August 26^thwas chosen to coincide the adoption date of her childhood family pet. In 2013 it was even adopted into New York State Legislation. 

Today it is used as a reason to show off our furry family pups, but along with that we also bring dog topics to the front of conversation. Awareness of needed rescues, shelter supplies and help are also posted, liked and shared. 

Celebrate the love of dogs with a special treat, a hug, or a donation of gently used pet items to your local shelter. I know there are toys in the bottom of the toy bin that my pups never really loved that another pup could enjoy. Or possibly an unopened can of pet food that’s the flavor they suddenly won’t touch. 

No matter how you label it, Dog Appreciation Day, Dog Day, National Dog Day, or the 26^thof August; it is a special day of deep appreciation for our “Humans Best Friend.” Find a way to celebrate it with your pup, or in honor of them. 

Find A Pet Sitter

Deciding on a pet sitter can be just as hard as finding a babysitter, sometimes harder. There are less of us out there and not many well-known avenues to contact. Before you start searching for a professional think about the ones in your life trustworthy to care for your pet. Grand-paw-rents make great sitters, as well as pet lovers in your life. This isn’t always an option though. 

For example, I was recently married and realized during planning that all of my go to pet sitters would be with me that day. Yes, I had acquaintances that were not attending, but they weren’t “dog people” or close enough to me to make the trip. After making the rounds asking acquaintances and co-workers that I trusted and their kids I started to panic a little. These were my babies, but I was lucky enough to find someone through a sitters site, more on that later. 

Ideal qualities of a sitter

Love of animals

Experience- Look for references, credentials and certifications.

Consistency and Reliability- Do they have repeat clients?

Professionalism- Are they affiliated with a professional service?

Integrity and Honesty- Ask questions about clients and situations in their past. 

Your pet’s opinion matters most so listen to them, ask for a meet and greet. Don’t forget to give them a full description of your pets needs and your expectations of care.        You could possibly not be the right fit for them, so be upfront. 

For the love of dogs, where do I find this person!?

Going back to my wedding day issue, I was lucky to find a sitter on Rover.com. No, I am not getting paid to endorse them, it is just the truth of my situation. I am proud to say that I am now a sitter through Rover.com myself.

I love it! I can meet, play and care for so many dogs while getting some compensation. I wish that I had known about Rover sooner, for those days that my poor pups had to be locked up longer than usual. Life happens and sadly we all can’t take our furry family members with us wherever we go. Now that I have the time, I would like to help others out in the same situation. 

So, if you’re in the Clare, MI area look for me at: http://www.rover.com/sit/lizc90287 (We don’t get to choose our link name) If I am not, then search for your desired services, dates and areas near you!

Look forward to new blogs and see more about myself, Leash Nation and information on your fur kids if you subscribe. Check me out on Facebook @leashnation.