March 23rd is National Puppy Day

National Puppy Day seeks to celebrate the unconditional love that puppies bring to people's lives.  Held each year on March 23 and celebrating its 11^th year, it is the inspiration of lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, who also created National Dog Day and National Cat Day.  The goal, says the National Puppy Day website, is "to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills."

National Puppy Day Facts & Quotes

• There are approximately 500-600 million dogs, including strays, throughout the world.
• In the USA, it is estimated that 2.11 million puppies are sold from puppy mills.
• Puppies Behind Bars is a training program that helps inmates to raise service dogs in prisons.
• Puppy mills are commercial dog-breeding organizations that focus on profit, while ignoring the health and welfare of the animals. 3 million puppies are killed in puppy mills because they are too full and not enough have found homes.
• “I'm suspicious of people who don't like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn't like a person.” ― Bill Murray

Don't Take A Puppy For Granted

• Having a puppy is like having a baby or child. They need your time, attention and effort. 
• Socialization is the key to a happy puppy and, ultimately, a balanced dog. They need to ply with other dogs.  They need to be comfortable around people other than you. 
• Spay or neuter your pet. Let's break the cycle of "throwaway" dogs.

National Puppy Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit an animal shelter and adopt a puppy in need. Most cities have a local shelter where you can visit and adopt a pet in the same day. Remember to spay or neuter your pet in order to control the stray dog population.
• Spread awareness by using the hashtags #nationalpuppyday and #puppyday on social media and also share pictures of your dog or pictures of dogs you like.
• Share a picture of your puppy (or dog as a puppy) on Facebook.
• Donate your time or money to a local animal shelter or an organization that supports stray animals. There is always a need for help walking, feeding, playing with and cleaning up after the animals. You can also make a financial donation to organizations such as ASPCA and the Humane Society.

And remember...puppies grow up.  Too many dogs are surrendered once they've outgrown the cute stage.

If you're ready for a puppy, there's one waiting for you.   On National Puppy Day, drop by your local shelter and find a new friend.