RAISE THE RUFF! IT’S NATIONAL PUPPY DAY!

National Puppy Day is a pawsome day for all dog enthusiasts to celebrate puppies’ unconditional love and fawn over the undeniable cute furballs that bring so much joy into this world.

I have learned that, despite whatever stressors I have going on in my life, it is virtually impossible to be unhappy in the presence of a puppy. It comes as no surprise that dog ownership has been linked to stress reduction and positive outcomes for one’s heart, potentially lowering blood pressure and anxiety.

Perhaps that is the most important lesson to take from my puppy ownership thus far—that the gifts we receive in life can come from unexpected places, in shapes and sizes or forms that we may not always expect or anticipate.

On a high holy day such as this, we must go forth and celebrate the pick of the litter. The pupper crust. The crème de la canine. And we will leave no bone unturned.

WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUPPY DAY

BONE-A-PET-TREAT

Pupcakes – Even doggies need cupcakes! Ask for a cupcake for your pooch the next time you visit a Sprinkles, and for $2.50 they’ll give you a sugar-free cupcake with yogurt-based “frosting.”

Puppuccinos – If your dog feels left out when you come back from a Starbucks run without anything for him, just ask for a “Puppuccino” the next time you visit one. You’ll be handed a small cup filled with whipped cream.

Shake Shack: Pooch-Ini, Bag O’Bones – They offer the Pooch-ini, which consists of dog biscuits (specially made for Shake Shack by Bocce’s Bakery), peanut butter, and vanilla custard; or you can ask for a Bag O’Bones, which contains five of those specially made biscuits. 

OUT WITH THE OLD

A dog in a box

A dog in a box

Revamp your puppy’s toy bin with new, clean toys and get rid of the old, bacteria infested ones!

SO FRESH, SO GREEN

@herecomesgidget excited about her Pet Plate delivery

Pledge to feed your puppy only all natural food and treats. If you haven’t already joined the fresh food movement, switch to a fresh-cooked, human-grade brand of puppy food, such as Pet Plate, to keep your puppy healthy.

PUPPY PAWTY TIME

Have a puppy party and invite all your friends and their puppies! This is a holiday worthy of a party, and no party is cuter than a puppy party. Introducing your young dog to other canines is a great way to start the process of socialization. Make sure that you’re keeping a close eye on everyone and that all the puppies are having fun. Be ready to step in and break up the action if any behavior needs to be corrected.

BARK IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS

#nationalpuppyday and #puppyday

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.

TAKE THE PUPPY QUIZ

What kind of puppy are you?

What kind of puppy are you?

Find out what kind of puppy you are with our National Puppy Day Quiz

LEND A HELPING PAW

What better way to celebrate National Puppy Day than with a visit to one of New York’s animal shelters? Even if you’re not looking to adopt, there are volunteer opportunities galore!