NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY | MAY 20

On May 20th, National Rescue Dog Day recognizes all the benefits of allowing a four-legged canine to adopt you into their immeasurably lovable life.

#NationalRescueDogDay

According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. When these abandoned and abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home and their potential is limitless. They're rescue dogs.

No matter their size, color, or breed, dogs will find a way to nuzzle, fetch, or beg their way into your heart. You will find it hard not to scratch one behind the ear.

Rescue dogs often overcome extreme obstacles. And yet, they provide comfort, security, and friendship as family pets. Rescue dogs are also capable of much more. With training, they contribute to the independence of people with disabilities as service animals and give comfort to the elderly. In these circumstances, they become our eyes, ears, or legs as well as our best friend.

Rescue dogs provide a variety of therapeutic benefits, too. Children, teens, and adults with autism may benefit from services provided by trained rescue dogs. As emotional support companions, rescue dogs help to relieve anxiety, depression, and PTSD among the military or those who suffer from mental illness.

They make excellent teachers, too. Rescue dogs show children about caring and kindness. Rescue dogs can even be trained to rescue us from dangerous situations or help to investigate the cause of a fire.

When it comes to four-legged friends, they improve the human condition by leaps and bounds, barks, and yips. It is hard to imagine a more helpful, worthy companion. It's time to give them a treat!

HOW TO OBSERVE National Rescue Dog Day

Get involved in the lives of rescue dogs. There are a variety of ways to share puppy love.

• Volunteer at your local shelter. Taking dogs for walks, grooming, and giving them plenty of affection improves their socialization.

• Shelters always need donations. Financial donations are always welcome. Most shelters have a list of constant needs, such as blankets, bleach, toys, treats, and leashes.

• If there is room in your life for a rescue dog, consider adoption and giving one a forever home.

• Consider fostering. Many dogs abandoned in shelters require some medical care or rehabilitation in a home setting before an adoption can take place.

• Remember to spay and neuter your pets. Overpopulation is the number one reason shelters exist.

Is there a rescue dog in your life? Share your rescue dog stories and use #NationalRescueDogDay on social media.

NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY HISTORY

Tails That Teach founded National Rescue Dog Day on May 20 to honor the inspiring ways rescue dogs become a part of the human family. The day also increases awareness about the number of dogs in shelters. Given a chance, they fill their forever homes with unconditional love and unabandoned joy with every belly rub.

Lisa Wiehebrink, author and founder of Tails That Teach, wrote Love Me Gently; A Kid's Guide for Man's Best Friend, inspired by Cooper, her rescue dog from a Los Angeles shelter.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Rescue Dog Day to be observed annually beginning in 2018.

https://www.tailsthatteach.org/