The world is a wonderful place when there is love, happiness and a loyal presence who adores you and craves for your company.

There is nothing quite like a dog who never leaves you alone, especially in your darkest hours, and wins your heart every day with their adorable ways. While it is believed that pet parents take care of their furry companions, it's the other way round too. In their company, life seems much easier than it is and all the fears and anxieties melt away. For dog lovers, every day is dedicated to their animal companions, but there is also a special day to celebrate these precious buddies.

International Dog Day is observed every year on August 26. It was first celebrated in the year 2004
National Dog Day celebrates all breeds, mixed and pure and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues.

Today honors both family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Beyond giving never ending love and devotion, many dogs also put their lives on the line every day - protecting our families and homes, for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and helping to locate and rescue victims of accidents and tragedy. Dogs are amazing beings.

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Although we are celebrating the day with all three of our doggy family members, Chile was the only one happy to brave the extreme heat to allow me to snap the above photo. Almost as soon as they went outside, Bella and Bailey quickly looked a bit wilted. Although they were willing to stay with me, I didn’t want to stress our long coat girls by asking them to remain outside in 100 degree+ heat. They got to go indoors to A/C and be with my husband. For some reason, Chile didn’t seem to be bothered by the heat. So, she is the family representative for 2023’s International Dog Day photo.

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“Name one development in the history of humankind that has increased happiness more than the domestication of dogs.” -Aaron Easterly