Celebrate your 4-legged friend



3 ways to give back during National Dog Month

3 ways to give back during National Dog Month


While most dog owners need little reason to celebrate their furry family members, National Dog Month provides a perfect opportunity to show pets a little extra love.

Established in 2004 by the Animal Miracle Network and International Association of Pet Sitters, the month-long celebration promotes responsible pet ownership and honors dogs of all breeds and sizes. Consider these ways you can get involved:

  • Adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization
  • Organize a dog-friendly event in your community, such as a dog walk or pet parade
  • Donate dog food, toys or supplies to a local animal shelter
  • Volunteer at a rescue organization or shelter
  • Host a dog-themed party or gathering with your friends and their furry companions
  • Share photos and stories of your dogs on social media

To take it one step further and help dogs in need in your community, reach out to local pet-focused organizations and see how you can help.


Support Local Shelters
Supporting local shelters by donating money, supplies or your time can aid in the well-being of dogs in your community. Consider organizing a fundraising event or a donation drive to collect essential items for the shelter, such as food, bedding or toys. You can also help spread the word about the importance of adopting dogs from shelters and encourage others to do the same.

Promote Responsible Pet Ownership
Lead by example by being a responsible dog owner yourself through showing love, care and respect for your furry companion. Encourage spaying and neutering to prevent shelter overpopulation and educate yourself and others about the responsibilities that come with dog ownership, such as providing proper nutrition, regular veterinary care and training.

Take Advantage of Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways to help dogs in need, such as volunteering your time at a local animal shelter or rescue organization, assisting adoption events, walking dogs, cleaning kennels or helping with other essential tasks. If you have specific skills or expertise, you may also consider volunteering as a dog trainer, groomer or foster pet parent.

Find more tips for caring for your pet at eLivingtoday.com.

(Family Features)
Photo courtesy of Unsplash



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Tips to help students be better writers

    Writing and communication skills are essential to success

    No matter students' chosen career paths, writing and communication skills are essential to success. Whether a student identifies as a “math kid,” a “sports kid,” or even a “reading kid,” writing doesn’t always come naturally read more »
  • Safe sharps disposal

    Keeping students healthy at school

    Back to school can be overwhelming for students and families. With new classes, new friends and sometimes new schools, students have a lot to balance. Additionally, changing routine can be challenging for students managing health conditions, including allergies, diabetes and others that require using and safely disposing of needles, syringes, or epinephrine autoinjectors at school. read more »
  • Smart starts for a healthy heart

    Improve hydration, skip added sugars with better-for-you beverages

    How you start your morning can impact the rest of your day. If you want to incorporate healthier choices into your morning routine, try a concept known as “habit stacking.” read more »
  • Debunking 5 common myths about root canal treatment

    If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you may be dreading the procedure or even trying to find a way out of it. The good news? Today’s root canal treatment is nothing like the myths you may see circulating the internet, which are misinformed and simply false. read more »
  • What you (and your child) should know for kindergarten

    6 habits to start right now

    Starting kindergarten is a major milestone that sets the stage for future learning. Ensuring children are well-equipped to enter kindergarten sets them up for a successful school year in the short term and an academic career in the long term. read more »
  • Smooth transition

    3 tips to prepare for the new school year

    Whether your child is starting school for the first time or simply returning to a new grade level, preparations for the school year can feel overwhelming for both students and parents. read more »
  • Top reasons to consider a steel roof for your home

    Steel offers many features that align with sustainable living

    Steel is increasingly becoming the go-to material used for residential roofing. According to industry experts, steel offers a range of design advantages and features that align with sustainable living. read more »
  • 6 steps to help teens plan financially for the future

    It’s never too early to start saving

    For teenagers, retirement may seem like a lifetime away, but it’s never too early to start saving for the future. Because financial habits can be created at a young age, the sooner kids begin to save and learn about investing, the less likely they’ll face worries about money when they eventually stop working. read more »
  • Safety and scam prevention tips for students heading back to campus

    Prevent identity theft and other safety risks

    As many students begin heading to college, vocational or graduate school programs, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is sharing targeted scam prevention tips that can help students start the new academic year safely. read more »
  • Stay protected

    Understanding the need for vaccines throughout your life

    As health needs evolve throughout life, it can be easy to forget how crucial vaccinations can be for protecting against preventable diseases. Many associate vaccines with childhood, remembering the series of shots received during early school years. However, vaccination importance extends far beyond adolescence. read more »