Furry Friends: National Dog Day and the Human-Dog Bond
National Dog Day is an annual event that’s observed on the 26th of August. This woof-tastic day celebrates dogs of all kinds and encourages people to recognise the number of rescue dogs in need of loving homes.
Founded in 2004 by animal welfare advocate and pet lifestyle expert, Colleen Paige, National Dog Day honours our wonderful canine companions and the fact that every rescue dog – no matter their shape, size, age, or breed - deserves a good life and a fur-ever home.
While National Dog Day is an occasion to raise awareness about dog adoption, it’s also a wag-nificent time to celebrate the special bond shared between humans and dogs. From tail-wagging greetings to heart-warming cuddles, the human-dog relationship is a pawsitively amazing tale of friendship.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of our four-legged best friends!
The Ulti-mutt Origin Story
Did you know that the history of humans and dogs goes back thousands of years? It all started when our ancient ancestors realised that those wild wolves had a softer side. They teamed up for scavenging, hunting, and guarding, and over time (a very long time) these wolfish pals evolved into the adorable pups we know today.
Oxytocin: The Puppy Love Potion
Ever wondered why your heart melts when your dog looks up at you with those big, soulful eyes? Well, it turns out that science has an answer, and it's called oxytocin.
Often dubbed the "cuddle hormone," oxytocin is released when we cuddle our furry friends. This biochemical magic is responsible for those warm, fuzzy feelings and the unbreakable bonds we form with our pets. So, the next time you give your pup a squeeze or you’re both snuggling on the sofa, remember that you’ll both get a healthy dose of oxytocin!
Pawfessionals in Body Language
Communication is key, and dogs have mastered the art of non-verbal chit-chat with their human pals. From tail wags to the cute ear perk that says, "I'm listening," dogs are pros at understanding our body language (well, most of the time, anyway). And guess what? We're pretty good at reading theirs too! It's like we've developed our very own secret language. And nothing screams “friendship” more than your own secret language.
Doggo Therapists: A Tail of Healing
Dogs are more than just fluffy companions, they're often furry therapists too. Their super-sensitive noses can sniff out changes in our emotions and even certain medical conditions. That's why you find therapy dogs spreading smiles in hospitals, calming nerves in airports, and bringing comfort wherever they go. Who knew a wagging tail could have such healing powers?
From Wolves to Woofs: The Pet Revolution
Fast forward through time, and dogs went from being wolves to our hunting pals to our snuggle buddies. Ancient Egyptians revered dogs as guardians and companions, while Greeks and Romans kept them as status symbols. As society evolved, dogs went from being working partners to beloved family members. The Industrial Revolution brought more leisure time, and suddenly, dogs became full-blown pets – not just sidekicks!
From hunting pals to snuggle buddies - how times have changed!
Want to treat your dog to the bed of their dreams? Life’s too short for a paw night’s sleep!
A Round of Appaws to Our Furry Friends
As we celebrate National Dog Day, let's take a moment to marvel at the incredible science that makes our bond with dogs so pawsome and special.
From the days of cavemen and their trusty wolf sidekicks to the modern era of doggo therapists and cuddles on the sofa, the journey of humans and dogs together is a tale of love, loyalty, and endless tail-wagging joy. So, give your furry friend an extra treat, a belly rub, and a big "thank you" for being the pawsitively amazing companions they are.
Find the Pawfect Gifts for Dogs and Their Hoomans
If you’re searching for pawfect gifts for a furry sidekick or a dog lover, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for gifts for dog dads or dog mums, or the best birthday gifts for dog lovers, find everything you need and more at Yappy!
From stylish pet accessories to gorgeous homeware gifts, boredom-busting games and beautifully illustrated storybooks, these high-quality, personalised gifts will make you and your loved ones tail-waggingly happy.
But don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself…
