It’s the most wonderful time of the year, National Dog Week! As canine lovers we hardly feel there is a week full of more love, fur, and slobbery kisses than this one. We have an entire week to celebrate the beloved pups that make our lives full, but what the heck IS National Dog Week? NDW is dedicated to celebrating dogs and generating awareness of causes that focus on improving the lives of all dogs. Human personal education and mindfulness as a dog owner, lover, or even an acquaintance is as much a part of this special week as celebrating the dogs themselves. Without further ado let’s jump into how to celebrate this glorious week, shall we?
Volunteer
Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer! Local dog shelters and dog adoption organizations always need volunteers especially those passionate about our furry friends! This is something we can do all year round but if you are looking to give it a try for the first time what better time to start? This is a great option for individuals and families with older children to make a big impact right in their own town. Becoming a foster home is also an excellent way to volunteer. Bringing a homeless pup into your life while they wait for their forever home is one of the most rewarding ways to help the dog community. As a starting point below is a list of a few local volunteer opportunities. Happy Volunteering!
Local Volunteer Opportunities
Friends of Plymouth Pound (Plymouth, MA) www.Friendsplymouthpound.org
Papas Pet Project (Manomet, MA) https://papaspets.org/ 774-205-5151
Helping Hands for Plymouth Animal Shelter (Plymouth, MA) 508-888-1186
Standish Humane Society (Duxbury, MA) www.standishhumane.org 781-834-4663
Support Local
Celebrate Dog Week by supporting the places your dog likes to shop. Head to your locally owned pet supply store for those special treats for Fido or that new rope toy for Gino. Stores like Papas Pet Project in Manomet, MA are non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of animals. Supporting local businesses with a passion for helping the dog community is like donating and pleasing your pup at the same time, it’s a win-win! Local pet supply stores often have volunteer opportunities as well as strong ties to animal advocacy/adoption organizations. Get to know the locally owned pet shops near you and discover ways you can become involved. If you are in the Plymouth area check out Papas Pet Project & Pet Supplies Plus.
Donate
Donations are the life blood of local shelters, adoption agencies, and advocacy organizations, during National Dog Week and all year long. Whether you donate your time as a volunteer or your money these organizations can’t do what they do without you! Research organizations that interest you and find one that aligns with your beliefs when it comes to the dog community, such as adopting less adoptable dogs or groups with a mission for stopping animal cruelty. Wherever your dog passion lies there is a place to match for you to donate.
Education
Celebrate National Dog Week by giving yourself the gift of education. Read books, blogs and articles dedicated to awareness in the dog community. Discover how you can be an advocate for dogs in a sustainable way all year long. Take some time to understand your own dog or any dogs you encounter regularly. Get to know the breed/mix, learn how to be the best dog owner/friend you can be! Knowledge is power, as the saying goes, what you learn will translate into your daily dog loving life. From understanding the current needs of your local shelters to learning how you can socialize your own dog the list of things to learn is endless!
Break the mold
Okay, so we have talked a lot about how to help the dog community but what about the precious pup in your home? Branch out from your dog’s regular routine and explore new places, friends, and fun! Try a dog friendly trail that is new to you and your pooch (see Dog Friendly Trails in Plymouth, MA Part: 1 & Part 2 for local options). Eat out at a restaurant that loves when you bring your pup, like Stack Shack in Plymouth. Head to the dog park to meet new friends! Does your dog LOVE a special type of bone they only get on Christmas or their birthday? Treat them to one or two during a week devoted entirely to them! Break the mold of your dog’s normal routine and spice it up for them this week.
Time to Celebrate!
National Dog Week is here and it’s time to get out there and celebrate! Whether you volunteer your time, donate, support local, educate yourself, or get out there and experience new people, places and things with your fur baby there is no better time. During your newfound advocacy don’t forget to provide some special touches for the pup that loves you unconditionally at home. Fun new toys and tasty treats go a long way with our fur babies. Let us know how you are choosing to celebrate National Dog Week; we can’t wait to hear from you!
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Sources
dog.com – National Dog Week article
https://www.facebook.com/NatDogWeek/
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