While dog owners all across town will tell you they celebrate their pups all year long, the month of August is officially National Dog Month! Did you know that dogs are the #1 most commonly owned pets on the planet? It’s with good reason, of course. Study after study proves our pawsome companions make us happier, less stressed and more optimistic.
National Dog Month was established in 2020 by the Milk-Bone brand (The J.M. Smucker Company) to honor all the ways dogs improve our lives. National Dog Month was declared by the Registrar during National Day to be celebrated every August.
All dog breeds, mixed and pure, are celebrated during these dog days of summer. The month-long celebration aims to engage the public and increase awareness of the overwhelming number of dogs who need to be rescued from pure-breed rescuers, rescues and public shelters each year.
Ways to Celebrate National Dog Month
Whether hosting dog-friendly events, volunteering at shelters or simply giving your pup some extra cuddles, National Dog Month offers plenty of opportunities to create unforgettable memories with our precious pups.
Adopt a Dog
National Dog Month is a great time to adopt a rescue dog if you are considering adopting a new pet. Check local animal shelters or rescue organizations to find a dog that fits well with your family, lifestyle and home.
Organize a Dog-Friendly Event
Round up some fellow dog lovers and their pets at a park or other pet-friendly space. It could be a doggie playdate, a picnic or a fun- filled day of dog games.
Volunteer at or Donate to a Shelter
Spend some time volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue center. If you don’t have the time to volunteer, you can always donate. Consider giving supplies like blankets and towels or money to the shelter instead of your time. Don’t forget those charitable organizations that place service animals for our military veterans and children with physical and cognitive needs.
Get Active
Explore new outdoor activities you can enjoy with your dogs, such as hiking, swimming, walking or running. It’s a great way to bond and keep both you and your pup healthy. Spoil Your Pup with New Toys and Treats We know you already spoil your pup! Treat your dog to new toys and delicious treats. For an extra special touch, try baking home-made dog treats.
Share Your Adoption Story
If you’ve adopted a dog, share your heartwarming adoption story on social media or with friends and family. This can inspire others to consider adoption, too.
Doggy Spa Day
Pamper your pooch with a spa day at home or at the groomer. Give them a relaxing bath, brush their fur, and trim their nails. They’ll appreciate the extra attention and love.
The Falcons: Family, Fun and Furbabies!
We first introduced you to Joe, Laurie, Lily, Emilia and Maren Falcon in May 2021. They love living in Newtown Square and sharing their home with their three adopted pups: Butch, Bella and Henry.
The Falcon’s journey to pet adoption began after the loss of their daughter, Adalyn Clare when Laurie was 32 weeks pregnant with her. Comfort from loss and finding purpose comes in many forms, with pets ranking high on that list. Joe and Laurie began discussing how a dog might bring some much-needed joy to their family. “Growing up, I never had a dog,” said Laurie, “so I was hesitant because of the responsibility involved.” Joe, however, had no reservations, so they started their search.
Butch is the first dog Joe and Laurie adopted. “I found Butch on the SPCA website,” Joe explained. “When we went to meet Butch, he immediately ran right up to us, rolled over for a belly scratch, and then gently took a treat out of one of our girls’ hands. Butch chose us, as the saying goes,” Joe added.
After they adopted Butch, Laurie started sharing info about rescue dogs on Facebook to help connect people to foster and adopt dogs. “Butch stole my heart,” Laurie said, “and because of my interest in rescue, I found Bella.” Even though Joe was out of town, Laurie loaded Butch and the girls in the car, drove two hours to New Jersey to meet Bella, and decided to bring her home. Bella is a mild-mannered, playful and loving dog.
Henry joined the Falcon family after Laurie saw his picture on a rescue page that announced the arrival of a litter of puppies. “Unfortunately, the people who decided it would be fun to breed their coonhounds then decided they couldn’t handle the puppies,” said Laurie. “Henry had the sweetest little puppy eyes,” Joe said, “and was the kind of dog I had always wanted.” Henry is your typical coonhound with a silly personality, long legs and floppy ears. Although Laurie was hesitant about raising and training a puppy, Henry quickly became her sidekick. He follows her everywhere and is always looking for something to eat.
“These dogs are the best additions to our family!” said Joe. “They bring laughter, comfort and joy every day.” For the Falcons, adopting a rescue is perfect because they don’t have a limitation on what breed of dog. And that huge backyard for the dogs to play in certainly helps. “So many homeless dogs are neglected or abandoned!” said Laurie. “If we can make the lives of at least three of them better, we will.” A lot has changed for once-hesitant Laurie. She laughed when she said, “I would love to have more!”
How will the Falcons pamper their pups this month? Laurie said, “Our pups are always celebrated, but we will absolutely add in a little extended pool time and a bit more rotisserie chicken!”
The O’Donnells: Two Is Better than One!
We featured Scott, Regina, Logan and Deirdre O’Donnell in our April 2022 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors issue. Regina and Scott knew that moving their kids to Newtown Square, a new house, and new schools would be tough, but they say it proved to be the best decision they have ever made. They do admit, though, that the move might have been made a little sweeter with the promise of someday getting a puppy!
The kids made an easy transition, and, as promised, Regina and Scott made good on that bribe (disguised as a promise) to get a puppy. Well, they actually ended up with two puppies, thanks to Scott. Their Boxer, Joy, was the first to join the family. Being a young pup, Joy needed lots of new puppy vaccinations, which meant lots of visits to the local veterinarian’s office. It just so happened that as Scott was bringing Joy in to be seen, their veterinarian was fostering a Bulldog named Abby, who was about to have nine puppies. The vet planned to care for Abby as she gave birth, and then offer the puppies for adoption to local families.
“This is where Scott got the bright idea to submit an application,” Regina laughed. “And we are so glad he did because we couldn’t imagine life without Bessie, our Bulldog.” Regina said that in honor of National Dog Month, “We will be spoiling our pups a little extra by spending more time at the beach with their favorite toys (and maybe a few new ones). We’ll also throw in a spa day which will definitely include a pawdicure!”
Whatever way you choose to honor National Dog Month with your dog, your four-legged companion will be more than happy that you are giving them some extra love and attention. Every month is pet month when you have a loving animal in your life. However you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalDogMonth to post on social media.