Dog Dad Zack Manko and his dog Sorcha share about June's many pet holidays, reminding us to always celebrate family whenever possible!
Summer has always been a wonderful time for celebration. From block party BBQs to community days, from graduation parties to weddings, there always seems to be some festivity going on. Furthermore, there are some awesome holidays over the summer, like the Fourth of July and Father’s Day.
This is also the perfect season for celebrating your furry companions. Summer has plenty of holidays and reasons to throw a pet party—Sorsha and I have compiled a list of these below!
Cat Fever
No, not the scratch kind. While June is great for getting out and about with your dog, this is also a big month for cats and cat lovers. For instance, the American Human Society has designated June as National Adopt-a-Cat Month.
This holiday has been in effect for 47 years and encourages people to adopt cats from animal shelters. Quite intentionally, the Humane Society chose June because it is also prime time "kitten season", when cats are statistically most likely to become cat moms. Many times, their large litters end up in animal shelters. Thus, it is the perfect time to take the plunge if you are considering adding a feline friend to your household.
Coinciding with the Human Society’s push, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has also designated June as National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. The organization has even partnered with Arm & Hammer kitty litter to promote the month, by hosting a contest to find the new feline face of their product.
Sadly, the ramifications of kitten season are not the only reason for such campaigns. While cats are a popular pet and are found in forty-seven million homes across the country, they are less likely to receive veterinary care than dogs and are also more likely to be euthanized than dogs.
On a happier note, June is also the month of several one-off holidays. For example, June 4th was National Hug Your Cat Day. Many cats do not care for snuggles, but if you are lucky enough to have one, give them some extra love. Also, June 19th is National Garfield the Cat Day, in honor of one of the most famous cartoon felines in the business.
Finally, June 24th is Cat World Domination Day. Ostensibly, this day is supposed to celebrate the ascendancy of cats over the world, as seen through such evidence as their popularity on the internet. Sorsha exhorts you all to be on your guard on this day and be sure to be extra vigilant around these feline invaders. She assures us that they are always plotting, unlike our canine companions, who deserve our full trust.
Dogs Get Their Day, Too
Speaking of dogs and dog lovers, June offers plenty for canine enthusiasts. For example, June 1st was National Sheltie Day, in honor of the noble and friendly Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Shetland Collie. Similarly, June 2nd was National Greyhound Day, and June 4th was National Corgi Day. In the first week alone, June gave us three occasions to celebrate our canine friends.
But the dog days do not end there. June 12 is Peruvian Hairless Dog Day, known as perro peruano sin pelo in Peru. Want more? June 21st is National Dachshund Day—fitting to feature the wiener dog during a month where so many hot dogs will be consumed!
And it is not just individual dog breeds that are celebrated this month. June also hosts Ugliest Dog Day on the 20th. Sure, there are some ugly mugs out there, but this contest (held annually in Petaluma, California) puts out the search for truly hideous hounds. (Do not worry, I am sure their owners think these dogs are real beauties.)
A departure from the ugly, June 18-22 is the 146th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The WKC is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs, and their show is a first-in-class icon of showmanship. It is a championship of breeding, training, and all-around dogging!
June 24th is Take Your Dog to Work Day. Blessedly, many places of employment allow fido to join us at work. Dogs in the office can boost morale, as long as they don’t become a nuisance or a distraction. With many of us working from home or telecommuting in some way, we take our dogs to work every day anyways! But if you do not, see if your boss will allow you to bring your dog into work today.
Still not enough? June 21st is National Dog Party month. That is right, as if you did not need more of a reason to have a fest for the best of pets, now you know there is an official day to do so. If you want to make your pet party a little more special, Pet Perennials has an array of gifts to put some pizazz in the celebration. From chew toys to treats and even cake mix especially designed for dogs, they have the gear to put the wag in your pet’s tail.
The Wags Just Keep Coming
Celebrations in June do not have to be for just dogs or cats specifically. Many events during this month are meant for celebrating our pets in general.
For example, June 18th is Veterinary Appreciation Day. Created by pet insurance company Trupanion, this day is meant to pay tribute to the critical role that vets have in the lives of our animals. Give a hearty “thank you” to those professionals that devote their careers to helping our pets.
Held on the second Tuesday in June, this year’s World Pet Memorial Day falls on the 14th. This day is intended to honor our beloved companions that have passed on. If you are looking to support someone going through pet loss, consider giving them a gift this day.
Have a Happy Summer
June has tons to offer, and it is just the tip of the summer iceberg (if you can forgive such an icy metaphor for such a hot season). This holds true whether you are celebrating a people party or a pet festivity.
So, whether you are firing up that grill, jumping into the pool, visiting dear old dad, or just doing something special with your dog or cat, get out there and enjoy yourself this summer!
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