International Dog Day: Celebrating the Dogs Who Make Life Better
August 26 is International Dog Day, a day dedicated to celebrating our four-legged companions while also shining a light on dogs who are still waiting for loving homes. Whether they are shelter dogs, beloved family pets, mixed breeds, purebreds, working dogs, service dogs, or the goofy pup who has somehow taken over the entire couch, dogs have an incredible way of becoming part of our lives—and our hearts.
International Dog Day was founded in 2004 by animal advocate and pet expert Colleen Paige. August 26 was chosen because it was the date her family adopted their first dog, Sheltie, from an animal shelter. What began as a celebration of dogs has grown into a worldwide observance encouraging people to appreciate dogs and support those still waiting for families.
For Dr. Katrina, celebrating dogs is easy. Animals have always held a special place in her heart.
A Lifetime of Loving Dogs
Dr. Katrina grew up with rescue dogs, including a large mixed breed dog named Teddy Bear. He was a mix between a German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Rottweiler. Despite his impressive size and intimidating-looking combination of breeds, Teddy was about as sweet as a teddy bear could be.
Her family also fostered dogs over the years—and, as often happens with fostering, there were a few happy foster fails. One of those was Shadow, an Australian Shepherd mix. Shadow was smart, affectionate, loved to cuddle, and had a wonderfully stubborn streak. He could even dance around on his hind legs.
That last part may sound familiar.
Dr. Katrina’s current English Bulldog, Dewey, has some of Shadow’s personality. Dewey is smart, silly, affectionate, and stubborn. When Dewey is excited about something, he will stand on his hind legs and twirl around like he is dancing. This is especially common when there is the prospect of a treat.
From Callie to Dewey
For many years, Dr. Katrina’s unofficial clinic mascot was her English Bulldog, Calliope—better known as Callie.
Callie was smart, sweet, stubborn, and a constant companion. She and Dr. Katrina traveled and moved across the country together, sharing nearly 14 years of adventures before Callie passed away almost two years ago.
Fortunately, Dewey arrived as a puppy before Callie was gone.
He had the opportunity to learn from the master.
And learn he did.
Dewey is now the successor to Callie’s unofficial mascot title. He’s also developed some unusual habits of his own, including acting more like a cat than a dog. Growing up with his feline sisters may have had something to do with that. He likes curling up on the back of the couch, follows Dr. Katrina around the house, and generally wants to be wherever the action is.
He has even watched Dr. Katrina use cupping on herself and seems genuinely fascinated by it. Perhaps he’s studying for his future career.
For now, though, Dewey is sticking to being a dog.
Dogs Are Good for Your Health, Too
Dogs don’t just bring companionship and unconditional love. They can also encourage healthier habits.
Walking a dog gets you moving, and having a four-legged companion who expects their daily outing can provide a pretty effective form of accountability. Dogs can also encourage people to spend more time outdoors, interact with their neighbors, and take breaks from work and screens.
There is also something incredibly calming about spending time with an animal. Petting a dog, playing with them, or simply having them curled up beside you can provide companionship and help create moments of relaxation.
And then there is the laughter.
Anyone who has lived with a dog knows they can be ridiculous. They have personalities, opinions, routines, and occasionally absolutely no understanding of personal space. Dewey is particularly talented at this.
The Daily Dewey Walk
One of Dr. Katrina’s favorite routines is taking Dewey for a walk around sunset. During the hotter months, the timing is especially important. Texas heat can be dangerous for dogs, particularly breeds like English Bulldogs, so walks are kept shorter and closer to sunset when temperatures are more manageable.
The walk benefits both of them. Dewey gets exercise and an opportunity to patrol his neighborhood, while Dr. Katrina gets some additional movement and a chance to say hello to neighbors.
Walking Callie used to provide those same opportunities. Over the years, those walks helped Dr. Katrina get to know people in the neighborhood and become part of the community.
Sometimes a dog is the best social coordinator you never knew you needed.
Acupuncture Isn’t Just for People
As an acupuncturist, Dr. Katrina also knows that acupuncture and other traditional therapies are used in veterinary settings to support certain animals. Veterinary acupuncture may be incorporated into care for issues such as pain, mobility concerns, and other conditions, depending on the animal and the veterinarian’s treatment plan.
Dr. Katrina treats people—not animals—but she absolutely appreciates the role acupuncture can play as part of integrative veterinary care when appropriately performed by someone trained in veterinary acupuncture.
And honestly, Dewey has enough opinions about everything else. It’s probably best that he isn’t one of her patients.
Make Every Day Count
Perhaps one of the biggest lessons dogs teach us is to appreciate the present moment.
Dogs don’t spend their days worrying about yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s problems. They’re excited about breakfast. They’re excited about walks. They’re excited when you come home—even if you’ve only been gone for five minutes.
They remind us to enjoy the little things.
Dr. Katrina is especially aware of how precious that time is. Dogs simply don’t live as long as we do, which makes the years we get with them even more meaningful.
Callie had nearly 14 wonderful years. Dr. Katrina is grateful for every one of them.
Now she makes the most of her time with Dewey.
And Dewey makes sure she doesn’t forget.
Whether that means a sunset walk, cuddling on the couch, following her from room to room, or simply sitting nearby while she works, he is part of what makes her house feel like home.
Celebrate International Dog Day
This International Dog Day, take a moment to appreciate the dogs in your life. Give your dog an extra belly rub. Take them for a walk. Let them have the good treat. Spend a little extra time playing. And if you don’t currently have a dog, consider supporting a local shelter or rescue organization—or simply sharing a shelter dog’s story to help them find a home.
Dogs give us companionship, laughter, motivation, unconditional affection, and countless memories.
And sometimes the best thing we can do for our own health is step away from everything else, grab the leash, and go enjoy a walk with our best friend.
Happy International Dog Day from Dr. Katrina and Dewey!
And yes, Dewey would like you to know that he considers everyday Dog Day.
