Celebrate Your Furry Friends!

Today, May 20, is National Rescue Dog day! National Rescue Dog Day recognizes all the benefits of allowing a four-legged canine to adopt you into their immeasurably lovable life. Tails That Teach founded National Rescue Dog Day on May 20 to honor the inspiring ways rescue dogs become apart of the human family and increase awareness about the number of dogs in shelters. Given a chance, they would fill their forever homes with unconditional love and un-abandoned joy with every belly rub.

Bringing home a new pet is incredibly exciting. And adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group is not only exciting, but it’s truly a feel-good experience as well. Every day, about 2,000 dogs and cats are killed in America’s shelters simply because they don’t have safe places to call home. By adopting, it means that each time you look into your pet’s eyes, you can feel good knowing that you truly did save a life. Use #AdoptDontShop on social media to help spread awareness!

According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. When these abandoned and abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home and their potential is limitless. They’re rescue dogs. No matter their size, color, or breed, dogs will find a way to nuzzle, fetch, or beg their way into your heart. You’ll find it hard not to scratch one behind the ear.

Rescue dogs often overcome extreme obstacles and yet provide comfort, security, and friendship as family pets. But, rescue dogs are capable of much more. With training, they contribute to the independence of people with disabilities as service animals and give comfort to the elderly. In these circumstances, they become our eyes, ears, or legs as well as our best friend.

Rescue dogs provide a variety of therapeutic benefits. Children, teens, and adults with autism may benefit from services provided by trained rescue dogs. As emotional support companions, rescue dogs help to relieve anxiety, depression, and PTSD among the military or those who suffer from mental illness.

They make excellent teachers, too. Rescue dogs show children about caring and kindness. Rescue dogs can even be trained to rescue us from dangerous situations or help to investigate the cause of a fire.

When it comes to four-legged friends, they improve the human condition by leaps and bounds, barks, and yips. It’s hard to imagine a more helpful, worthy companion. Give them a treat!

Is there a rescue dog in your life? Share your rescue dog stories and use #NationalRescueDogDay on social media!