Photo source: The DODO
How to Celebrate DOGust: The Universal Birthday for Rescue Dogs
By Leah Ingram
August 1 is also known as DOGust: a make-up birthday celebration for adopted and rescued dogs whose owners can’t pinpoint their exact birthdays.
What’s the history of DOGust? It seems the North Shore Animal League decided to declare August 1 the national birthday day for shelter and rescue dogs in 2008.
In the past, North Shore Animal League has held free adoptions and events on August 1 as a way of promoting DOGust and the availability of homeless pets at shelters and rescues.
If you decided to throw your dog a birthday “pawty” on DOGust, you may want to ask your guests that, in lieu of presents for your pup, they bring a donation for a local rescue or shelter. Many list on their websites what they need, like food, towels and blankets—even toys. Since DOGust is connected back to an animal rescue, this seems that an appropriate idea.
Finally, since August is often scorching hot, a DOGust party should include water playtime (supervised, of course), frozen treats and lots of shade for cooling down.
At a loss at how to throw a DOGust-worthy “pawty”? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- If you’re going to have any outdoor activities, do it early in the morning and in the shade. Dogs can get overheated and sun- or heatstroke.
- Offer lots of water to human and canine guests to keep them cool and comfortable.
- Don’t forget refreshments. Peanut butter treats would be a good idea, or, for the ambitious, a bone-shaped puppy cake.
- Provide splash time in a kiddie pool and lots of toys so everyone can play. If some want to play inside, that’s okay too.
- In lieu of presents for your pup, request that guests make a donation to a local shelter or rescue group. This can be cash, supplies, time, or skills!
- For party favors, all the canine attendees could get bandanas.
- Remember to take plenty of snazzy photos!
- Have fun!
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