BY: MIWAKO CHANG
This Wednesday, March 23rd, celebrate National Puppy Day by treating all your four-legged friend(s) with an extra bone or belly rub. Animal behaviorist, dog trainer, pet-friendly interior designer, and author of “The Good Behavior Book for Dogs” Colleen Paige established the cute holiday in 2006 to celebrate our favorite furry friends and the impact that they have on our lives and communities, as well as to raise awareness about puppy mills and promote adoption.
Puppies play an essential role in our daily lives. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that therapy dogs reduced pain, anxiety, and depression and increased comfort for the ER patients that they visited, compared to those that did not get a visit from the furry companions.
ARF Ontario is a volunteer-run foster home focused organization in Downsview that specializes in the rehabilitation and adoption of all animals. They are committed to their community, providing general veterinary care, as well as urgent medical support and vaccination clinics in Indigenous communities
across Ontario. ARF Ontario offers adoption and foster options, as well as donation and volunteer opportunities. An adoption of one of their dogs comes with five free training sessions, making it the perfect place to find your next best friend!
There are many ways you can celebrate this furry holiday, even if you don’t have a puppy. Volunteer or donate to ARF Ontario and other local dog adoption centers. Many of these organizations are non-profit or run purely through donations and help from fellow animal lovers can go a long way! Help prepare four-legged friends for their forever home by fostering. If you’re looking for something more long-term, consider adopting and giving a puppy (or two!) a forever home. Not only will you save a dog’s life, but you’ll develop a strong, life-long bond and a new couch and study buddy!
Whether it’s volunteering at your local adoption center or cuddling with your pup and watching cute dogs videos, there’s never been a better time to make a new furry friend and get one more tail wagging.