Hey Utah! Every Dog Has Its Day…And It Is Today!

I've spoken on the air, and written before how animals have become a part of my life. No, we don't have an unusual amount of pets, just a dog and a cat right now, but I find that animals are really an enhancement to my life these days. There were days when I didn't think much about the animal kingdom or its welfare.

They say every dog has its day, and today it might be every dogs day. International Dog Day, celebrated annually on August 26, is a special occasion dedicated to honoring dogs and recognizing their significant roles in our lives. Founded in 2004 by animal advocate Colleen Paige, this day aims to raise awareness about the plight of dogs worldwide, encouraging adoption and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Dogs have been by our side for thousands of years, serving as loyal companions, protectors, and even therapists. Their contributions extend beyond companionship, as they work in various roles, including search and rescue, therapy, and service animals for people with disabilities. International Dog Day is a time to acknowledge these invaluable roles and reflect on how dogs enhance our well-being and society.

One of the central messages of International Dog Day is the importance of adoption. Millions of dogs worldwide are in shelters, waiting for loving homes. I talked with Brittany McCabe who is the director Manager at the Cedar City Animal Adoption Center.

She told me the center was not at capacity, but it was pretty close. “We're close right now we have 88 animals in the shelter,” McCabe said.

She also told me that not all the kennels at the shelter are for adoptable dogs saying, “we only have 9 adoptable dog kennels, 9 stray and then we have a bite quarantine and a place for K9 officers.”

But she did say there are plenty of adoptable dogs available now. Adopting a dog not only saves a life but also brings joy and companionship to families. International Dog Day encourages people to consider adoption from shelters and rescues instead of purchasing from breeders, supporting the effort to reduce the number of homeless dogs.

And how long does the process take here in Cedar City? McCabe told me, “it can be done immediately, so any of our dogs, once they're off their straight hold, we complete. We vaccinate on intake, but they're rabies shot, we do that as we move them over to adoptable. So they have all their vaccines.”

There is some paperwork to fill out, but all in all it can be done in a day. And if you're not able to adopt, the Cedar City Animal Adoption Shelter is looking for volunteers. You could have the chance to care for and socialize with the animals there.

Another service the shelter has it a food pantry to help those who are facing financial stress be able to have food for their animals.

McCabe told me, “About two years ago this summer, to help people keep their animals instead of trying to surrender, because that's a problem all over the state is people trying to surrender. So we have a food pantry. If the only reason that they are having trouble keeping their animal is they don't have the money for food, we try to help with that.” But like any pantry, this one can also run low, so the shelter will accept donations of animal food.

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To get more information about the adoption process, and what animals may be available, McCabe recommends following their Facebook page.

In addition to promoting adoption, International Dog Day advocates for responsible pet ownership. This includes providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. It also highlights the importance of spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation.

For those who already have dogs, International Dog Day is an opportunity to spoil them with extra attention, treats, and playtime. In that respect, I guess International Dog Day started for me about 2 this morning when our little Peanut Butter Cup came over and tapped me on the leg saying, “it's cold and I want to sleep with you.” She did.