Month of August – time to celebrate black cats and dogs

It’s summer time, which means things like vacations, barbecues, the beach and the chance to spend extra time with your pets. 

Our pets, as well as shelter pets, not only enjoy but deserve companionship, a home and a family to love them. Every day these animals should be celebrated as the amazing, loyal and loving creatures that they are. There are two days that fall in August to honor them. They are Black Cat Appreciation Day on Aug. 17 and National Dog Day on Aug. 26.

Black Cat Appreciation Day is a day to celebrate and appreciate the black cats in your life. Black cats are often the least adopted and most overlooked cats in animal shelters.

Many people associate black cats with bad luck, though in some countries, including England, Scotland, and Japan, they are considered good luck.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of black cats. Let us inform and educate others, teach them that black cats are as sweet and loving as any other pets and make
wonderful companions.

National Dog Day is celebrated on Aug. 26. We all celebrate our own dogs every day, but this special day was established to celebrate all dogs, mixed breed and pure bred. Organizers say the holiday serves to “galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort.” It’s an opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate the value and importance of dogs.