August 26 is National Dog Day-RandomNews

August 26th marks the observance of National Dog Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and advocating for the welfare of dogs. Amidst a concerning trend of higher euthanasia rates for shelter dogs compared to previous years, this occasion provides an opportune moment to discuss ways individuals can contribute to the salvation of homeless canines nationwide.

In the United States, over 450 dogs face euthanasia in shelters daily due to lack of homes, equating to approximately 20 dogs per hour across the country's shelters. Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, remarked on this grim paradox, stating, “Dogs bring joy and unconditional love to our lives, but the great paradox right now is that we are literally killing our best friends." Castle highlighted the urgent need for collective action to transform the nation into a no-kill country and rescue homeless pets from unfortunate fates.

Statistics from Best Friends Animal Society, a prominent animal welfare organization striving to eliminate the euthanasia of cats and dogs in American shelters by 2025, reveal a rise of around 100,000 dogs entering shelters in 2022. Concurrently, dog adoptions have plateaued at just under one million nationwide. Furthermore, data from the industry demonstrates an escalating trend in acquiring dogs from breeders and pet stores over recent years.

Listed below are several ways to aid homeless dogs and shelters in local communities, fostering progress towards a no-kill nation where the unnecessary killing of shelter animals becomes obsolete.

1. Adoption: Opting for adoption when seeking a new canine companion is a direct path to supporting the no-kill initiative. Shelters abound with dogs suited for diverse lifestyles, whether as child-friendly companions or low-energy apartment mates.

2. Fostering: Fostering offers a transitional haven for animals to adjust to a home environment while awaiting adoption. This approach, vital to achieving the no-kill goal, also facilitates trial periods through foster-to-adopt programs.

3. Transporting: Transporting adoptable animals from overpopulated regions to areas with greater demand is pivotal to saving more lives. Participating in such transports plays a significant role in the quest for a no-kill future.

4. Volunteering: To alleviate the strain on shelter staff, volunteering tasks such as dog walking, cleaning kennels, and laundry maintenance are essential. This enables staff to focus on adoptions, intake management, and animal advocacy.

6. Sharing: Sharing posts about dogs in need from shelters and rescue groups on social media platforms raises awareness and aids in fostering or adoption efforts. This simple action contributes positively without financial commitment.

Founded in 1984, Best Friends Animal Society pioneers the no-kill movement and has contributed to reducing annual shelter animal euthanasia from an estimated 17 million to approximately 378,000. Through collaborative efforts with a vast network of over 4,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, as well as community members nationwide, Best Friends works towards the ambitious goal of "Save Them All®." This encompasses lifesaving initiatives and the management of the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary.