Happy DOG-ust 1st! Helping Raise Awareness for Shelter Dogs Across the Nation

All over the United States, the first day of August marks a grand tradition. It is the universal birthday for shelter dogs, many of whom have no records or known facts when they arrive at their temporary home. This day was aptly named DOG-ust 1st. 

DOG-ust 1st was established by North Shore Animal League America, which is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption center in the United States. As a tribute to the dogs that come into the shelter, the league felt that all dogs deserve to have a special day that honored them, and a universal birthday party seemed like the perfect solution.

"A birthday celebration is an opportunity to express our sentiments for one another. These wonderful animals, many still waiting patiently in shelters for their adopters, are so full of life and love, and live to please us. Now we have a day set aside to honor them and return the unconditional love and adoration they give us, day after day. These sweet animals crave our affection and company, so we can imagine the warm feelings they will experience from all the extra attention on their special day, DOG-ust 1st"

- Beth Ostrosky, an Animal League spokesperson

Many rescue shelters exist solely on the graciousness and generosity of their volunteers, all of which love animals. DOG-ust 1st is just one of the days that all animal lovers can show their thankfulness and their love for their favorite 4-legged creatures. While DOG-ust 1st has already passed this year, many of the events and awareness efforts for shelter dogs carry on throughout the month of August. 

All donations to these organizations are tax-deductible, so not only will you be giving to a worthy cause, but also doing yourself some good too. Many shelters need volunteers, donations of supplies, and of course, monetary donations as well.

Want another way to celebrate?

• Drop off unneeded, clean towels and blankets to a local shelter
• Sign up to volunteer at one of the shelters. Many places need volunteers to walk dogs, clean pet quarters, help with adoptions, etc.
• Attend or coordinate a fundraiser for the shelter of your choice
• Sign up to be a foster for special animals that need one on one attention or special care
• Some organizations have their own online or physical store. Consider purchasing a coffee mug, tote bag, or a t-shirt or two to support them.
• Give a gift of pet food to a homeless person who has a dog with them. Homeless pets have needs as well. 

If you would like to implement one or more of these ideas or perhaps adopt a dog of your very own, the following is a list of the adoption center and rescue organizations in our area. For more information on current volunteer needs as well as adoption criteria, be sure to visit the websites listed below.

Georgia SPCA

2148 Duluth Hwy, Duluth, GA 30097

Gwinnett County Animal Shelter

884 Winder Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045

Gwinnett Humane Society

3370 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30044

Planned Pethood

2860 Buford Hwy NE, Duluth, GA 30096

Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelter

1520 Union Hill Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Society of Humane Friends Spay / Neuter Clinic

651 N Clayton St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Angels Among Us Pet Rescue

PO Box 821, Alpharetta, GA 30009

If adopting a shelter dog, please use the 3/3/3 rule as a guideline as your new pet gets acclimated to their new home and you!

It is best if you expect:

• 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous
• 3 weeks of settling in
• 3 months of building trust and bonding with you

Good things take patience, time, and understanding. If you are already a proud adoptive parent of a shelter dog, then you know how much your life has changed since the adoption, and most likely for the better. Give your furry friend an extra hug and a treat or two to commemorate the many future birthdays they will have with you, instead of in a shelter.

Want help looking for the perfect home for a shelter dog? Give me a call so that we can start looking today!