12 pups to make your National Dog Day
![Paige the dog running in a creek with two people](/sites/default/files/styles/story_desktop_1920x1230_/public/story_images/Dog_JannaPaigeJamesCreek7852MW.jpg?h=eaa4361c&itok=b1U112Pf)
Dogs are humanity’s best friends – they’ve been with us through thick and thin, helping us survive and thrive. They’ve been taught lifesaving skills and entrusted with important jobs. And they’re pretty dang cute, to boot. With their big, soulful eyes and sweet wagging tails, who can resist a good puppy-dog face? To be greeted by an excited dog at the end of a long day is one of the best things in life, reminding us that there are always slobbery kisses and warm cuddles to look forward to. They are the poster children (poster puppies?) for unconditional love.
To put it plainly: our canine companions mean a whole lot to us. So of course, when there’s a chance to celebrate them, we’ll happily take it. August 26th is National Dog Day, and this year, we’re celebrating with a dozen Sanctuary dogs doing what they do best: making us smile.
![Paige the dog and a child looking over a small wall](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_PaigeEverly8050MW.jpg?itok=azHu3qIZ)
Speaking of puppy-dog face, Paige has pretty much perfected hers, with a little help from her friend.
![Legion the dog wearing sunglasses](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_LegionRescueShades1981MW.jpg?itok=VMJtoGEz)
Legion, on the other hand, is trying out something new with his. Don’t worry, though – behind that cool exterior beats the heart of a giant goofball.
![Charm the dog in the trailer full of toys at Christmas](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_CharmChristmasJuly7320MW.jpg?itok=94XYL8YP)
Of course, if you really want to bring out the goofy side in a bunch of dogs, toys tend to do the trick. Charm was certainly excited for Christmas in July.
And so were her friends and neighbors:
![Dingo the dog in a kiddie pool full of multicolored balls](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_DingoBallPit4946MW.jpg?itok=jgNxiGJm)
Ball pits work, too. Dingo loves a good plunge into the deep end of the ball pit. Well, deep for him, at least. He’s just a little guy.
![Moogan the dog holding a large ball toy in his mouth by a handle](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_MooganToy1793MW.jpg?itok=AeJkHaCv)
Meanwhile, Moogan is very (very, very) happy with just one, extra-large ball.
![Pharaoh the dog running in a sand dune](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_PharaohSandDunes1496MW.jpg?itok=wzFgPt45)
When it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors, no one is a better adventure buddy than a dog. Pharaoh sure enjoys flying through the sand dunes, wind in his ears. (Okay, there may have been a toy involved in this one, too.)
![Caravel the dog outside on a leash with his eyes closed, with a rock formation and blue sky behind him](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_CaravelCanyon6990MW.jpg?itok=AfsSq6_d)
What would a good hike be without stopping to take in the scenery – and get pictures to commemorate the trip? Caravel’s already saying “cheese.”
![Calias the dog in a patch of greenery and flowers, with his eyes closed and tongue out](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_CalaisFlowers5771MW.jpg?itok=6QcaUnMJ)
After a fun adventure, Calais takes time to stop and smell the flowers… and catch a little power nap before heading back to base.
![Taquito the dog in between two lifesize plush dogs](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_TaquitoStuffedAnimals1958MW.jpg?itok=qzaHs3IA)
One of these dogs is not like the other… At least, we’re pretty sure Taquito’s not a plush toy, though he may be cute enough for it.
![Blue the dog all muddy and smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_BlueMuddy4622MW.jpg?itok=jGE4Jd0e)
But how did a little piggy get in here? Sure, she’s adorable but – oh wait, that’s just Blue, taking a muddy cue from the potbellies down the canyon.
![Archo the dog splashing in a galvanized steel pool](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_ArchoPool6889MW.jpg?itok=2FrK7joc)
If you want a slightly less muddy pool buddy, Archo’s your guy. In fact, good luck talking him out of the pool. If he had it his way, he’d be in there all day.
![Myrtle the dog being petted by a person while hugging her legs](/sites/default/files/styles/image_small_mobile/public/image/Dog_MyrtleAngie8245MW.jpg?itok=1BEkp1EC)
When it all comes down to it, no matter what you’re doing, it’s always better with your best friend. Just ask Myrtle (and then be prepared for a doggy hug).
So, did it work? Have these lovable pups left a smile on your face? If so, they’re always looking for new friends… or maybe even a new family. And with them around, every day is one to celebrate.
It’s a great day to adopt a dog
What better way to celebrate National Dog Day than by adopting a pup from your local shelter? Now that’s a Gotcha Day you won’t forget.
Read more
11 ways to celebrate National Dog Day