Dogs are the greatest. They are our best friends, our morning alarms, excellent running buddies (well… some breeds), skilled household (dis)organizers, and all-around great companions.

 

On this International Dog Day we celebrate our beautiful furry friends for all the joy they bring to our lives. It’s also important to raise awareness for the dogs waiting for homes at shelters across North America. Please consider your local shelter as an opportunity to find your family’s next best friend.

 

And of course, we have several relevant books to recommend today including Take Me Home by Andrew Grant, which features photos of dogs that were either in a shelter or formerly from a shelter. This is a dog lover’s coffee table book.

 

 

We also have an extensive book on dog breeds for those who are looking for more information on both popular and rare breeds. Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds by Nancy Hajeski.

 

 

And lastly, we recommend Brain Games for Dogs by Claire Arrowsmith because mental stimulation is as important as exercise when it comes to your dog's health and happiness.

 

 

Here’s an example of a brain game for dogs called “Take it and Leave It,” as found in Claire Arrowsmith’s book:

 

 

However you choose to spend the day with your pooch, we hope your day is pawesome!