Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2007. Mattie was five years old and that weekend we went for a walk on Roosevelt Island. There is one beachy area on the island that we would sometimes visit. Notice the backdrop in this photo. It is Georgetown University, where the Hospital is located. Ironically a year after this photo was taken, we were practically living in that location for Mattie's cancer treatment. But in 2007, the Georgetown campus did not have the same significance to us as it does now.
Quote of the day: Why does watching a dog be a dog fill one with happiness? ~ Jonathan Safran Foer
National Dog Day celebrates all breeds, pure and mixed and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues. National Dog Day honors family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day - for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage, now they're detecting cancer and seizures...things even humans cannot do.
Excerpt from nationaldogday.com:
While we feel that American's have the constitutional right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying dogs from pet stores supplied by puppy mills, backyard breeders, the internet and newspaper ads. Rather, we encourage those seeking new canine companions, to consider choosing adoption first. You'd like a pure breed dog, look into a pure breed rescue in your city, to see if they might have some little furry soul just waiting to make your life complete. Another great place to find a new best friend is at large chain pet stores that host adoption drives for local shelters and rescues. When considering buying from a breeder, verify that you're buying from a reputable breeder by checking out their licensing, internet reviews and ask for local references such as from a veterinarian. It's vital to educate yourself about the breed you're considering parenting.
"Millions of dogs are killed each year because they're simply unwanted, says Colleen Paige, founder of National Dog Day. They're unwanted because no one realized how to properly care for the demands of the breed. They're unwanted because they were bought as a Christmas gift for a child that didn't keep their promises about caring for the dog...unwanted because they shed too much...unwanted because they bark too much. UNWANTED...simply because someone changed their mind. All a dog wants to do is love you and be loved by you. Dogs are amazing, courageous, sensitive and sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect. Please consider bringing what was once considered "unwanted love," into your heart and home on National Dog Day!"
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