National Pet Day, observed every year on April 11, may seem like any other day of the year to those with their own furry, feathered, scaled or sleeker skinned companions, but there’s more to this holiday than just showing your own animal love.
“I believe all animals are sentient beings that deserve our love and compassion…even not-so-cuddly animals like reptiles and rats,” she said. “No animal should ever have to suffer, especially at the hand of humans. MILLIONS of unwanted animals perish every day, due to just that….being ‘unwanted.'”
Source: Pexels
What do you have planned for National Pet Day, April 11?
It’s sound logic, and a good reason to raise awareness of pets around the world. To help you celebrate, we’ve gathered a few of Paige’s prompts and added some others that just might make the animals in your community much happier.
Here are 10 ways you can make National Pet Day one to remember this year, and every other:
Invite local pets over for a fun day in the sun. Set out toys, food, and water, mark off digging stations, and hand prizes out to the most impressive pets in your neighborhood.
Nothing is more disappointing than visiting the dog park and realizing you’re the only one there. If you keep in touch with your neighbors on social media, set up a special event to meet at your nearest pet park and let your animals run wild!
It’s no wonder pet shop sales are being banned in states around the country. Many of the animals that wind up in these stores come from unscrupulous breeders who force female animals into a life of constant breeding until they eventually die. Meanwhile, their puppies are taken away and sold to the highest bidder.
Want to stop this from happening? Organize protest, circulate flyers, post on social media. Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Puppy mills have got to go.
Oftentimes, even more than supplies, shelter workers just need a few extra helping hands. Volunteer at your local animal shelter and you could find yourself in one of the most rewarding positions around: official pet cuddler. If you can take the animals for walks and help them get exercise, that’s an added bonus.
