National/International Dog Day [Something Interesting #66]

As I mentioned earlier this month on International Cat Day, I'm more inclined towards dogs and (just my luck) today is National/International Dog Day! (Apparently both designations are given to the same day since National Dog Day also acts as International Dog Day for some reason but I digress...)

Dogs have been a major part of my entire life, ever since my parents got an Australian Shepherd puppie for our house when I was five. I grew up with that dog, along with a second dog for a while, and then they got a series of corgis once the Aussie passed. Right now, I have a little chunky half-wiener dog I share with my spouse and we love him to death. Because of that, I'm both celebrating dogs and sharing important information about them for those who already have one (or more) or are interested in getting a pup of their own.

I mention "important information" because dogs are both immensly loveable and quite difficult to live with if you're not properly aware of what you're getting into. You're dealing with another creature with a mind and attitude of its own, not a piece of furniture, and that's sometimes difficult to remember and square away with even if you've lived your whole life with them. You want a dog? You'll have a great time but it'll also bring you a lot of stress and occasional heartache.

That aside, let's raise a favorite treat to our furry weirdo friends and make sure to hug yours ASAP to remind them how much you love them.

Note: Being with dogs always runs with a number of risks along with benefits. I tried finding the best resources to post below but you should still exercise caution and do your own further research, using these all as a starting-point instead of the final say.

Reminder: I'm currently on my last of the 2025 Summer Sabbaticals and if anything is "off" about this posts, I'll fix it when I come back. - AB

Links, Articles, and Reddit Finds

Videos

Podcasts

I also wanted to include a playlist of songs about dogs, but I have zero interest in bumping up the Baha Men's "Who Let the Dogs Out" any further since it's on all of the possible options...