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Happy Birthday Rescue Dogs! What is DOGust?

By Stacy Painter
July 29, 2021 • 1 min. read
girl and dog celebrating birthday

Do you have a rescue or shelter dog whose birthday is unknown? Then we want to wish them a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY! In honor of DOGust, it’s time to celebrate the birthdays of all the rescue dogs out there.

What is DOGust?

DOGust, whose official date is August 1st, is designated as the universal birthday for pets whose birthdays are unknown. North Shore Animal League America established this celebratory day in 2008, and people have been celebrating rescue dogs on this day every year since. 

Time to celebrate: How to celebrate your dog

If you have a rescue dog or know someone who does, then this is the day to celebrate them! Treat your special friend to a new toy or treat (as though you really need an excuse to shower your pet with love!) or take them to their favorite park. 

North Shore Animal League America also suggests posting a photo of your rescue pet on social media on August 1st using the hashtag #dogust to join the national birthday celebration.

Another fun way to honor your pet is by throwing a doggy birthday party with all of your pup’s favorite friends (both two- and four-legged!). Serve DIY frozen treats and spend time outside enjoying summer together.

If you’re considering expanding your fur family, then rescuing a new pet is a great way to celebrate DOGust this year.

How do you like to celebrate your pet’s birthday or adoption day? For more inspiration, check out these seven ways to celebrate your dog on their birthday.

Stacy Painter profile
By Stacy Painter

Stacy has always been an animal lover and has worked in the pet industry and pet insurance specifically for over a decade. As a writer since early childhood, content writing for Healthy Paws pet insurance was a natural career path to combine her two passions. She currently lives in Florida with her boyfriend and Taiwanese rescue dog, Kaya.

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