08/26/2026
International Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an American animal welfare advocate and pet lifestyle expert.[1] The date, August 26, was chosen to mark the day her family adopted their first dog from a local animal shelter when she was 10 years old.
Initially celebrated in the United States, the observance has since gained global attention, with people and organizations in various countries participating in dog-focused events and awareness campaigns.
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