Dog Lovers Team Up for National Dog Day

Whether it's resting their head on your knee when you're feeling down, wagging their tail as you walk in the door or fetching your slippers when you just don't have the energy to do it yourself, dogs are our best friends 365 days a year and today is the day to show our thanks.

Aug. 26 is National Dog Day – the day animal advocate Colleen Paige has designated for honoring all those dogs who bring in the paper, and all those canine companions who are neglected.

Not to be confused with National Mutt Day (Dec. 2), National Puppy Day (March 23) or National Pet Day (April 11), each of the 19 national and international pet days founded by Paige are all designed with one thing in mind: to draw attention to the need for pet rescue.

Paige, author, pet behaviorist and self proclaimed "pet celebrity lifestyle expert" founded the Animal Miracle Foundation and Network (AMFN), a nonprofit Christian faith based charity, in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Since 2004 Paige says that National Dog Day has rescued 100,000 dogs and has now spread its efforts worldwide.

"We will never meet a human who will love us without condition, without expectation, without someone, at some point, disappointing us, breaking our heart..." Paige said, "Dogs will never do this to us. They are steadfast.... and short, fat, tall, skinny, any race, any religion, there is no discrimination – we are perfect in their eyes. They deserve so much more than they get."

Paige dubbed the holiday a K-9 Fourth of July and asks pet lovers to celebrate by adopting a shelter dog, helping an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog, or with a $5 donation to a local shelter. But that's just three of National Dog Day's 50 Ways to Celebrate.

Locally, the Macomb County Animal Shelter, Humane Society of Macomb and Paws for Life Rescue and Adoption can always use a bit of extra help, be it through adoption, donation or volunteering.

is home to Three Dog Bakery and the Clinton Township dog park on the grounds of the Civic Center is a great place to let your best friend roam free, off the leash.

However you choose to celebrate today, be sure and post photos of your pooch in the gallery above by clicking the "Upload" button. Celebrating in other ways? Tell us in the comment section below!