Is there anything cuter? More "Aww"-producing than precious puppies? 

Today we get to celebrate them! It's National Puppy Day 2021, created in 2006 by Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert and Author, Colleen Paige. She wanted to shine a spotlight on rescuing/adopting puppies from shelters and recognizing the importance of treating them with gentle love and care.

Puppies are the most trusting and joyous
creatures on the planet.
Oh, to be more like a puppy.
~Colleen Paige

This special day has trended on Twitter for years and is now a National Holiday! Ms. Paige has been all over the media and "umpteen" celebrities support her mission. She has also created other nationally-recognized animal holidays.

Here are seven ways to celebrate these adorable critters on this unique day:

1. Adopt one! (Or two.) ONLY IF you have decided that under no circumstances would you let them go or take them back. A puppy is a lifelong commitment and deserves to be treated as a family member. 

And don't pooh-pooh the thought of adopting more than one. It may be a little more work as they're learning and growing, but after only a short time, they'll be teaching each other and will have a companion for years to come.

2. Volunteer in the area for puppies at a shelter. It's not only good for them, it will teach you things, too:

a) How to work cohesively with members of the 2-legged variety.
b) How to be unconditionally loved by animals.
c) The meaning of physical labor and hard work.
d) How many of these wonderful creatures need our help. 

3. Donate monetarily to a local rescue or a national reputable organization like the ASPCA or Best Friends in Kanab, UT. (www.bestfriends.org). Caring for animals is like having a boat - you're constantly pouring money into it.

And you don't have to give $100 if you don't have it. Five dollars IS money and when it's put into the mix, it adds up. Every penny counts.

4. Teach your child, niece, grandchild, or young friend how to treat puppies. Since my daughter was born, I was teaching her how to be gentle with animals. Today, she loves them as much as I do. 

Don't assume a child knows how to act around a puppy. They need to understand that kindness and delicate handling are necessary when they're with one.

5. Play with your puppy! Especially if you've adopted them. Being away from their siblings can be not only an emotional shock but also rob them of the innate teaching of how to play that their brothers and sisters give them.

Use age-appropriate playtime. Since they may not be able to swim across the pool yet, get toys made for puppies and play tug-of-war or pitch a small ball with them.

Learning how to play teaches them how much you love them, gets excess energy out, and at a young age they learn play doesn't equal aggression.

And remember, if you play with them by smacking them in the nose or trying to scare them with your hands, this will only create a fear-based reaction and may be detrimental as they learn how to be around people. 

6. Socialize your puppy! As soon as your puppy has completed her vaccinations, and you can talk to your veterinarian about this, begin to take your sweet companion around any-and-everyone. 

Nothing prepares an animal more to react normally to a person than being around people. If you don't have a dog park, take them to PetSmart (And don't forget treats!). They LOVE animals and will answer almost any question you have about puppies.

Invite friends and family members over for a meet-and-greet. Explain your puppy-rules in advance.  

7. If you go to a place that accepts animals, take your puppy with you whenever you can.

BUT NEVER LEAVE THEM IN THE CAR ALONE DUE TO TEMPERATURE EXPOSURE.

One of my dogs, Panther, absolutely loves going places with me. As soon as he sees my purse on my arm, he's racing towards the door. 

If you can get them out and about as a puppy, the more likely they'll be comfortable in the car and around other people. 

So today, play with your fuzzy darling, watch their heartwarming videos or play, eat, and stay curious! Just like a puppy.

P.S. If you need blogs that will grab your customers' attention, gimme a shout! Contact me at jenflattosborn@writeawaycreations.com or here.