National Pet Day is April 11. Here’s How to Celebrate

Eggnog, adopted from Our Best Friends Rescue in Rockaway, New Jersey, models BOBS footwear. (©thestumpybrigade)  

By Jennifer McKee

In 2006, animal welfare advocate and lifestyle expert Colleen Paige founded National Pet Day to celebrate the joy pets bring to us. She also aimed to bring attention to the pets of all kinds waiting in shelters to be adopted—thus, the day’s motto: “Don’t Shop! Adopt!”

Like so many shelters around the country, Best Friends Animal Society echoes that philosophy, with the additional goal of making all animal shelters no-kill by 2025—to save every animal in a shelter who can be saved. Its sanctuary in Kanab, Utah is the home-between-homes for more than 1,600 rescued dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, potbellied pigs, farm animals and exotic wildlife.

Sunshine plays with a wand toy, great for keeping your cat stimulated and entertained. (©Best Friends Animal Society)

Best Friends offers a treasure trove of possibilities for celebrating National Pet Day (or celebrating our pets any day). In addition to learning more about pet health, training and advocacy, you’ll find toys, pet gear and duds for you and your best friend. Thinking about welcoming a new furry friend to your household? Find Best Friends’ network partners in your community.

Jackson Galaxy is known for his advocacy of shelter cats, helping with cat behavioral issues and for offering holistic solutions to make cats’ lives better and healthier. His website is chock full of toys, tips, cat furniture, travel items and much more to help keep felines and their parents happy and serene.

On the move with your cat? The Convertible Cat Backpack is a must. (©Jackson Galaxy)

Keeping cats engaged is important to their well-being, and you’ll find enrichment toys that provide hours of fun at Catit. From scratch pads to spinning bees and treat spinners, your special feline will keep hard at play. And when it comes time for a snack, cats find Catit’s creamy treats simply irresistible.

Make your cat work for those treats with the Senses 2.0 Digger from Catit. (©Catit)

Let your pups become the fashion plates they are while donning items from Diesel’s first-ever pet wear collection. The Diesel Doggies Collection features an indigo denim jacket with Americana- and hot-rod-inspired patchwork, a black denim coat with punk accents and sweaters available in camouflage and gray.

Who are those haute dogs in apparel from Diesel? (©Diesel)

Doggies will also be styling’ in super-soft sweaters from Barefoot Dreams. Do you have a little princess? A sweater from the Disney collection is in order. They’ll also stay chic in a ribbed, camo or Nordic sweater. And for the softest in pet beds, try the brand’s CozyChic bed offerings.

CozyChic dog beds are the stuff of their dreams. (©Barefoot Dreams)

While you’re out on a walk—or on the go—show off your love of animals with a special pair of BOBS from Skechers. Styles include turtles, elephants, cheetahs and puppy-love prints. Even better, you’re helping to save shelter animals with every purchase—Skechers donates to the Petco Foundation, and recently hit the amazing milestone of $6.2 million in contributions.

Show off your love of animals with BOBS from Skechers. (©BOBS from Skechers)

RSS Augusta Magazine’s Front Porch

  • Episode 11: Jay Jefferies
    Jay Jefferies stops by to deliver the weather and much more!
  • Episode 10 - Nesia Wright
    We had the pleasure of sitting down with Nesia Wright, owner and CEO of the Georgia Soul Basketball Team. Ashlee and Nesia discuss life as the owner of a basketball team, retirement and more.
  • Episode 9: Venus Morris Griffin
    Venus Morris Griffin, one of the top real estate agents in the Augusta area, stops by our front porch to talk about her success and her upcoming book. This episode is sure to set a fire in you to go for your dreams!
  • Episode 8: Michael Romano
    Michael Romano, self-proclaimed carbohydrate king and executive pastry chef for Edgar's Hospitality Group stopped by our front porch to chat with Ashlee.

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