Apprehensive List of the top Dog Awareness Days and Celebrations

To help Dog Lovers  keep track of the top dog holidays and canine celebrations worldwide here is a month-to-month comprehensive list of Dog Holidays and awareness days with the the history, dates, and activity surrounding these special days.

"Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong." – W.R. Purche
The bond between humans and dogs is like no other—they’re our companions, always along for the ride no matter what ups and downs life brings. They show us joy and make us laugh, and even listen to us like they know exactly what we’re saying. They greet us at the door every day, love us unconditionally, and even help humans live longer, happier lives.
Science has shown that dogs are naturally more sociable with humans than they are with other dogs – they’ll approach, wagging and interested, and often choose the human over another dog. They get a surge of oxytocin – the ‘love’ hormone – when they interact with their humans. Isn’t it time to show love for that furry family member in return? We know, that you celebrate your four-legged best friend 365 days a year, but on a few special canine-inspired holidays, we have an opportunity to give them an extra dash of love and appreciation.

International Dog’s Festivals
There are 3 International Events that also celebrate dogs in a big way.

1. St. Francis Day
   Held on October 4 In Italy, this event marks the feast day of St. Francis, the Catholic patron saint of animals. The day of his death then commemorates as the feast of St. Francis of Assisi which includes animal blessing ceremony. On this day, hundreds of people bring their pets to church to hear a special mass and to have their animals blessed by a priest.
2. St. Roch’s Day Parade (the Fiesta de San Roque)
   St. Roch or Rocco is the Catholic patron saint of dogs. Legend says that St. Roch got infected with plague. Not wanting to infect the others, he stumbled into the woods, hurt, sick and dying until he met a hunting dog that licked and healed his wounds. The dog also took care of him by bringing him bread to eat until he miraculously made a full recovery. From this story, a dog with bread in its mouth has become a symbol of Saint Roch and is usually portrayed with him. Countries like Bolivia celebrate St. Roch’s Day on August 16 with special parades where dogs dress up with colorful ribbons and march together.
3. Tompkins Square Park Halloween Parade
   This Halloween parade has been celebrated for over 25 years in New York City. Every year, pets flock to this dog park in their best duds, all vying to win big at the pet costume contest. Apart from looking scary cute, the contest winners also go home with cash prizes.