Colleen Paige, an Animal Advocate and a Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert founded the day marking the date she adopted her first family dog, Sheltie. It wasn't just to celebrate her dog though, but to celebrate and appreciate dogs as a whole - the unconditional love, joy and in general value dogs bring to our lives. Colleen also wanted to bring a focus to pet adoption, highlighting rescue shelters and to adopt, not shop. 20 years on, the latter message has gotten a little lost, though of course with social media many people's dogs get the shout-out they deserve.
I'll always take the opportunity where possible to shout about the 'Adopt, Don't Shop' movement and encourage you to seek out your local rescue (or even travel further afield) when in search of a new pet. From cats, dogs and small furries, to reptiles, birds and horses, rescues care for a whole host of species, breeds, ages and temperaments - there really is no excuse not to adopt. Safe the life of an animal who has already been let down by people and give them the chance they deserve.
If you are not in the position to add a pet to your family, why not support your local rescue anyway? You can volunteer your time or talents, and donate goods or money. Every little thing helps.
As you can tell, the 26th of August isn't just International Dog Day, but also our own dog Baker's birthday! He has been on this crazy planet for 12 full years and with me just shy of that. Tweleve!
Here are some photos from his birthday...
Check out some of his previous birthdays below
Baker Turns 8!
Baker is 9
A Decade with Baker
Baker's 11th Birthday!
Thankfully, this year unlike last, Daddy was off work and able to be at home with us on the actual day. However, Granny and Granda weren't here this year. So although like clockwork I made his birthday banner, took his portraits and he opened his presents, we didn't have a little tea party this year.
As is discussed every year, he really doesn't want for anything. He gets toys and treats and anything he needs all throughout the year, and so we'd planned to only get a couple of bits...of course that didn't happen!
I want to avoid talking about his ageing too much in this post, but it was extra evident this year while he opened his gifts. He was less interested, more easily tired and less dexterous. It may have taken longer and included more breaks but he opened all but two and then lay down for a big nap! With that being said, we've been finding different forms of enrichment and keeping his mind and body busy than the usual games we play so new hide-and-seek toys (which he has a few of already and loves) as well as a new puzzle toy were included in his haul.
As is discussed every year, he really doesn't want for anything. He gets toys and treats and anything he needs all throughout the year, and so we'd planned to only get a couple of bits...of course that didn't happen!
I want to avoid talking about his ageing too much in this post, but it was extra evident this year while he opened his gifts. He was less interested, more easily tired and less dexterous. It may have taken longer and included more breaks but he opened all but two and then lay down for a big nap! With that being said, we've been finding different forms of enrichment and keeping his mind and body busy than the usual games we play so new hide-and-seek toys (which he has a few of already and loves) as well as a new puzzle toy were included in his haul.
Some facts about Baker from the past year:
- He has gone from only being able to eat chicken breast and rice, back onto a dried kibble after a sickly week put him off!
- No longer able to conquer the stairs, his new bedroom is the living room and for the first time in his life he has decided not to sleep in his cage and instead favours the sofa.
- He still cries and winges just as much and is determined in his mind that he can bound about like he used to, but his body tells him he can't and he often gets frustrated at that.
- We got him a buggy! See his first time out in it here > The First Adventure with Baker's New Buggy!
- In June his 3rd annual camping trip was attempted, however, he decided to go on hunger strike the first day and we had to drive all the way home the next day!
- He did get the opportunity to set foot in Loch Ness though.
- Baker's current favourite toy, not counting his birthday additions, is a big spider. Funnily enough, he used to hate even the word spider as he was scared of the creature but now, apparently not!
- His hearing is waning, but it doesn't seem to bother him too much.
- If he used to be clingy, then I dunno what you'd call him now! Baker loves to have physical contact at most times and still loves to give his Mam kisses.
- His hearing is waning, but it doesn't seem to bother him too much.
- If he used to be clingy, then I dunno what you'd call him now! Baker loves to have physical contact at most times and still loves to give his Mam kisses.
Here's to many more years of my boy, Baker.
Check out some of his previous birthdays below
Baker Turns 8!
Baker is 9
A Decade with Baker
Baker's 11th Birthday!
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