Tails That Teach founded National Rescue Dog Day on May 20 to honor the inspiring ways rescue dogs become apart of the human family and increase awareness about the number of dogs in shelters.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Rescue Dog Day to be observed annually beginning in 2018.

On May 20, National Rescue Dog Day recognizes all the benefits of allowing a four-legged canine to adopt you into their immeasurably lovable life.

Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. When these abandoned and abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home and their potential is limitless. They are rescue dogs.

The national day comes this year on the heels of a Coachella Valley case of puppies tossed in the trash to die and the subsequent finding of dogs living in filth. The process for their adoption has been set in motion.

Shelter dogs often overcome extreme obstacles and yet provide comfort, security, and friendship as family pets. But, rescue dogs are capable of much more, according to National Day Calendar. With training, they contribute to the independence of people with disabilities as service animals and give comfort to the elderly. In these circumstances, they become their owners’ eyes, ears, or legs as well as their best friend.

Rescue dogs provide a variety of therapeutic benefits. Children, teens, and adults with autism may benefit from services provided by trained rescue dogs. As emotional support companions, rescue dogs help to relieve anxiety, depression, and PTSD among the military or those who suffer from mental illness.

They make excellent teachers, too. Rescue dogs show children about caring and kindness. Those who are rescued can even be trained to rescue their masters from dangerous situations or help to investigate the cause of a fire.

If you aren’t in a position to adopt a pet on the set-aside day, there are other ways to observe the day.

Consider the following:

  • Volunteer at your local shelter. Taking dogs for walks, grooming and giving them plenty of affection improves their socialization.
  • Shelters always need donations. Financial donations are always welcome. Most shelters have a list of constant needs, such as blankets, bleach, toys, treats, and leashes.
  • If there is room in your life for a rescue dog, adoption and giving one a forever home.
  • Consider fostering. Many dogs abandoned to shelters require some medical care or rehabilitation in a home setting before an adoption can take place.
  • Remember to spay and neuter your pets. Overpopulation is the number one reason shelters exist.