“Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz, False Memory

Did you know that there is a national day to hug your hound?   Well today is the day!

However, if you live with a beloved companion dog, you don’t need a national holiday to remind you how amazing their hugs and cuddles can be, but some days it’s great to be reminded of how much we need it. 

National Hug Your Hound Day is celebrated annually on September 8th.  Although today is an unofficial national holiday, it was created by Ami Moore, author and Canine Behaviorist, for a very specific reason.   Ami wants to make America more “pup friendly”, as it is in Europe and other areas around the globe.  Her goal is to see companion dogs accepted in more public places, such as taxis, malls and restaurants.  She also hopes that today will help dog guardians to appreciate the companionship our dogs give us, and the value of it, both emotionally and physically.

National Hug Your Hound Day is not only a day dedicated to recognizing the value of our canine companions, but it’s an opportunity to truly observe your dog from their point of view.  As you celebrate and honor your furry friend and family member today, take a moment to spend a little extra time with your canine companion.  Make a point to connect with them.  By making the effort we can learn to see into their environment and their everyday life.  We can learn to get on their level and make sure their home environment is comforting, inviting, and safe.

I’d like to leave you with a slide show of a few of my favorite images of animals hugging hounds

This slideshow requires JavaScript.