Thankful for My Dog Day 2023: When & What Is It?

If you’re the pet parent of a faithful canine, you know how wonderful it is to have a dog in your life. Dogs bring us companionship, cheer us up when we’re down, and are loyal to their core. For those reasons and many more, Thankful for My Dog Day was created.

It’s a day to celebrate all of the many reasons that you’re glad you have a dog in your life! It’s celebrated every year on November 23 and is your chance to thank your faithful pet for all the joy and happiness they bring you. Find out more about this fur-filled happy day below!

When Did Thankful for My Dog Day Start?

From our research, it seems that Thankful for My Dog Day was started in 2020 by a dog-based brand called MYOS. The company manufactures and sells several products for dogs, including one that supports their muscle growth and prevents muscle loss, which is a health issue that affects many dogs as they age.

While creating a day to help promote your products may seem self-serving, many dog owners around the United States are thankful the brand started this enjoyable day to celebrate our favorite furry pets.

Why Was Thankful for My Dog Day Created?

According to MYOS, they started Thankful for My Dog Day to “Give pet owners a chance to celebrate their pups during the holidays with a day specifically dedicated to showing their thankfulness for them.”¹ In other words, they wanted to give dog owners a reason and specific day to be thankful for all their dogs do for them.

What are Some Reasons to be Thankful for Your Dog?

If you love your dog, chances are you already have several personal reasons to be thankful for them being in your life. Then again, you might never have given a lot of thought to it. Below are a few of the best reasons to be thankful for the company of a faithful canine.

Your Dog Keeps You Active and Healthy

There’s no denying that you get more exercise when you have a dog than when you don’t. Even a short walk around the block is healthy for you, but many of our dogs get us to exercise and move around much more than that! Dogs that play frisbee, jog with you, or like to swim and play at the beach are great examples!

Not only will your dog need regular exercise, but as a dog owner, studies say you’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine. In other words, your dog will keep you active, and staying active keeps you healthy! That’s a great reason to be thankful for having a dog, and we think you’ll agree.

Dogs Give You a Reason to Be Happy

Modern life sometimes creates stress that makes you want to curl up in a corner and cover your face with your hands. When you have a dog, you always have a reason to be happy and joyful.

It’s tough to be sad when you arrive home to an excited, happy dog that wants nothing more than to jump in your arms and slather your face with sloppy dog kisses! Whatever the world throws at you, you can always count on your dog to make it seem okay.

Your Dog Is Always There for You

You can always count on your dog to be there for you with their attention, love, and affection. Dogs stick with you through thick and thin. They don’t care if you’re rich or poor, big or small, or if your hairline is receding at a precipitous rate. Your dog will never get up one day and decide they don’t want to be with you anymore. That’s the kind of loyalty and faithfulness everyone needs.

Dogs Make You Laugh

Although they don’t realize it, most dogs are funny! They do funny things, make funny noises, and act like clowns, usually at the best times! If laughter is the best medicine, doctors should prescribe dogs for everyone because they make us laugh so much!

Just watching a dog playing with their favorite toy or chasing their tail can be a riot, and the laughter from it can chase your blues away.

Your Dog Accepts You Completely

No matter your habits, hygiene, quirks, or compulsions, your dog accepts you 100%. This trait alone is why most people should celebrate Thankful for My Dog Day.

Dogs Provide Friendship

If you’re on your own, you’ve just moved to a new town, or you don’t have a significant other, your dog’s friendship can be like a lifeboat on a stormy sea, keeping you afloat and making life worth living. The friendship your dog gives you is unwavering, too, because dogs are loyal to their core.

You Dog Makes Your Life More Interesting

The last reason on our list is one you might never have contemplated: your dog makes your life, and you, more interesting. For example, training your dog to do new tricks or obey new commands gives you something interesting to do.

Taking your precious pup to the park can help you meet new people and make new friends. Grooming your dog gives you a regular task that takes your mind off the stresses of your day and compels you to be patient, kind, and compassionate. It’s truly amazing how much more interesting your life is when you’re a dog parent!

How Can You Celebrate Thankful for My Dog Day?

There are many ways you can celebrate Thankful for My Dog Day! Below are a few of the best to help you make it a great day for your furry friend!

Take Your Dog on a Longer, Slower Walk Than Usual

The average dog loves long walks where they can sniff and smell to their heart’s content. Give them that opportunity by taking them on a longer, slower walk than usual.

Give Your Dog More of the Favorite Treats

Most dogs have at least one treat that they go nuts over. On their special day, give them a few more (within reason, of course).

Bring Your Dog to their Favorite Place

Does your dog love going to the beach, your local dog park, or the forest? If so, take them there on Thankful for My Dog Day and let them have a great time.

Have Your Dog Professionally Groomed

Many dogs love the extra attention of being professionally groomed by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Volunteer at a Pet Shelter or Dog Rescue

While it might not benefit your pet, volunteering at a pet shelter or dog rescue is a fantastic way to celebrate Thankful for My Dog Day. Thousands of dogs in shelters around the United States need love, companionship, and a big hug. By volunteering, you can give your attention to many dogs and help the often beleaguered staff you’ll find at most shelters and rescues.

Tell Your Dog You Love Them

Your dog might not understand English completely, but they recognize some words. “I love you” are usually three words they understand completely. Try to tell them you love them as much as you can on Thankful for My Dog Day.

Final Thoughts

Thankful For My Dog Day, celebrated annually on November 23, is a day to be grateful for everything your dog brings into your life. From companionship to laughter, exercise, and more, it’s a day you can concentrate on your furry friend and let them know you appreciate everything they do for you. To all the pet parents who love and cherish their dogs, we hope you have an unforgettable Thankful for My Dog Day!

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Featured Image Credit: Ground Picture, Shutterstock