Aug. 26 is National Dog Day, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Southampton all weekend long.
On Friday, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons' will be parked at Wellnest on Main Street in Sag Harbor from 5 to 7 p.m.
Then on Saturday, the Southampton Historial Musuem is hosting a "" benefit at 5 p.m. with “barkatinis and yappatizers,” at the grounds.
Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley will award prizes for the best dressed dog, best trick, best on the dog walk, and many more categories. A surprise celebrity judge is expected, and animal rescue and dog boutiques will be on hand at this event for people and dogs of all ages.
Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue will hold its in Sagaponack on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction to support their rescue efforts.
And is having their weekly from 4 to 6 p.m., including complimentary refreshments for you and your dog. There will be adoptable dogs from a local rescue group there looking for new friends.
And then Sunday, Aug. 26, is National Dog Day — the date animal advocate Colleen Paige has designated for honoring all those dogs who bring in the paper, and all those dogs who are neglected.
Not to be confused with National Mutt Day (Dec. 2), National Puppy Day (March 23) or National Pet Day (April 11), each of the 19 national and international pet days founded by Paige are all designed with one thing in mind: to draw attention to the need for pet rescue.
In the Southampton and the surrounding areas, there are many groups dedicated to rescuing homeless dogs, like the , , , Last Chance Animal Rescue, , and RSVP, Responsible Solutions for Valued Pets.
Paige, an author, pet behaviorist and self proclaimed "pet celebrity lifestyle expert," founded the Animal Miracle Foundation and Network, a nonprofit Christian faith based charity, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Since 2004 Paige says that National Dog Day has rescued 100,000 dogs and has now spread its efforts worldwide.
"We will never meet a human who will love us without condition, without expectation, without someone, at some point, disappointing us, breaking our heart..." Paige said, "Dogs will never do this to us. They are steadfast.... and short, fat, tall, skinny, any race, any religion, there is no discrimination — we are perfect in their eyes. They deserve so much more than they get."
Paige dubbed the holiday a K-9 Fourth of July and asks pet lovers to celebrate by adopting a shelter dog, helping an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog, or with a $5 donation to a local shelter. But that's just three of National Dog Day's 50 Ways to Celebrate.
SHARE! Post photos of your pooch to the gallery above to show 'em some love. Also, tell us in the comment section below how you will be celebrating National Dog Day.
