National Dog Day also is designed to thwart any “breed discrimination.” Citizens who are not owners of dogs are encouraged to donate $5 to a shelter on National Dog Day.

The official website of National Dog Day has developed 50 ways dog owners can celebrate the day or for some inspirational ideas to help dogs enjoy their special holiday.

Colleen Page founded National Dog Day in response to “the selfless service of Search & Rescue dogs at Ground Zero,” according to the official website. Paige wanted a day designed to say “thank you” to dogs for all of their unconditional love and devotion.

Paige is the founder of The Wedding Dog, a boutique wedding design firm that focuses on couples who wish to incorporate pets into their wedding day. She also is CEO of Furocious Music, a record label that promotes musicians who care about the planet and animals. She also has founded National Dog Day, National Cat Day, National Luxury Day, National Kids & Pets Day, National Go Smokeless for LOVE Day, National Kindness to the Elderly Week and many more, as part of the Animal Miracle Network and Colleen Paige Network.

In 2010, Paige founded the Colleen Paige Network to further her goal of creating mainstream events and holidays for a happier planet. She will be announcing more mainstream philanthropic holidays in 2012, according to her website, http://www.colleenpaige.com.

For more information about National Dog Day, visit http://www.nationaldogday.com.