National Dog Day
“A dog's life” historically means a rough existence, but in today’s world, a dog’s life is a pretty cozy gig in the United States. Pet stores are lined with aisles of dog beds, food, treats, and toys. The US has the highest dog ownership in the world. In fact, half the households have a dog, that’s about 90 million dogs! Here in Texas, 43% of households own a dog.
We love our dogs, don’t we? The average dog lover might have up to six dogs in their lifetime. You never forget how it feels to be greeted at the door with a nudge at the back of your knee or a lick on your face, like they have been waiting all day to see you and you are the best human in the world. No matter what kind of day you had, a dog can make it better. You are the center of their universe.
I have been the lucky owner of three dogs in my adult life. Each has left their pawprint on my heart. Cyrano, a miniature dachshund, was the first. If you know anything about dachshunds, they are little wiener dogs with a big personality. During Bible studies at our home, we discovered that during prayer time, Cyrano would go around to cups left on the floor, stick his long nose in and get a drink. He also expressed his displeasure at being displaced by my third child by pooping on the sofa when I brought the baby home from the hospital.
Scout was a Lake Jackson SPCA rescue. We promised our son, Josiah, a dog after we moved into our new house. Our realtor gave my son a coupon for “One good dog at the SPCA.” Josiah looked through all the cages, pointed at a little rat terrier shivering in his prison cell and said, “That’s the one.” He was a great dog, patrolling the yard and killing copperheads, cotton mouths, and coral snakes. He also killed and ate quite a few cottontail rabbits. Eventually Scout went blind, but was still able to make his way under the fence, through two doggy doors, and into my neighbor’s house to eat their dog’s food and sleep on their couch.
When the SPCA made a desperate plea for medical fosters, I responded. The vet pushed little Gracie into my open arms saying, “Take this one, she’s my favorite.” Gracie had come to them with broken hips and three BB shots in her little chihuahua/terrier body. Informed that she would have arthritis and suffer from pain, she proved them wrong and healed so well, she races around the yard like a rocket, and attempts to climb trees after squirrels. Currently she is 5-0 with backyard opossums. Recently, she brought what I thought was her favorite fluffy lambchop toy to bed with her. She laid it between her bed and mine. I stepped over it. On closer inspection I realized she didn’t have a gray fluffy toy. It was an opossum. That was an “exciting” evening.
John Grogan, author of Marley and Me, said, “A dog doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.” I bet you dog lovers have some wonderful stories of your own, feel free to share them with me! Happy International Dog Day to all of the dogs and dog lovers of Brazoria County!
*Published in The Facts Brazos Living Aug 26, 2026
