August 26th

By Mutt Mulligan

VIDEO: Happy National Dog Day!

Today is National Dog Day, and there’s no better time to celebrate humankind’s best friend with a walk outside. Mutt Mulligan, a rescue dog and the spokesdog for the TurfMutt Foundation, reminds everyone that getting out into some green space is great for your dog and for you!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs provide companionship, joy and consistency for many people. That’s why so many have adopted new pets from animal rescues in 2020, and why so many people are trying to adopt new pets now.

“Due to the pandemic, we are all re-discovering how important our connection to the outdoors is,” said Kris Kiser, Mutt Mulligan’s owner and the president of The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which sponsors the TurfMutt Foundation. TurfMutt has advocated the importance of managed landscapes and other green space as critical to human health and happiness for over a decade.

It also produces a national annual dog adoption event, Lucky’s Mutt Madness.  The event is held in conjunction with the  industry’s annual international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition and in partnership with Kentucky Humane Society. Because who appreciates your yard best? A dog.

“Our connection to living things – like the outdoors and our pets – are vital to maintaining our health and well-being,” said Kiser. “Your yard is the safest space for you right now to get outside, and your dog may be your safest companion, too. National Dog Day is a great opportunity to celebrate these connections.”

The TurfMutt Foundation encourages everyone to adopt their next best friend.

National Dog Day has been celebrated since 2004.