Every year, on March 23, we celebrated what is possibly the furriest day of them all: National Puppy Day! Social media sites exploded with images of adorable puppies from all over for us to enjoy. National Puppy Day is meant to appreciate our furry loved ones and to promote adoption because who doesn’t want a new puppy? Some “puppies” may not actually be puppies. This day promoted the adoption of all dogs in general because there are many in need of new homes.

If you already have a puppy of your own, you can celebrate this day and every day by treating your furry friend to a few of his or her favorite things! According to Animal Planet, you should take your puppy on a walk, teach him or her some new tricks, or even have a puppy play date! Even a new toy or treat goes a long way in your puppy’s heart! Caroline Lang, a junior at Bob Jones, said, “I took my dog on a walk and bought him a puppuccino from Starbuck’s.” Puppy appreciation is crucial to your relationship with your dog. Whether you celebrated the puppy you have or you adopted a new friend, it is completely necessary to show love for our furry friends.

You may not realize how many opportunities for adoption there really are. For example, Huntsville Animal Services is currently home to about sixty dogs who are searching for their forever homes. Many of these dogs were strays or born in puppy mills where breeders only care for the money that they make off of the puppies. No matter where these puppies were born or raised, they are still capable of being great companions. By adopting your puppy, you save a life and receive unconditional love in return. The shelter has dogs of all shapes and sizes and gives you the perfect opportunity to find your forever friend.