Top 7 Beloved Canine Characters to Honor on National Dog Day
Celebrate the bond between humans and their four-legged friends on National Dog Day, August 26th! Originally established by pet lifestyle expert and animal advocate, Colleen Paige, this global celebration is a heartfelt tribute to man's best friend. Whether you're a canine enthusiast or not, it's hard to deny the love and admiration that dogs evoke.
Throughout history, dogs have played crucial roles in society as hunters, military companions, herders, and emotional support animals. It's no wonder they've been celebrated in literature and cinema as well. To honor our furry friends this month, let's take a look at seven lesser-known dog characters that are definitely worth checking out:
- Underdogeschews the common superhero trope, with a talking, rhyming canine saving the day in a Saturday morning cartoon from 1964.
- Benjiis a mixed-breed dog whose charm and bravery won us over in the 1974 film.
- Kitty, from "A Dog Called Kitty," is a story about a boy overcoming his fear of dogs and ultimately learning to love and care for one.
- Chance and Shadow are the central canine duo in "Homeward Bound," a heartwarming family film about a group of pets finding their way home.
- Eddie, a Jack Russell Terrier on the hit series "Frasier," proved to be quite the star.
- Balto, an animated sled dog, is based on the true story of a hero who saved a town from crisis during the diphtheria epidemic in Alaska in 1925.
- Slinky is the Dachshund sidekick from the "Toy Story" series, loyal to his toy friend Woody.
If you're looking for some more doggy delight, here are some bonus favorites and other canine characters:- The classic Lassie, a symbol of loyalty and devotion- Old Yeller, a story of love and loss between a boy and his dog- Snoopy from Charles Schulz's Peanuts, who's fondness for the Red Baron is legendary- Scooby-Doo, the perpetually scared great Dane who solves mysteries with his gang- The brave sled dog in "All Dogs Go to Heaven"- The lovable St. Bernard in "Beethoven," who learns to control his rambunctious personality- Marley, the boisterous but lovable Labrador Retriever in "Marley & Me"- Bailey, a dog who goes on a series of adventures in "A Dog's Purpose" and "A Dog's Journey"
While hunting for lesser-known dog characters, we discovered a few interesting ones. In the classic novel "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls, the bond between a boy and his coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann, is admirable. In "The Plague Dogs," an animated film from 1982, two dogs escape from an animal research facility, providing a poignant commentary on animal cruelty and scientific experimentation.
So as you celebrate National Dog Day, make sure to show your love and appreciation for our four-legged friends, whether it's by adopting a shelter dog, spending more time with your pet, or enjoying some of the canine characters in books and movies. After all, dogs are an essential part of our lives, and they deserve our love and support every day!
During a pleasant evening at home, kids might find delight in curling up with a good book featuring their favorite canine characters, such as Underdog, Benji, or the loyal Lassie. On the other hand, home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate the sight of Snoopy, the beloved Beagle from Charles Schulz's Peanuts, lounging in a beautifully landscaped garden. Moreover, parents could introduce their pets to lesser-known yet adorable dog characters like Chance and Shadow from the movie "Homeward Bound," stimulating a lifestyle that cherishes and values the bond between humans and their furry friends.
