Pinot's Palette Apex

National Dog Day August 26th, 2019 and Pinot’s Palette Apex Paint Your Pet Class!

Do you know that August 26th is National Dog Day? National Dog Day is about dogs of all breeds, pure and mixed. National Dog Day encourages appreciation for family dogs and working dogs, such as bomb dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs and law enforcement dogs. They work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. They put their lives on the line every day - for their law enforcement partner, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.

National Dog Day is also the day we raise awareness of the dogs that need to be rescued. Many dogs are homeless or have been abandoned. Every year, these dogs are taken into shelters, where millions of them are euthanized. In the US, approximately 3.9 million dogs enter animal shelters every year, of these, 1.2 million are euthanized. Only 35% of shelter dogs are adopted, 26% are returned to their owners and 31% are euthanized.

National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige. The date of August 26th is significant, as it's the date that Colleen's family adopted her first dog "Sheltie" when Colleen was 10 years old. "Millions of dogs are killed each year because they're simply unwanted,” says Colleen Paige. “They're unwanted because no one realized how to properly care for the demands of the breed. They're unwanted because they were bought as a Christmas gift for a child that didn't keep their promises about caring for the dog...unwanted because they shed too much...unwanted because they bark too much. UNWANTED...simply because someone changed their mind. All a dog wants to do is love you and be loved by you. Dogs are amazing, courageous, sensitive and sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect. Please consider bringing what was once considered ‘unwanted love,’ into your heart and home on National Dog Day!"

What will you do to celebrate National Dog Day? Here are a few ideas:

1) Adopt a dog. There are local shelters in most counties that pick up strays or take in animals that have been given up or abandoned. Visit your local shelter to pick up a new companion.

2) Donate to one of many organizations such as the Humane Society or the ASPCA that help animals in need. You can also donate blankets, pet food and toys to your local animal shelter.

3) Volunteer your time at your local animal rescue shelter. Most shelters operate with volunteers. There is always a need for help walking, feeding, playing with and cleaning up after the animals.

4) Sign your dog up for dog training classes. There are many options from confirmation, obedience, rally, hunting, agility and utility, amongst others.

5) Have a safety check of your home to make sure it’s safe for your dog and others.

6) Last but not least, sign up to come to paint a portrait of your dog in our studio. Once you sign up for the painting, email us a high-quality digital photo of your dog, and we will do the rest!

Each photo will be transferred onto a 16” x 20” canvas. Our talented artists will walk you through the steps to create your very own Pet Portrait! Even if you have never painted anything in your life, don’t worry - our artists will be with you every step of the way and help you create a portrait you will be proud of.