- August: RAWgust
- Aug. 1-7: International Assistance Dog Week
- Aug. 10-16: Give a Dog a Bone Week
- Aug. 1: DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
- Aug 2: National Friendship Day (STL/AO)
- Aug 2: Canadian Holidays: New Brunswick & British Columbia Day & more!
- Aug. 4: Assistance Dog Day
- Aug. 8: International Cat Day (STL/AO)
- Aug. 10: Spoil Your Dog Day
- Aug. 15: National Check the Chip Day
- Aug. 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day (STL/AO)
- Aug. 21: International Homeless Animals’ Day (STL/AO)
- Aug. 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
- Aug. 23: International Blind Dog Day
- Aug. 26: National Dog Day (STL/AO)
- Aug. 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
- Aug. 30: National Holistic Pet Day
Month-Long Observances
You have a full month to bring awareness to these educationally centric holidays while promoting your store, products, and loyalty programs.
RAWgust
Raw is a fantastic product for Neighborhood Pet Shops, especially the frozen varieties since they are not easily shipped. Most raw brands are exclusively offered in indy pet shops since they know these shops are the best suited to communicate the value of their diets to pet owners.
Those of us in pet health retail have learned that not all of our customers may be open to trying this type of diet. This hesitation by pet parents is mostly due to a misunderstanding of what raw-feeding entails.
“Is it safe?” “Doesn’t my cat need crunchy food to clean their teeth?” “But my vet said XYZ.” “My dog weighs over 100lbs, how I can afford to feed him this way?”
This is why we work so hard training our staff so they are best able to answer the many questions posed by our customers. When it comes to Raw, education is essential! Food can be the fuel that drives us, or the poison that hinders us – it’s the same with our pets. You wouldn’t put diesel gas in an unleaded tank, or vice versa. It doesn’t mean that one food is necessarily bad, it’s just not fitting for your pet’s unique needs. I have found that sharing our own pet’s personal nutrition journeys with our customers is the most relatable and in some cases, more effective than just sharing straight facts – which we all know by heart.Neighborhood Blogs to Share
Check out my Huxley’s Road to Recovery with Raw, along with my foster Alice Kitty’s Raw Journey from Foster to Forever Home. You are more than welcome to share this story with your customers while adding your own personal experiences.
Top Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs & Cats | Happy RAWgust! is another blog from the neighborhood that you are welcome to share with your customers.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Featured & Holiday. Image Library pictures under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday & Astro Media > Social Media. Social Media Fun: Share your pet’s Raw Journey with your customers. Ask them to share theirs. Hashtags: #RAWgust #MyCatEatsRaw #MyDogEatsRaw #CatsLoveRaw #DogsLoveRaw My Promotion Idea: Offer your customers a Raw Diet Nutrition Consult. This could be something you already do if a customer asks for help, but why not advertise your expertise! Neighborhood Blog to Share: Two Blogs will be available for sharing starting on July 30th – A Raw Diet Miracle | Huxley & Alice’s Story and Top Benefits of a Raw Diet for Dogs & Cats | Happy RAWgust! Links to them will also be included in your RAWgust Astro Templates.
Week-Long Holidays
You have a full week to celebrate, bring awareness to, and partake in these charitable holidays while promoting your store, products, and loyalty programs.
Aug. 1-7: International Assistance Dog Week
International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals mitigate their disability-related limitations.
The goals of IADW are to:
- Recognize and honor assistance dogs
- Raise awareness and educate the public about assistance dogs
- Honor puppy raisers and trainers
- Recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities
“Where can I get more information about Assistance Dogs?”
You can go to the websites for International Assistance Dog Week (www.assistancedogweek.org) and Working Like Dogs (www.workinglikedogs.com). You can also check out Assistance Dogs International (www.assistancedogsinternational.org) and the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (www.iaadp.org).Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Use your platform to bring attention to their cause. Celebrate Assistance Dog heroes and trainers in your area. Hashtags: #InternationalAssistanceDogWeek #WorkingLikeDogs #WeLoveAssistanceDogs Related Holiday this Month: Assistance Dog Day
Aug. 10-16: Give a Dog a Bone Week
Hosted by Pets of the Homeless, the event features more than 400 Pets of the Homeless donation sites nationwide asking their community to bring donations of pet food and supplies to assist the pets of the homeless.
Feeding Pets of the Homeless® believes in the healing power of companion pets and of the human/animal bond which is very important in the lives of many homeless. They find solace, protection, and companionship through their pets. They care for their pets on limited resources so they themselves have less. Our task, nationwide, is to feed and provide basic emergency veterinary care to their pets and thus relieve the anguish and anxiety of the homeless who cannot provide for their pets.
Do you want to get involved? Your store can register to be a donation site. They have donation sites and resources across the USA and Canada. You can also download their free media kit as well as some images to help bring awareness to their cause.I am his only friend. And he is mine. When there was no one else there for me, he was. And now when there is no one else there for him, I am.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Use your platform to bring attention to their cause and foster community awareness. Hashtags: #GiveADogABoneWeek #FeedingPetsoftheHomeless #PetsoftheHomeless #HelpHomelessPets
One-Day Events
Bring attention to these holidays and your related promotions in the days leading up to them via Astro Campaigns. Then hit your social media pages on the day off to spread some cheer!Aug. 1: DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
The North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, declared August 1 as a birthday for all the shelter animals whose birthdays are unknown. Happy DOGust!
When shelter dogs are adopted, their new family usually gives them a new birthday or celebrates their Gotcha Day instead of a traditional birthday. For those dogs who have yet to find their forever home, this date serves as a universal celebration. On DOGust 1st, it is encouraged to spread the word and raise awareness about pet adoption services and shelters in general, praising them for all the incredible work they do in rescuing and caring for animals across the country and the world. So let’s do that!
Show some love for your local shelters. In my neighborhood of Raleigh, NC we have Second Chance Pet Adoptions, who often run fun fundraiser events such as Bark in the Park at Durham Bulls Stadium. Then we have our local SPCA and Wake County Animal Center.
Landfill Dogs
On our Wake County pages, you will see beautiful portraits of happy shelter dogs bounding and leaping in a field as if in flight – these are the Landfill Dogs.
Landfill Dogs was made possible by a year-long sabbatical granted by Meredith College’s Environmental Sustainability Initiative, and by the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Wake County Animal Center. Mary Shannon Johnstone photographs these shelter dogs in these dynamic environments to bring attention to their plight.
“These are not just cute pictures of dogs. These are dogs who have been homeless for at least two weeks, and now face euthanasia if they do not find a home. Each week I bring one dog from the county animal shelter and photograph him/her at the local landfill.” Mary’s reasoning for choosing the landfill as the location of her photoshoots is intentional.
“The landfill site is used for two reasons. First, this is where the dogs will end up if they do not find a home. The second reason for the landfill location is because the county animal shelter falls under the same management as the landfill. This government structure reflects a societal value: homeless cats and dogs are just another waste stream. However, this landscape offers a metaphor for hope. It is a place of trash that has been transformed into a place of beauty.”
The Landfill Dogs gallery will have you feeling every human emotion. An artists’ work can be powerful on its own, but with a cause such as this behind it, the power is intensified. I feel moved to action!
Our local shelters do amazing work – their staff and volunteers are all heroes. Their work is often full of heartache, but every day they are saving lives despite the uphill battle against our throw-away culture. Our community of neighborhood pet shops and healthy pet brands is in a unique position to show our support via Sharing the Love.
Marketing Materials: 2 Astro Templates under Featured, Holiday, and Adoption sections. Several images under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Adoption & > Holiday in your Image Library. Sharing the Love: This is a wonderful time to wish all of your canine recipients of Sharing the Love Adoption Bundles a very happy birthday! Astro Marketing Suite Subscribers, check out this article for instructions on how to generate a Recipient List for your Happy DOGust 1st Birthday Campaign. BONUS Canva Template: Use this New Dog/Puppy or New Cat/Kitten Checklist and customize it with your store’s Sharing the Love Programs. (This Adoption Checklist was inspired by Firehouse Pet Shop in Wenatchee, WA, who have been rocking Sharing the Love in their community since its inception in 2020!) Social Media Fun: Highlight adoptable dogs in your area by sharing links to their bios, and don’t forget to mention that once they adopt they can come by your shop for a bunch of Welcome Home Goodies courtesy of Sharing the Love! Hashtags: #DOGust1st #HappyDOGustBirthday #AdoptDogs #ShelterDogs #AdoptDontShop #AstroSharingTheLove My Promotion Ideas: Consider offering a bonus to your Sharing the Love Dog Bundles this month. Throw in a $/% off coupon off the items on their New Dog Checklist, or throw in a Free Dog Wash or Doggie Day Care visit!
Aug 2: National Friendship Day
Ok. Technically this holiday celebrates human friendships – the platonic relationship between humans. But my pets are my best friends! So we’re politely borrowing this holiday for humans and their best-fur-friends everywhere.
One of the best ways to make a friendship official is by sharing gifts and tokens of one’s appreciation. And because our pets love everything we give them (erm… dogs do and most cats – my cats are still offended by my “fun” idea of packing them in a backpack and making them adventure cats…) we can’t go wrong!
So share your Astro Offers, your latest toys, and enrichment games, and give your customers and their pets something to play with! We’re talking Game Nights, Adventures, and Netflix and Cuddles
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: This is a great holiday to ask, “Have you adopted a new best friend? Tell us all about it and claim your Sharing the Love Adoption Bundle!” My Promotion Ideas: There’s nothing like Game Night, so call attention to your favorite toys with a discount! Let them save their Monopoly money for another day. Hashtags: #NationalFriendshipDay #MyCatFriend #MyDogFriend #AstroSharingTheLove
Aug 2: Canadian Holidays: New Brunswick Day, British Columbia Day, George Hamilton Day, and Saskatchewan Day!
Happy Birthday New Brunswick! Happy British Columbia Day! Happy George Hamilton Day Ontario, and Happy Saskatchewan Day! Did I miss anyone? Is this one of those situations where your parents made you share to save on cake?
Encourage your customers to enjoy their long weekend, with the family pets in tow! I’m picturing an adventure at a local lake, or maybe a hike to return to nature. All of these adventures require gear! And snacks! Share your Offers and showcase your outdoor adventure gear.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library pictures under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Hashtags: #NewBrunswickDay #BritishColoumbiaDay #GeorgeHamiltonDay #SaskatchewanDay #LongWeekend
Aug. 4: Assistance Dog Day
Assistance Dog Day recognizes and honors assistance dogs and their trainers, and aims to raise funds and increase awareness of the work they do. It is part of International Assistance Dog Week, a yearly event started by long-time paraplegic, Marcie Davis, founder of Working Like Dogs.
You can show your support by bringing awareness to their cause in your community.
“Where can I get more information about Assistance Dogs?”
You can go to the websites for International Assistance Dog Week (www.assistancedogweek.org) and Working Like Dogs (www.workinglikedogs.com). You can also check out Assistance Dogs International (www.assistancedogsinternational.org) and the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (www.iaadp.org).Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Hashtags: #AssistanceDogDay #WorkingLikeDogs #WeLoveAssistanceDogs Related Holiday this Month: International Assistance Dog Week
Aug. 8: International Cat Day
On this day we celebrate our most ancient and common pet, the cat. There was even a point in our history where cats were worshiped as gods! And if you still worship your cat as a magical creature, no judgment. There have been times I have asked mine while they are staring off into the corner with their gigantic pupils – “What is it? Is it a bug? I don’t see it. What do you see!? Grandma is that you???”
Cats are super special! Cat person or not, you would have to agree. There are just too many fun facts about their superpowers to deny it!
- Cats are Good for Your Health
- Yup, that’s right. Research shows that having a cat around reduces blood pressure and the chance of having a heart attack. They are natural stress reducers- some people find their purring to be exceptionally soothing. They’re also pretty great at making you laugh- and we all know that laughter is the best medicine.
- Cats Were Once Worshiped by the Ancient Egyptians
- Cats look very similar to the Egyptian goddess Bastet, and because of this, they were held in very high regard.
- Cats Have Nine Lives
- Well, it’s more like one long one. Cats on average can live 15 years. It is most likely their agility that contributes to the nine lives belief. They are very good at always landing on their feet.
- Cats are Very Intelligent
- According to Animal Planet cats are constantly learning and have excellent memories. I swear they can tell time too- they always seem to know when it is meal time and god forbid you are late serving them!
- Cats Make You Smarter
- No, seriously! According to a study conducted at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, self-proclaimed cat-lovers scored higher on intelligence than dog-lovers did.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: Let your community know about your involvement in Sharing the Love. Reach out to your local shelters and rescues.
Social Media Fun: Invite your customers to share pictures and anecdotes about their cats. Share some of your own. Share links to adoptable cat bios.
Hashtags: #InternationalCatDay #CatLover #CatDay #WeLoveCats #CatDayIdeas #CatDayFun #CatCelebration #CatsCatsCatsMy Promotion Idea: $/% off your favorite cat enrichments items – toys, trees, fountains, etc!
Aug. 10: Spoil Your Dog Day
I didn’t need an excuse, but OK, I’ll take it!
This is a great holiday to get out in front of. Make sure your customers are aware of your Treat Offers. You could even run your own My Promotion on some of your favorite Toys or Chews.
National Today makes an excellent point about the holiday. “Dog owners know that too much spoiling can lead to bad health or behavioral problems. For a lot of dog owners, it’s less about when to spoil their dogs and more about how to keep from spoiling them too much. National Spoil Your Dog Day is the perfect time to pamper our pets and by concentrating a lot of our spoiling on a single day, we leave room for our dogs to enjoy a more balanced lifestyle, overall.”
So what are some good ways to spoil a dog without spoiling their disposition or making them obese?
Puzzle Games are fantastic since they give our dogs a task to perform in order to earn their reward. They can be used to dispense treats- which they may actually taste! Or they can be used to slow down their meal times improving their digestion. They are also great tools to distract from and overcome separation anxiety. We all know that mental stimulation is the perfect cure for boredom! Outdoor Adventures like long walks, fetch/frisbee, swimming, hikes, or runs are all ways that we can spoil our dogs in their favorite places while keeping both them and ourselves in shape. Let your customers know about the gear you carry and paint a picture of a fun day outdoors.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday My Promotion Ideas: $/% Off your favorite Puzzle Toys or Ourdoor Gear so your customers can spoil their dogs the healthy way! Social Media Fun: Ask your customers how they spoil their dogs? Share some of the healthy ways that you spoil your own dogs. Make a post showing your favorite way to stuff a puzzle toy using some of your favorite healthy foods and treats. Hashtags: #SpoilYourDogDay #SpoilYourDogtheHealthyWay #WeLoveDogs
Aug. 15: National Check the Chip Day
The thought of one of my pets going missing is one of my greatest fears. Doing everything we can to prepare while they are home safe will greatly increase their chance to return home if something were to happen.
To remind pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep the registration information up-to-date, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) joined together to create Check the Chip Day.
Microchips greatly increase the chances that pets will be reunited with their families if they are lost or stolen…but a microchip only works if its registration information is accurate.
“There are many databases that allow you to register your pet’s microchip, but the one that really counts – the one that animal shelters and veterinarians will search – is the database maintained by the manufacturer of your pet’s microchip. AAHA’s Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool is linked to the registries of the majority of microchip manufacturers and allows a quick database search of any microchip made by these manufacturers.”
As a pet food and supply shop, you can help remind your customers to check to make sure their chip registrations are up to date. You can print a copy of the infographic created by HomeAgain and the AVMA and AAHA and hang it up in your store, and share helpful links on your timeline. If you have a vet clinic affiliated or adjacent to your store you can go one step further and find additional resources to help your customers on the AVMA site – AVMA members also have access to downloadable social media images, copy-and-paste social media posts, clinic tips for observing Check the Chip Day, and other ready-to-use tools in this member toolkit.Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Share helpful links with your customers so they know how to make sure their pet’s microchips are properly registered. Hashtags: #CheckTheChipDay #NationalCheckTheChipDay #ChipYourPet
Aug. 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day
All cats are gorgeous, but black cats have this heightened level of sleekness and drama that I find stunning, and many would agree with me. I love black cats, and now that I have thoroughly researched black cat lore I love them even more!
Did you know that some black cats actually change color in the sunlight? If your black cat has a tabby stripe gene and loves to spend his days lounging in the sun, his fur can turn a rusty brown color. Why? The sun’s rays break down the pigment in their fur to reveal the underlying tabby stripes.
Many cultures revered black cats and saw them as positive omens of good luck.
- In Asia and the U.K. you’re going to be lucky in life if you own a black cat.
- In Japan, you’ll have luck in finding love if you spot a black cat.
- In parts of England, a bride will have luck in her marriage if she receives a black cat as a gift.
- In Europe, sailors will have a safe journey if they bring along a black cat on the ship.
- In Scotland, you’ll have coming prosperity if a black cat appears at your doorway or on your porch.
- In France, something magical is about to happen if you see a black cat.
- In other cultures around the world, it’s a sign of good luck if you dream about a black cat, see one walking towards you, or if you happen to find a stray white hair on its gleaming ebony fur.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday
Sharing the Love: Black Cat adoption awareness has been improving the numbers of black cats adopted from shelters, which is awesome! Let’s continue that upward streak by making sure your community is aware of your Cat Adoption Bundles.
My Promotion Ideas: $/% off cat toys for all cats, bonus treat sample for black cats.
Social Media Fun: Share some love for homeless black cats by sharing links to bios of adoptable cats in your area. Invite your customers to share pics of their black cats. Share pics of your black cat customers, or your black cat!
Hashtags: #BlackCatAppreciationDay #WeLoveBlackCats #BlackCatLuck
Aug. 21: International Homeless Animals’ Day
The International Society for Animal Rights introduced International Homeless Animals’ Day to spread awareness about pet overpopulation and has done meaningful work since, including saving the lives of millions of animals.
On this day you can show your support socially and in your community. This is a great time to talk about your Sharing the Love programs as a way your store is encouraging the adoption of homeless pets in your neighborhood. Individuals, organizations, and animal-friendly businesses wishing to take part in ISAR’s International Homeless Animals’ Day events can order a complimentary event planning packet by contacting ISAR by mail, phone or email. The IHAD event planning packet includes guidelines for organizing a successful awareness event with tips on site selection, suggestions for speakers, reaching target audiences, poems, songs, sample press releases, and more!
For some great insight into the international homeless dog and cat issue check out The Rested Paws blog.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Sharing the Love: Share info about your store’s participating in Sharing the Love and how you are helping to encourage pet adoption in your community. Social Media Fun: Invite your customers to share their adoption stories. Share the IHAD event to help bring awareness. If you are hosting your own event, in person or virtually, let your community know! Hashtags: #InternationalHomelessAnimalsDay #SpayandNeuter #AdoptDontShop
Aug. 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
Proactive healthcare is the best healthcare. Cats are notorious for hiding what ails them which is why it is so important to schedule regular health checks at the vet. This especially goes for our kittens and seniors.
Cats are mysterious. Did he just pee on my pillow because I offended his delicate sensibilities, or does he have an undiagnosed UTI and was seeking comfort because he was in pain? I have two cats, and I learned that when in doubt, schedule a health check.
Regular trips to the vet also help to acclimate our cats to these visits making them far less stressful. Health checks don’t always involve poking and prodding so they are less likely to associate a vet visit with discomfort – which also alleviates anxiety. My guys know they will get a VERY special treat and that often makes things a whole lot better.
So what can you offer your customers to help make their cat’s vet visits less stressful? Products like cat pheromone sprays can really help when sprayed onto their bedding and carrier. A comfy and secure carrier also makes a huge difference – the loveable land sharks will benefit from one with a removable top . Treats can also help a cat see a vet and their staff as friends – many vet clinics keep treats in their waiting rooms with this idea in mind, but I find it works best when I bring their FAVORITE treats and offer those to the vet team to give to them. Calming treats can also really help take the edge off before embarking on a vet visit.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday My Promotion Ideas: $/% off products to help make their visits to the vet successful ones. Cat pheromones, carriers, super high-value treats, calming treats/supplements (direct them to your Cat Treat Offers too!). $/% off any purchase if they show confirmation of an Aug2021 vet visit for their cat. Social Media Fun: Remind your pets to take their kitties to the vet. Offer some tips to make the visit less stressful. Ask them to share a pic or update after their visit. How did it go? Hashtags: #TakeYourCatToTheVetDay
Aug. 23: International Blind Dog Day
This awareness holiday was launched in 2017 by blind jack russell and Instagram star Shampoo “Shammy” Horne. This adorable terrier uses his page to share tips on caring for blind dogs.
Since its inception, this holiday has attracted support from hundreds of blind dog owners all sharing stories about their dogs. Dogs never cease to amaze me with their adaptability. They are the ultimate “life gives me lemons I’m making lemonade” kinda guys.
Sadly, blind dogs are often surrendered to shelters or put down because their owners don’t understand that their lives can still be just as fulfilling as a dog with sight. There are many dog lovers actively working to change this.
18 Helpful Tips for Caring for a Blind Dog on the Care.com blog is bursting with helpful tips for dog owners. Many of these are both simple and insightful, such as “Use scents during activities.” A dog’s sense of smell is between 10Kx and 100Kx stronger than our own, so they can still enjoy playtime if their favorite toy has a scent added to it.
A tip that you can help with is “Try a new water dish.” Replacing a silent water bowl with a pet fountain not only provides a cleaner water source, but it creates a water source that makes a consistent noise making it easier to locate.
Have you ever heard of a blind dog halo? This inspired invention was created by Silvie Bourdeaux for her blind dog Muffin. She dubbed her blind dog bumpers Muffin’s Halo. Since she began making them in her home her functional and whimsical design has helped over 35,000 blind dogs regain their confidence. Silvie even started a non-profit called Second Chances for Blind Dogs where supporters can help supply blind dogs in need with their own Muffin’s Halo. I love it! Muffin’s Halo is the perfect guardian for these angels!
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday
My Promotion Ideas: $/% off products that your customers can use to help blind-dog-proof their homes.
Social Media Fun: Share some of your favorite Blind Dog Care Tips along with any of your own. Ask your customers to share their own tips and stories about their blind dogs. Give Shammy’s Instagram a follow and a like! Share a link to Second Chances for Blind Dogs to show your support and bring awareness.
Hashtags: #InternationalBlindDogDay2021 #InternationalBlindDogDayAug. 26: National Dog Day
Founded in 2004 by Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige, National Dog Day celebrates all breeds, mixed and pure, and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues.
National Dog Day honors family dogs and dogs that work selflessly to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day – protecting our families and homes, for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and helping to locate and rescue victims of accidents and tragedy.
Indulge in some heartwarming, goofy, and adorable moments and check out this video created by Colleen Paige herself. (Whew, ok, I just had to get up and hug my dog! So many emotions. 10 outa 10 recommend )
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday
Sharing the Love: Mention your involvement in Sharing the Love to let pet owners know that your store rewards dog adoption with healthy food, treats, supplements, and supplies.
Social Media Fun: Show your support for the cause by sharing the National Dog Day content and using their hashtags. Direct your followers to your favorite local rescues and shelters. Follow and like the National Dog Day social pages: Instagram, Facebook.
Hashtags: #NationalDogDay #NationalDogDay2021
Aug. 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
The loss of a beloved pet is one of the hardest trials a person can go through. As hard as it is to lose them we cannot picture our lives without them. And truly they are not lost when they live so fervently in our memory.
On August 28, 2013, author Deborah Barnes had to say a final goodbye to her cat, Mr. Jazz. Deborah published an emotional book that detailed her journey of letting Mr. Jazz go, it was called “Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale Of Life, Death and Beyond.” After the book was released people reached out to Deborah to share their own stories of a pet passing. Deborah realized that her journey was being mirrored by others and that a pet dying was a deeply emotional time for many.
So, in honor of Mr. Jazz, and for all the readers who were touched by her book, Deborah decided to create Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day as a chance for people across the world to share their stories and memories of pets that they have loved and lost. It was in 2015 that the holiday was first observed, and now each year on August 28 people are taking time out to remember their pets.
Deborah shared an article on her blog offering advice on how to compassionately help someone who is dealing with the loss of a pet. She offers valuable insight into a social dilemma that is often is met with unintended indifference due to those simply not knowing what to say or do.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday Social Media Fun: Share a favorite memory about a beloved pet who you have lost. Did this pet inspire you to open your pet health shop? Ask your customers to share their memories and keep the legacy of our angels alive. Hashtags: #RainbowBridgeRemembranceDay
Aug. 30: National Holistic Pet Day
As members of the pet health community and advocates of healthy nutrition, enrichment, and fun, we love National Holistic Pet Day! Holistic means “whole”. And in order for our pets to feel whole, we must take into account their mind, body, and spirit. National Holistic Pet Day was started by Colleen Paige to raise awareness of this integrative approach to pet health that can increase their time on this earth with us.
A holistic approach to well-being is nothing new for humans, and depending on our algorithms we may have seen a surge of it this past year. But applying the lifestyle to household pets is still a growing trend. It all starts with the basics of good nutrition, lots of physical exercises, and even mental stimulation. All animals need to be mentally active and challenged or they risk listlessness and boredom. Take some time to learn about caring for your pet with the same generosity you give your own mind, body, and spirit.
Our buddies at Holistic Pet have a great article on their blog on the topic of National Holistic Pet Day. There they share 4 Ways to Help Your Pet Live a More Holistic Life – and I plan on trying them all – mainly their tip about dog yoga! “If you practice yoga at home, you know that the minute you roll out your mat, your dogs come running.” – Yup! Every time! Holtisic Pet offers the tip to invite your pet to join you and start your own in-house dog-yoga or cat-yoga studio just like the trendsetters.
This holiday gives you a platform on which you can share your wealth of nutritional, behavioral, and enrichment knowledge with your customers and community. Consider hosting a Facebook Live event or host your own meeting via Zoom (listen, if my um-um rambly awkwardness can do it anyone can!) to share your knowledge on your favorite holistic health topic.
Marketing Materials: Astro Template under Holiday. Image Library picture under Astro Media > Lifestyle > Holiday
My Promotion Ideas: Offer your customers a free nutrition consult. Allow them to schedule a time to talk – if this would work the best for your schedule.
Social Media Fun: Share your favorite holistic health facts and tips. Use this as a time to educate and start discussions about pet health.
Hashtags: #NationalHolisticPetDay
