With 95% of Americans admitting to purchasing birthday or Christmas gifts for their pets, and over $60 billion per year spent on our furry family members, it’s obvious pets are an important part of our lives. National Puppy Day is celebrated on March 23, and it was established with two goals in mind.  The first is to celebrate the happiness and companionship that puppies bring into our lives. But the second and main objective for the holiday is to promote puppy adoption from shelters and not inhumane puppy mills. This day gives us a great opportunity to honor those who have opened their hearts to a puppy who needs a home, as well as to thank the men and women who work in the Wilmington area to rescue and rehome the most vulnerable animals.  Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Just over half of those animals are dogs. Of the dogs entering the shelters, only about one-third are adopted. Puppies born in the shelters do have the best chance of finding a new home as opposed to older dogs, but the shelters compete with the puppy mills. 

When you adopt a dog from a rescue shelter, you are literally saving a life. While some are afraid that these dogs may have behavioral problems, the opposite is actually true. The majority of dogs have been surrendered for reasons other than behavior, such as an owner’s inability to continue care. Shelter animals are often well socialized and eager to integrate into a home with other animals, and most new owners report that the dogs are very loving, grateful for their second chance with a loving family.

If you know someone who has been a hero to rescued animals, National Puppy Day is a wonderful opportunity to send a bouquet of flowers to thank them for their efforts on behalf of the animals in Wilmington. Boyd’s Flowers is your source to recognize all occasions, large or small, with gorgeous plants and flowers.