Friday, September 25, 2009

Did you know that it is NATIONAL DOG WEEK! WOWZA!

The phrase "man's best friend" is a well worn but accurate description of the depth of our relationship with dogs. It is that relationship which is celebrated during National Dog Week. This year, the 74th National Dog Week runs Sept. 24 through Sept. 30.



"Man's Best Friend" is this year's theme. The idea that the dog is "man's best friend" is believed to have originated during a closing argument given by Sen. George Graham Vest, of Missouri. Vest, a lawyer, was representing a man whose dog was deliberately shot and killed by a neighbor. The grief stricken dog owner was suing the neighbor for damages.

In his closing argument, Vest gave what has become the famous "Tribute to the American Dog." The speech to the jury was so powerful that it not only won the case, it has been inscribed in a monument in Warrensburg, Missouri. William Safire included it in his compendium of the world's great speeches.



Here is a portion of the speech, which reportedly left not a dry eye in the courtroom:"The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith ...

"The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. ... He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. ... If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him. ..."

National Dog Week was founded in 1928 by Captain Will Judy, a noted dog judge and former publisher of Dog World Magazine. The purpose of National Dog Week is to educate all dog owners in their responsibilities to their pets and to their communities, particularly those organizations dedicated to caring for unwanted or lost dogs.

The event is being sponsored by the Dogs on Stamps Study Unit, of the American Topical Association. The Dogs on Stamps Study Unit is a non-profit philatelic organization specializing in the collecting, study, and enjoyment of stamps and other postal items that pertains to dogs. For more information, visit www.dossu.org.

What National Dog Week means depends on the individual. The sponsors suggest having your mayor proclaim Sept. 22-28 as National Dog Week and inviting the press to cover the proclamation. (Last year, New Jersey's acting Governor Donald T. Difrancesco proclaimed National Dog Week for the state).

22 comments:

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

Aww, you puppies have a good week, I hope you get steak!!

Dexter said...

The only thing better would be National Mango Week!

Slobbers,
Mango

Salinger The Pug said...

Very nice story, but HELLLLOOOOOOOOO?...EVERY week is dog week around here (at least that's what I've got the peeps believing!)

Happy Friday!

Love,
S-Dog

Hansel said...

thanks so much for all your help with the blog! it's fantastic!

Maxmom said...

In this house, I am WOMAN's best friend!!!...but I like the Boss too!...Can't they change it to "Human's" best friend?!...the old phrase, whilst pertinent and recognisable is soooo outdated!
But Happy Dog week to everybody anyway. Any week that gives recognition to our canine companions is worthy! (In this household we have 52 dog weeks a year)
Lots of licks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA

Anonymous said...

Woot that is soo cool! And have to totally agree with MaxDog!!

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Pawesome post!! Thanks for the heads up on Dog week!! Mama will probably mention your post on my bloggie today if that is ok!

Smileys!
Dory

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Hmmmmm, National Dog Week, shouldn't that mean a good treat or something for us?

Woos and happy weekend, the OP Pack

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Treats fur ALL!

I'll even share my Happy Hearts khookies with my mom!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Tank woo fur sharing this!

Sierra Rose said...

Happy Doggie Week!!! Yes, we agree with Max's note.... but, LOVE your post.
Bye for now!

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose and her mom

Sam said...

Marge is complaining after reading your post.. says I shouldn't have brought her to the vet during such a special week like this one!

Ziggy Stardust said...

Yahoo!! Party, Party! That was an awesome post and I love the story in it. Thank you.

licks and sniffs,Sasha

Teddy Bear said...

National Dog Week? We had no idea! Thanks so much for letting us know! We'll be sure to tell Mommy and Daddy so they can give us extra treats next week.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear

Anonymous said...

Oops, we didn't get the memo. We thought that it was National Dog Year from 1 Jan to 31 Dec. It's probably good to have a National Dog Week to raise awareness about all of our brothers and sister's who aren't as fortunate as most of us are to have caring, loving families to take care of and watch over. Let's all think of them this week and every night when we howl.
- TBH&K

Yas said...

Really? noo wonder i feel extra special this week!!

Cheers,
Maxx

Mary A. Shafer said...

Happy Pupper Week from all the kittehs over at Almost Perfect Pets. We love you all!

Idgie, Weaver, Winkie and Boo Kitty
Mrowr!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Hope you dont mind a kitty comming to Say Happy National dog week. I came from Khyra's to say hello. Mum loves woofies too and that poster at the top is just like her spaniel Twinkle who went to the bridge before she got me. Loved the post today. Hugs GJ xx

kishiko said...

Hi Scout and Freyja!
Happy National Dog Week!
I didnot know that. Thank you for sharing the story!
Hugs
Matilda

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

That is such a wonderful post. All dog owners know the companionship they get with their dogs. They are always excited to see us to brighten our day..
Dad has a little joke.
How can you tell who loves you more, your dog or your wife. Lock them both in the trunk for and hour and see who is happy to see you. That is Dad humor...


Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Sonia said...

I didn't know it was National Dog week! Thanks for the info--we owe so much to our furry friends..Our two little girls are such blessings to our lives. Thanks for the post! Miss Bloomers/Sonia

Bijou said...

Thanks for sharing this exciting and important news! It is a great honor.

Wags & wiggles,
Bijou

Piappies World said...

Hi Scout and Freyja,

Happy National Dog Week to you and all your pup friends. Thankies for sharing the info with us.

May you have more love, happiness and... treats! weeeeeee

- Scrappy, Bullet & the Piappies