From working dogs, to house pets, to those in shelters waiting for a home, no matter the size or the amount of fur, Friday is National Dog Day, honoring human's best friend.

The day was started by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert, in 2004, according to the National Dog Day website.

The group offers some ideas on how to celebrate the day, including adopting a dog from a shelter; donating blankets, food and other items to a rescue group; or conducting a home safety check to ensure a dog's safety.

About the Author

Featured

Passengers wait at a Delta check-in counter at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. It was the first day the Federal Aviation Administration cut flight capacity at airports during the government shutdown. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com