National Dog Day highlights therapy roles and breed popularity

August 26 marks National Dog Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the companionship and emotional support dogs provide to humans.

In the United Kingdom, Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs, such as Wilson and Asta, are utilized at St Christopher’s Hospice to support patients receiving end-of-life care. These certified dogs visit various wards to offer comfort, spark positive memories, and provide a sense of calm for patients, families, and staff during challenging times.

In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) released its latest registration statistics highlighting the most popular dog breeds. The rankings, which focus on AKC-recognized purebreds, reflect current trends in American pet ownership, featuring breeds ranging from the large Bernese Mountain Dog to the compact Pomeranian.