Ways to celebrate man's best friend on National Dog Day

August 26 is National Dog Day, an annual celebration one of man's best friends.

Organizers say the holiday serves to "galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep up safe and bring comfort."

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Observing National Dog Day can be as simple as hugging your closest furry friend and giving them a treat, but if you're looking for more creative ways to celebrate, here are some suggestions from National Dog Day's official website:

• Adopt a dog from your local shelter or pure breed rescue organization. Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to walk a dog or play with a dog, clean cages or anything else they need help with.
• Have a safety check of your home to make sure it's safe for your dog and others.
• Donate blankets, food and toys to animal welfare organizations.
• Order an adorable dog-shaped flower arrangement from 1-800-Flowers.com and enjoy a 10% discount by using code GOODLIVING when placing your order!
• Have a National Dog Day party and invite all your friends and their dogs!
• Assist an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog.
• Have a portrait painted of your dog to suspend the fleeting magic of dogdom.
• Buy your dog a fun new dog toy....or two...or five.
• Brush your dog to eliminate excess fur.
• Give your dog a massage or holistic spa treatment.
• Take your dog to the beach.

For more information on National Dog Day, visit nationaldogday.com.