Celebrating International Dog Day: Stories From Dogs Around the World!

Paws up! It's time to grab the leash, a handful of WAG treats, and get ready to wag your tails in unison—because August 26th is International Dog Day! Whether your furry friend is a lounging couch potato, a ball-chasing fanatic, or a treat-loving superstar, this is their special day, and we're here to celebrate everything that makes them amazing.

But this isn’t just a day to pamper your own pup. International Dog Day is a global celebration, bringing dog lovers together from all over the world to honour our four-legged companions. And what better way to celebrate than by sharing some of the most heartwarming, heroic, and downright impressive stories of dogs who’ve made headlines and captured our hearts?

So, grab your dog (and maybe a cosy blanket), and let’s dive into some feel-good stories that prove dogs truly are man’s best friend. 

The four-legged heroes among us: dogs who’ve saved lives

Let's start with the dogs who’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty. These are the heroes, the lifesavers, the dogs who’ve not only captured our hearts but also saved lives in the process.

Frida, the Mexican Navy rescue dog

You may have heard of Frida, the adorable yellow Labrador who gained international fame after the devastating earthquakes in Mexico in 2017. Decked out in her protective goggles and boots, Frida worked tirelessly to rescue survivors trapped in the rubble. 

Her bravery made her a national hero in Mexico and a beloved figure around the world. With 12 lives saved over her career, Frida showed us the incredible capabilities of rescue dogs and reminded us all of the deep bond between humans and their canine companions.

Bear, the Australian koala-saving superdog

Image credit: International Fund for Animal Welfare

Closer to home, we have our very own Aussie hero—Bear, a Border Collie with a very special job. Bear is a koala detection dog, trained to sniff out koalas in need of rescue, particularly after the devastating bushfires that ravaged Australia. 

With his sharp nose and boundless energy, Bear has helped save countless koalas by finding them in time to receive medical care. Talk about a good boy! Not all heroes wear capes—some wear collars and have wagging tails.

Viral sensations: dogs who stole the spotlight

Not every famous dog is a life-saving hero, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t captured our hearts in other ways. Some dogs have simply become global sensations for being, well, dogs! Whether they’re making us laugh, cry, or just smile, these viral pups remind us why we love our dogs so much.

Tuna, the Instagram superstar

Image credit: tunameltsmyheart

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram, you’ve probably come across Tuna, the Chiweenie (that’s a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix) with an overbite so cute it could melt even the coldest of hearts. 

With over 2 million followers, Tuna has become a viral sensation for his goofy grin and heartwarming story. Rescued from a shelter, Tuna has used his fame to promote rescue dogs and spread love across the internet. And let’s be honest—who could resist that face? You can stay up to date with Tuna by following him on Instagram: @tunameltsmyheart.

Hachiko, the dog who waited

Image credit: Jetty via BBC

Now, let’s rewind the clock for a moment and talk about a viral sensation from before the age of social media. Hachiko, an Akita from Japan, became a symbol of loyalty and devotion after waiting at a train station every day for nine years for his owner, who had sadly passed away. 

Hachiko’s story touched millions of people around the world, and he became a national treasure in Japan. Today, there’s even a statue of Hachiko at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, where he waited so faithfully. Hachiko’s story is a beautiful reminder of the unbreakable bond between a dog and their human.

Historical icons: dogs who changed the world

Not all famous dogs are modern-day internet stars or rescue heroes. Some have left their paw prints on history, playing key roles in shaping the world as we know it.

Laika, the first dog in space

Image credit: Wikipedia 

Let’s take a moment to honour one of the bravest dogs in history: Laika, the first dog to ever orbit the Earth. In 1957, Laika, a stray Jack Russell from the streets of Moscow, became a pioneer for space exploration when she was sent into space aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. 

While Laika didn’t survive the mission, her bravery paved the way for human space exploration, making her an icon in the history of science. Laika’s story is a reminder that dogs have been alongside humans in our most ambitious journeys—even to the stars.

Balto, the sled dog hero of Alaska

Image credit: Brown Brothers via Wikipedia

Another historical hero worth barking about is Balto, the sled dog who led his team on a life-saving mission across the frozen tundra of Alaska in 1925. During a deadly diphtheria outbreak, Balto and his team delivered life-saving medicine to the town of Nome, braving treacherous conditions along the way. 

Balto’s incredible journey saved countless lives and made him a hero in the eyes of the world. Today, a statue of Balto stands in New York’s Central Park, immortalising his courage and determination.

How to celebrate International Dog Day with your own furry best friend

Now that we’ve celebrated some of the world’s most famous and heroic dogs, it’s time to turn the spotlight on your own furry companion. If your doggo has stolen your heart and simply makes you smile every day, International Dog Day is the perfect opportunity to show them just how much they mean to you.

Here are some fun ideas to make this day extra special for your pup:

• Treat your dog to an adventure: Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a hike in the mountains, or even just a visit to their favourite dog park, give your dog a day full of fun and exploration. Don’t forget to pack some WAG natural dog treats for a well-deserved snack along the way!
• Pamper your pooch: Spoil your dog with a little extra TLC. Treat them to a relaxing bath, a new toy, or even a cosy nap on their favourite blanket. And, of course, no pampering session would be complete without some natural, delicious treats – our forage fish or beef jerky are real crowd pleasers!
• Share the love on social media: Snap a pic of your dog enjoying their special day and share it with the world! Use the hashtag #InternationalDogDay and tag us @getwag so we can celebrate with you. We love seeing happy doggos enjoying life, and who knows—your pup could be the next viral sensation!
• Give the gift of health: Show your dog just how much you care by giving them the best treats nature has to offer. WAG’s natural dog treats are made from single ingredients, packed with nutrients, and free from artificial nasties. It’s the perfect way to keep your dog healthy and happy on their special day.

A day to celebrate all doggos

At the end of the day, International Dog Day is all about celebrating the incredible bond between humans and dogs. So, let’s raise a paw to all the dogs out there who make our lives better every single day!

From everyone at WAG, we wish you and your furry friend a happy International Dog Day. Don’t forget to celebrate with love, adventure, and, of course, plenty of natural treats. After all, every dog deserves a little extra wag in their tail on this special day.