National Dog Day: Celebrities, companies, organizations celebrate man's best friend

The country is going to the dogs -- at least for one day --  because it is National Dog Day, an annual celebration honoring all the special dogs out there, from family pets to military dogs, therapy dogs and service dogs.

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Colleen Paige and the other founders of National Dog Day are against breed bans and strongly encourage dog adoption, either from shelters or rescue organizations.

"Dogs should not have to lose their lives because of the atrocities they have been forced to endure at the hands of man," Paige said.

Other than adopting a lovable mutt, dog owners and dog lovers can mark National Dog Day by volunteering, donating goods or money, writing letters to legislators about banning puppy mills, and by showering love and a few toys on their furry friends.

Dog owners can celebrate online by posting photos of their pooches on their social media networks. #NationalDogDay and #InternationalDogDay are the hashtags.

Companies, celebrities and organizations across the world are getting in the spirit by celebrating all things dog Monday on social media.

Cox Media Group