September 14 National Hug Your Hound Day #HugYourHoundDay. I don’t know about you, but I don’t need a #Holiday to remind me to hug my Dog I do it multiple times a day just as David and Charlie do. Do you do this as well?
Please let your friends and family know National Hug Your Hound Day is celebrated on the Second Sunday in September, falling on September 14 this year, to honor man’s best friend. Dogs have been standing loyally by our side since the dawn of time.
Dogs might even have been the very first animals to have been domesticated and felt affection for humans. Dogs have a solid reputation of being warm and loving companions, loyal workers, and trustworthy defenders of the homes they live in.
Hug Your Hound Day is a gentle reminder that our four-legged friends deserve our love and attention. Hug Your Hound Day encourages pet owners to renew their bond with their dogs and show them that they are indeed your best friend.
Did you know National Hug Your Hound Day was started by Ami Moore the “Dog Whisperer of Chicago?” She created the day to celebrate the long and lasting bond between a dog and its owner. Ami Moore is best known for her exceptional qualifications that have led to her being one of the world’s most famous dog experts
Celebrate National Hug Your Hound Day – Lesson Plan Inspiration:
Observed on the second Sunday of September, National Hug Your Hound Day is a perfect opportunity to blend affection with education. Here’s a fun and engaging lesson plan idea that combines STEM, empathy, and creativity:
STEM Activity: “Nose-Print Safe”
Inspired by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, this activity teaches students about biometrics using their pet’s unique nose print.
Objective:
Explore how physical traits can be used for identification and introduce students to the concept of biometrics.
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard box
- Craft supplies (markers, paper, faux fur, etc.)
- Pet-safe treat
- Scissors and tape
Instructions:
- Cut the box to create “safe doors.”
- Decorate the box using your pet’s colors or patterns.
- Create a pretend “nose-print scanner” on the box.
- Place a treat inside and let your pet try to open it.
- Discuss how nose prints are like human fingerprints.
Learning Outcome:
Students learn about biometric identification, creativity in design, and empathy toward animals.
Social-Emotional Learning: “Understanding Dog Body Language”
Use resources like Wag! to teach students how dogs communicate comfort or discomfort.
Activity:
- Watch videos or observe dogs to identify signs of stress or happiness.
- Role-play scenarios where students interpret dog body language.
- Discuss why consent and comfort matter—even with pets.
Creative Extension: “Design a Dog Hug Poster”
Let students create posters promoting safe and loving ways to show affection to dogs. Include slogans like “Respect the Wag” or “Ask Before You Hug.”
Would you like me to tailor this Lesson Plan for a specific age group or classroom setting? I can also help turn this Lesson Plan into a printable activity sheet or interactive presentation. Just leave me a comment and let me know what you need.
September 14 National Pet Memorial Day #PetMemorialDay
For those of us who’ve lost our best friend I had to let you know September 14 National Pet Memorial Day #PetMemorialDay. I don’t know about you, but I’ve lost plenty of Doggies including Sam, Lucy and Sandi that I couldn’t wait to celebrate today.
National Pet Memorial Day happens every second Sunday in September, which falls on September 14 this year. Allowing pet owners across the Country to remember their beloved pets who have passed on. For many of us, pets are loved ones on scale with some of the most important people in our lives – when they often die before us, it’s not an easy loss.
We’re not alone in remembering some of our favorite pets for the rest of our lives, and there are many ways of memorializing pets. National Pet Memorial Day is a great day to think back to your favorite pets and honor their memory.
How to Observe National Pet Memorial Day
- Whether there’s a picture tacked to your wall, a home video of your dog playing with your child, or an old collar you kept behind, there are many ways people retain keepsakes of their lost furry families. Pull out the picture, watch the home video, or find the collar in a memory box, and talk about what made your special pet such a good pet for all those years.
- The acute loss of a good pet is incredibly difficult to get through. If you know someone who has lost a pet bring them a stuffed animal with their pet’s name on a collar, bake them Cookies, or send Flowers.
- National Pet Memorial Day is a great day to appreciate the furry friends that are still by your side. Love on your pets just a little harder today and purchase them a new toy or treat. If you have the means and the opportunity, take your pets to the vet to get a checkup because you’ll want your pets healthy and happy as long as possible! Then take them for a walk or treat.
Interesting Facts About Pets & Pet Memorials
- Did you know there are four famous pet cemeteries in the US? These include Hartsdale in NYC, Toto Memorial in Los Angeles, Boomer Monument in Illinois, and Brownie Gravesite in Florida.
- Over $60 billion was spent in 2015 by pet parents on their pets, according to the American Pet Products Association.
- For almost everyone, pets improve lives and according to one survey, 94% of pet owners say their pet has made them smile every day.
- There are many famous memorialized pets including Balto the courageous Siberian Husky to Towser of Scotland, the Cat who caught a record-setting 28,899 Mice, our favorite pets are memorialized in history.
Lesson Plans on September 14 National Pet Memorial Day #PetMemorialDay
National Pet Memorial Day – Lesson Plan Ideas Observed on the second Sunday of September, National Pet Memorial Day is a heartfelt opportunity to honor the memory of beloved pets and explore themes of empathy, grief, and the human-animal bond. Here’s a thoughtful lesson plan outline suitable for elementary to middle school students:
Objective
Students will reflect on the emotional significance of pets, learn about the grieving process, and express their memories creatively.
Lesson Components
1. Opening Discussion (15 min)
- What is National Pet Memorial Day?
- Why do pets matter to people?
- Share stories (optional) about pets they’ve loved or known.
2. Literature Connection (20 min)
- Read a story like “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by Judith Viorst or “Goodbye Mousie” by Robie H. Harris.
- Discuss themes of loss, remembrance, and healing.
3. Creative Expression (30 min)
- Memory Collage: Students create a collage or drawing of a pet they’ve lost or admired.
- Poetry or Letter Writing: Write a poem or letter to a pet expressing love and memories.
4. Science & Responsibility (20 min)
- Brief lesson on pet care and the life cycle of animals.
- Discuss how caring for pets teaches responsibility and compassion.
5. Reflection & Sharing (15 min)
- Students can share their creations in small groups.
- Create a classroom “Pet Memory Wall” to display artwork and writing.
Optional Activities
- Design a memorial garden or virtual tribute if you have the space.
- Invite a local vet or animal shelter rep to talk about pet care and grief support.
For more structured resources, you might explore National Pet Month’s school resources or Second Chance Pet’s curated lesson plans.
Now, I would like to ask you a question. Would you like me to tailor this Lesson Plan for a specific age group or subject area? If so leave me a comment and let me know what your looking for and I will get to work on it.
Thank you,
