It’s time to celebrate Best Friends Day

By Gregory Castle

Chances are, if you’re reading this blog you too believe it’s possible to have genuine friendships with our pets. The bond we share with them is real, and they give back to us in so many ways. While we’re often thought of being the saviors of our pets, what they offer to our lives often makes me wonder, “Who saved whom?”

We wanted to honor that bond we have with our best friends. So what better day to celebrate this bond, than National Best Friends Day?

Shadow is one of my best friends. Best Friends pulled him from the Los Angeles Animal Services North Central Shelter where he ended up due to a divorce. His next stop was the Best Friends Pet Adoption and Spay/Neuter Center in the Mission Hills area of Los Angeles. This striking, all-black German shepherd was passed over for weeks. It’s hard to understand why, as he’s a real lover, he’s great with people, loves to play with other dogs and he’s an absolute stunner. We had an instant bond, but just assumed he’d go home quickly with a loving family. However, after some time he still remained in the Center. My wife and I then realized he was the dog for us. Of course, looking back now, I believe he was passed over by others not for any other reason than he’d always belonged in our home as a member of our family. It was fate.

Shadow’s effect on our lives has been great. He’s been with us now for the last three years or so – through many of life’s ups and downs. Often coming to work with me, he’s arguably one of the closest companions I have in my life. He truly fits the moniker of best friend to a tee.

So how can you celebrate Best Friends Day? It’s very easy!

Celebrate your friendship any way you’d like. Maybe it’s a trip to the dog park today, or some special treats. Or even just some dedicated snuggle time on the couch with your kitty. However you choose to celebrate, make sure you tell the world how much you love your Best Friend. Just follow these steps:

1) Click on the images below to download and print the Best Friends Day signs.

2) Take a photo with your best friend, along with the sign you’ve printed out.

3) Share your photo on your social networks including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Please be sure to use the hashtags #BestFriendsDay and #SaveThemAll. That way we’ll be able to see all of your wonderful pictures you share.

Today is a day to celebrate, and show the world how much our loved ones mean to us. Thank you for taking part in this very special day, and for all you do each and every day for homeless pets.

Together, we can Save Them All™

Julie Castle

CEO

Best Friends Animal Society

@BFAS_Julie