Why Every Day Should Be Dog Day

This past week, we celebrated National Dog Day! In a world where everything seems to have ‘a day’, this is one I can get behind. While they have no idea why they may be getting a shout out on social media, or an extra treat that day, our dogs do deserve a day where we honor them. After all, they are the reason we get up in the morning, a reason to come home at night, our watchful and loyal companions, and a part of the family. To anyone who says ‘it just a dog’ has clearly never enjoyed or taken the opportunity to understand the friendship and camaraderie that a dog has to offer.

I myself have been the proud owner of six dogs over the years. I got my first dog when I was 16, a Labradoodle named Seamus. We picked him up from the breeder when he was 8 weeks old and trained him together as a family. My mother had bought the entire VHS box set of training videos from The Monks of New Skete, as well as their dog training book collection. I firmly believe that because we each took such a vested interest in Seamus’ upbringing, that that was the reason he respected us and loved us all equally. When Seamus was 6, we adopted our first rescue dog. A Beagle named Gaston. He was a surprise early Christmas present for my Dad. When we got to the shelter, Seamus and Gaston had a meet and greet. It went well, and Gaston seemed to like us, so off we went! For three days this Beagle didn’t make a peep. And on the third day, he finally found the courage to say something…and he didn’t stop howling for the next 11yrs! Gaston was the most easy going dog I’ve ever owned. He could sunbathe for hours, was a tenacious hunter of bumble bees, loved snuggling in clean laundry, and joined us in singing Happy Birthday whenever the occasion presented itself. He became a therapy dog through the Good Dog Foundation, and is the reason that I am one of their trainers today. The only thing Gaston hated more than being left alone, was the vet. He hemmed and hawed everytime we had to make a visit. The only time he went in willingly, was the day we had to put him to sleep. His spleen had ruptured and he had to go in for surgery. This was during COVID when you weren’t allowed in the vet’s office. I carefully took him out of the car, carried him up the steps, and handed him to the vet tech. Gaston looked at me with those peaceful, wholesome hazel eyes, and willingly walked into the building. During his surgery, the vet found tumors the size of softballs inside of him. He was riddled with cancer and had been in pain for quite some time. A pain he hid from all of us. It was in his best interest to allow him to stay under anesthesia, and we gave the vet permission to ease him to sleep. I think back on that look he gave me and I feel he was telling me ‘I love you and it’s OK, I’m ready to go now.’

Overtime, the other dogs to join the McCue-Schwartz household were (are) named Dodger, Bo Diddly, Pippi, and Daisy! Dodger was adopted from North Shore Animal League at 8 weeks old. When Seamus passed away, Gaston had been desperate for companionship. Dodger solved all those problems! Dodger immediately made a connection with my dad, and was his solid companion for 10yrs. Pippi came into the picture when I had just become a dog trainer. Her previous owners were having a baby and needed help reigning in specific behavioral issues. Long story short, Pippi ended up coming home with me after her owners realized that they could not balance dog ownership and parenthood. Pippi is now 14.5yrs old and is my parent’s most loyal companion (no seriously, let us know if you’re ever coming over to the house so we can run it past Pippi first LOL!) Bo Diddly was the first dog my husband and I ever owned. He was the dog that young couples just starting out get to see if they can successfully keep a living thing alive. Well, we did! Bo Diddly showed us that we can raise something together and help it grow and thrive…which eventually led us to becoming human parents. Bo was our best friend for 11yrs and my son’s first dog. He was a prime example of ‘size doesn’t matter’, weighing in at just under 26lbs, but ready to take on any dog, any size, and time! He was happiest with his people (and if you had french fries, even better!) Bo Diddly became ill with kidney disease and after 2yrs of management, it eventually got the better of him. We chose to have an at home euthanasia. The vet’s office made Bo very nervous and I didn’t want his last moments with us to be anxious ones. The vet came to our home and Bo, true to form, even though he’d been lethargic for days, russelled up enough energy to bark at the ‘intruders.’ Loyal to the end, our brave and beloved Bo Diddly. 

Daisy girl is our newest addition and is a welcomed companion to old lady Pippi. She is originally from Texas. A couple from Brooklyn adopted her and could not quite fit her into their lifestyle. Between wanting her to be your typical NYC coffee shop dog, travel companion, and then big sister to a human baby, the pressure became too great for Daisy. So, she came home with me, to Westchester. Here, she is loved, her life is peaceful, and she is with a family that understands and can advocate for her needs. And I finally have a dog who is interested in learning tricks which I am SUPER stoked about.

They’re not just dogs. They are parts of your heart and soul. They are the supportive best friend in every chapter of your life. The memories they evoke bring warmth to your body, and at times a happy tear to your eye…meaning their presence in your life was profoundly impactful. While we dedicate one day a year to our dogs, for me, Dog Day, is everyday!