National Pup Day

If you thought only your birthday was worth throwing a party for, then you've clearly never heard of National Pup Day. This adorable day has sparked a frenzied extravaganza online from folks bragging about their best canine companions. A day that's surely more about a Facebook photo op with your Fido than most other things.

When is Pup Day?

It's national pup day on the 24th March.

A Tail-Wagging Tale of National Pup Day

No, it’s not just a cute excuse to flood your feed with adorable puppy pics and videos (though we can admit that's a pretty awesome side effect). This day has real substance. Back in 2006, our lovely lady Colleen Paige, an Animal Welfare Advocate, decided that March 23rd should be a day dedicated to all puppies. A day that shed light on the plight of puppies in shelters and the magic of adoption.

And oh boy, did the Internet latch onto this. On 24th March 2017, National Pup Day mentions climbed a crazy mount Everest and reached a peak of 21296 mentions. You could almost hear the collective 'Aww' echo through the digital landscape! It seems like every pup owner and lover on the internet wanted to have their piece of the ‘aww-dorable’ pie, and who can blame them, right?

Puppy Love on the Web

National Pup Day may have started as an awareness drive, but it quickly mutated into an all-out love parade for these four-legged furballs. Everything from dedications to canine companions, to rescuing shelter pups, to treating your puppies to special treats made a splash on social media feeds. If there is a day to feel guilty about NOT owning a pup, it’s probably this one!

Paws and Reflect

While National Pup Day is a great excuse to smother your fur baby with extra love and attention, let's not forget it's true intent. It's a day to remember the many dogs in shelters, a day to think about adopting, not shopping, and a day to be thankful for the unwavering loyalty and love our little (or huge, if you are a fan of larger breeds) furballs shower on us.

History behind the term 'Pup'

19th century

The Birth of 'Pup'

The term 'pup' originated in the 19th century as a diminutive form of the word 'puppy', which refers to a young, small dog. This endearing term quickly gained popularity due to its playful and affectionate connotation. 'Pup' became widely used to refer to young dogs, and its usage spread beyond the realm of pet owners to become a commonly used term to describe any adorable and lovable creature.

Early 20th century

Pup as a Term of Endearment

During the early 20th century, 'pup' began to be used as a term of endearment for young children, similar to 'kid'. The association with cute and innocent characteristics of puppies led to its adoption as a loving nickname for children. This usage further solidified the term 'pup' in popular culture, expanding its range of meaning to encompass not only animals but also humans.

Late 20th century

Pup in LGBTQ+ Community

In the late 20th century, the term 'pup' took on a different meaning within the LGBTQ+ community. It became associated with a particular subset of the community known as 'pups'. This subculture revolves around a role-playing dynamic where individuals embrace a puppy-like persona. It is often an expression of dominance and submission within the context of BDSM. The use of 'pup' in this context adds another layer of diversity to the term, showcasing its adaptability and evolution over time.

Present Day

Pup in Modern Vernacular

In modern vernacular, 'pup' continues to be used in various contexts. Its usage remains prevalent when referring to young dogs and children, maintaining its endearing and affectionate tone. Additionally, 'pup' has also been adopted in online communities and social media, often featuring cute or adorable pictures and videos under the hashtag #puplife. The term has become embedded in popular culture and serves as a charming way to describe anything or anyone that exudes youthful energy and playfulness.

Did you know?

Did you know that an online petition to make National Pup Day an official holiday has received hundreds of thousands of signatures from puppy lovers worldwide?