National Love Your Pet Day: Honoring the Ones Who Changed Our Lives
Hey, Palace Squad! Today is National Love Your Pet Day, and while I think every day should be about celebrating our furry best friends, it’s the perfect excuse to shower them with a little extra love.
For me, today brings a mix of emotions, joy for the pets I have now, and a deep, lasting love for the ones who changed my life forever.
Pumpkin: The Cat Who Grew Up With Me
When I think about unconditional love, I think of Pumpkin. He wasn’t just my pet, he was my best friend, my little shadow, my comfort on hard days. He was there through everything, curling up next to me when I felt down, stealing my socks just to remind me he ruled the house, and claiming my pillow as his rightful sleeping spot.
Pumpkin and I grew up together. He wasn’t just a cat, he was my cat. My buddy. My munchkin. Losing him in 2022 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through. But as much as I miss him, I feel so grateful for every moment we had. The way he would roll on the patio the second the door opened. The way he sat with me late at night, just watching TV like he knew exactly what was going on. The way he was always there.
It still doesn’t feel real sometimes, but I know this isn’t goodbye. It’s just a see you later.
Lacy: My Heart Dog
Now, I have Lacy. If Pumpkin was my childhood sidekick, Lacy is my ride-or-die today. She’s not just a dog, she’s my official treat tester, my adventure buddy, and my constant reminder of why I do what I do.
Lacy’s been with me since 2017, and let’s just say she takes her job as Chief Taste Tester very seriously. She won’t let any new Ava’s Pet Palace treats pass without her approval. But beyond that, she’s the kind of dog who just gets me. She knows when I need her. She knows when to be goofy, when to snuggle, and when to remind me to take a break and just be present.
Pumpkin and Lacy have taught me so much about love. It’s not just about the big moment, it’s in the little things. The daily routines. The late-night cuddles. The quiet, knowing looks. Pets show us love in ways that words never could.
How to Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day
This day isn’t just about remembering the past, it’s about celebrating the pets we have now. So, here are some fun and meaningful ways to honor your furry best friend today:
🐾 Treat Them to Something Special – Whether it’s their favorite snack, a homemade treat, or even just an extra serving of their favorite food, today is the day to spoil them.
🐾 Have an Adventure Together – Take your dog on a new hiking trail or let them sniff around a park they’ve never been to. If you have a cat, set up a new cozy space near a window or introduce them to a new toy.
🐾 Capture the Memories – Take new pictures of your pet, but also dig up old ones and reminisce. Maybe even write down a few favorite memories in a journal.
🐾 Give Back in Their Honor – If you’ve ever had a pet who changed your life, consider donating to a local shelter in their name. You can also drop off supplies like food, blankets, or toys to help pets waiting for their forever homes.
🐾 Extra Snuggles, Always – The simplest but most meaningful way to celebrate: just be with them. Give them extra belly rubs, an extended play session, or a long, slow head scratch. Just let them know they’re loved.
National Love Your Pet Day reminds us to appreciate the time we have with them, because no matter how long they’re here, it’s never enough. Love them deeply, celebrate them often, and cherish every moment.
To Pumpkin, to Lacy, and to all the pets who have made our lives better, today is for you. 🧡🐾