Those stretches of hot and sunny days come August have long been called the ‘dog days of summer.’
But as of 2004, our actual canine friends have had August 26 earmarked as National Dog Day.
And on Wednesday a slew of people took to their social media platforms to share adorable photos of their four-legged family members in tribute of the unofficial holiday, which included the likes of celebrities Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Garner, Rumer Willis and Vanessa Hudgens.
Dog lovers unite: Drew Barrymore, 45, was among the celebrities to share photos of their dogs on National Dog Day, which falls annually on August 26
Four-legged family members: Barrymore paid tribute to her dogs Douglas and Lucy
Barrymore posted a photo on Instagram of her two mid-size pooches that she named in the caption: ‘Douglas and Lucy #nationaldogday’
The ET: The Extra-Terrestrial star, 45, has been very open about how important dogs, and animals as a whole, have been in her life that has included giving some of her time as a dog adoption advocate.
‘Animals have given me a rite of passage, a humility and a purpose and a kindness and a lack of cruelty,’ she confessed during a speech when she was the guest of honor at the Annual ASPCA Bergh Ball in 2016.
Furry friend: Jennifer Garner, 48, shared a cute photo of her beloved Golden Retriever
Adorable: Garner’s dog Birdie struck the perfect pose of an outside staircase
Animal lover: Rumer Willis, 32, promoted dog adoption and rescue when she shared a series of snaps of her beloved Dolores on Instagram
Chill dog: Willis also showed Delores staring off in the distance while lounging with her mama
Garner, 48, couldn’t resist showing off her gorgeous Golden Retriever in a single photo of the female striking a pose of some outdoor stairs.
‘Happy #nationaldogday to our good girl, Birdie— all of yours, too,’ The Dallas Buyers Club actress wrote in the caption along with a dog and heart emoji.
As for Willis, who’s the daughter of screen legends Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, she promoted dog adoption and rescue when she shared a series of snaps of her beloved Dolores.
Homebodies: The pair also shared a bed together in another snap
Sleepy time: The actress snuggled up with Delores when her pooch fell asleep
‘Happy National Dog Day. My little weirdo Dolores you bring so much joy to my life. Thank you @acredogs for helping me find my best friend,’ she wrote in the caption, in a reference to the adoption facility she used to find her dog.
In one of the pictures, Willis, 32, learned her head next to Delores’ as the pair looked straight into the camera.
There’s another photo where the actress is lounging at home on grass as her lovely lady stares off into the distance, and yet another snap of the two lying in bed together.
‘If you are looking for a doggo friend or aren’t ready and just want to help out these are some of my favorite rescues that are constantly saving and helping so many lives in need and can always use your contributions,’ Willis added in her post along with a list of adoption agencies. @apurposefulrescue @thelabellefoundation @hollywood_huskies @acredogs’
Sending a message: Vanessa Hudgens used National Dog Day to encourage people to adopt
Heartfelt: Hudgens also shared some sweet sentiments about her beloved Darla
Hudgens, 31, shared some heartfelt sentiments that most dog lovers can relate too, along with a plug for more people to adopt.
‘Happy #nationaldogday I can’t imagine my life without Darla. #adoptdontshop,’ the High School Musical alum wrote.
National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and was founded in 2004 by Colleen Page, a pet and family lifestyle expert and animal rescue advocate. She created the day as a way to celebrate all dogs, draw attention to dogs in shelters, and to encourage adoption for those who have yet to find a forever home.
August 26 is significant to Page because it is the day her family adopted her first pet pooch, Sheltie, at a local animal shelter when she was 10 years old.