March 23 is National Puppy Day and while those very words conjure images of fluffy furballs, warm bellies, and snuggles, National Puppy Day was designed to raise awareness about puppy mills and help prospective pet owners consider adoption.

Established in 2006, National Puppy Day was founded by animal behaviorist, Colleen Paige, to help the public understand the high number of dogs needing forever homes. Colleen Paige first brought adoption awareness to a national level with National Dog Day in 2004. National Puppy Day and National Dog Day are great occasions to adopt a dog because shelters typically have the highest intake of dogs around summertime.

These national holidays encourage and remind people to adopt, donate, and love their animals more every year.