'National Dog Day' Meets 'Women's Equality Day'

by candice.tsuei | August 26, 2009 at 09:34 am

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You know August 26 is a big day when it combines these two days together: National Dog Day and Women's Equality Day. Indeed, it is a day for us to celebrate human's best friends, dogs, and the most beautiful creature on earth, women.

National Dog Day

Originally created by its pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige in 2004, its original purpose was to honor the rescue dogs who put their lives in danger at Ground Zero during September 11th tragedy. Now, National Dog Day is a holiday celebrated annually to raise the public's awareness of the number of dogs that need to be rescued from homelessness and abuse every year, and of the selfless acts performed by these cute creatures everyday - from helping with emergency crews and aiding law enforcement officials to supporting the disabled and protecting our homes.

Since the small initial celebration, Nation Dog Day has grown in scope across the nation and today includes events in England, Italy and even Puerto Rico. The celebrations include good time events such as dog shows, Bark-A-Thons, Photo Contests, and Picnics, all to say ‘thank you’ to all the dogs who have given mankind so much.

"On National Dog Day, make a special effort to spend some quality time with your pet," says Darcy Foster, founder of PetWellbeing.com. "Pay attention to how they look and behave, and if they show any signs of illness or discomfort, take them to a veterinarian."

Women's Equality Day

Women's Equality Day is commemoration of the ratification of the Nineteenth amendment to the United states Constitution. It was on this day in 1920, eighty-nine years ago, that women were granted the right to vote. Women's equality Day also calls global recognition to women's long struggle toward full equality.

"In no society are women treated equally yet," said Hillary Rodham Clinton during a trip to Asia in February. "I believe strongly that if women are not full participants in society, the society does not advance the way that it could. And if women are denied their rights, it affects children, families and the entire social structure."

Women's Equality Day was first established in 1971 to acknowledge the efforts of Bella Abzug, New York Congresswoman and the first Jewish Congresswoman.

``That day in 1970'' referred to the "Women's Strike for Equality,'' organized on Aug. 26 by the National Organization for Women. Women nationwide joined together to demand equal opportunities in employment, education, etc. It was the largest protest for equal rights for women in U.S. history. Demonstrations and rallies took place across the country in 90 cities/towns in 40 states, and 50,000 women marched down Fifth Avenue in New York City. The continued fight for equality was duly noted and memorialized.

Gender discrimination still exists and is especially noticeable in the workplace. According to the American Association of University Women, females of all ages, races, and education levels are paid on average 22 per cent less than males, which means that women are paid 78 cents on average for every dollar earned by men for the performance of the same jobs. Also, the median income of older women is half of what it is for older men.

"Let us ... create a world in which every woman is treated with respect and dignity, every boy and girl is loved and cared for equally, and every family has the hope of a strong and stable future," said Hillary Clinton. ... "That is the work before all of us who have a vision of the world we want to see -- for our children and our grandchildren."