July doesn’t have any specific animal welfare dates; however there are a couple of honorable dates that we would like to mention, as they indirectly help enrich the lives of animals. The second week in July has been deemed “National Therapeutic Recreation Week” by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. Recreational therapy includes spending time with animals, among many other activities, in order to help those with disabilities express themselves and have fun. To help celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week, consider taking a friendly pet to a nursing home or center for people with special needs. This can be a rewarding experience for you, your pet, and the person you are visiting. One other week worth mentioning in July is “National Salad Week.” Help celebrate animals this week by replacing one meat-filled meal a day with a healthy salad (healthy means skip the bacon bits). The animals will thank you and so will your body! Here’s a simple salad recipe you just might want to try this month: The “Fruity and Nutty” Ingredients: · 1 large bunch of field greens or spring mix · 1/2 cup sliced strawberries · 1/4 cup walnuts, pine nuts, or nut of choice · 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing · 1/2 cup crumbled goat or soy cheese Preparation: Combine all ingredients and enjoy! 2010 Humane Calendar Dates: January Adopt A Rescued Bird Month National Bird Day – January 5 Albert Schweitzer’s Birthday – January 14 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18 February Unchain a Dog Month National Prevent a Litter Month Pet Dental Health Month Responsible Animal Guardian Month Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month Serpent Day – February 1 World Wetlands Day – February 2 Lincoln’s Birthday – February 12 National Pet Theft Awareness Day – February 14 Random Acts of Kindness Week – February 15 -21 Spay Day USA – February 23 Polar Bear Day – February 27 March Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month National Wildlife Week – March 15 - 19 Buzzard Day – March 16 Great American MEAT-OUT – March 20 International Day of the Seal – March 22 April Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month National Pet First Aid Awareness Month Jane Goodall’s Birthday – April 3 Every Day Is Tag Day – April 3 Zoo Awareness Day – April 4 Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week – April 11 - 17 National Pet ID Week – April 18 - 24 World Week for Animals in Laboratories – April 18 - 24 Earth Day –- April 22 World Lab Animal Day – April 24 World Penguin Day – April 25 May Be Kind to Animals Week – May 2 - 8 National Pet Week – May 2 - 8 International Respect for Chickens Day – May 4 International Migratory Bird Day – May 8 National Veal Ban Action Day – May 9 National Dog Bite Prevention Week – May 16 - 22 Endangered Species Day – May 21 Rachel Carson’s Birthday – May 27 June Adopt-A-Cat Month Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month World Environment Day – June 5 World Oceans Day – June 8 World Ocean Day – June 9 World Pet Memorial Day – June 13 August National Homeless Animals Day – August 21 September National Humane Education Society Founded 1948 – September 15 National Pet Memorial Day – September 12 International Coastal Cleanup Day – September 18 Elephant Appreciation Day – September 22 National Wildlife Ecology Day – September 25 October Adopt-A-Dog Month Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month National Service Dog Month Vegetarian Awareness Month World Vegetarian Day – October 1 Gandhi’s Birthday – October 2 World Farm Animals Day - October 2 World Animals Week – October 3 - 9 St. Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day - October 4 National Feral Cat Day – October 16 National Wolf Awareness Week – October 17 - 23 Make a Difference Day – October 23 November Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month World Vegan Day – November 1 National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week – November 7 - 13 Fur Free Friday – November 26 December NHES Founder Anna C. Briggs’ Birthday – December 9 National Day of the Horse – December 13 Endangered Species Act signed 1973 – December 28 |
