North Shore Animal League To Host Rescue Dog Birthday Celebration

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Aug. 1 is more than just the start of the last month before school starts — it's DOGust 1st, the universal birthday for all rescue dogs. And this year, North Shore Animal League America is celebrating all rescue pups with an invite-only birthday party.

Since the actual dates of birth for most rescued dogs are unknown, the animal league in 2008 created DOGust 1st to celebrate rescue dogs who've been adopted and those still in shelters awaiting loving homes.

The coronavirus pandemic won't stop the celebration these pups deserve.

This DOGust 1st, the organization is teaming up with Swiffer to host an invite-only birthday party for potential adopters who have scheduled appointments with the organization's adoption center. The festivities will take place Saturday at the Don & Karen LaRocca Dog Park at the animal league's Port Washington location from noon to 2:00 p.m. Social distancing will be maintained as the dogs romp around the yard, cool off in the kiddie pool and enjoy pup-friendly cupcakes shared among both canines and human attendees.

Dog-owners, rescue-supporters and others can participate in the celebration through social media. For each person who posts a photo of their own rescue pup using the hashtag #SwifferDOGust, Swiffer will donate $10 to the animal organization, up to $10,000.

In addition, throughout the entire weekend beginning on Friday, all adopters of rescue dogs and cats will receive a coupon courtesy of Swiffer.

Swiffer will also celebrate DOGust for the entire month of August, offering a downloadable Swiffer Birthday Kit to promote adoption and to help dog-owners host rescue-pup themed parties of their own.

All adoptions at the animal organization will be by appointment amid the pandemic. Those interested in adopting should visit the group's website to complete online inquiry forms and to view animals still looking for a home. Adoption counselors will respond to online inquiries directly and conduct all subsequent communications virtually. All parties are required to wear masks at scheduled adoption appointments in-person. The number of people allowed inside the adoption center is limited to ensure social distancing.