Celebrating National Pet Day: Because Our Pets Deserve the Spotlight,Too

Every year on 11th April, animal lovers across the globe come together to celebrate National Pet Day, a day dedicated to honouring the furry, feathery, and scaly companions who bring so much joy to our lives. 

Whether you’ve got a loyal dog, a curious cat, a chatty parrot, or a laid-back lizard, National Pet Day is the perfect excuse to spoil your pet (even more than usual!).

Why Celebrate National Pet Day?

National Pet Day isn’t just about cuddles and cute Instagram posts (though we’re definitely here for those too!). It’s also a gentle reminder to appreciate the unconditional love and companionship pets give us. Studies have shown that animals can improve our mental health, reduce stress, and even help us live longer. Not bad for a housemate who never pays rent!

This day also raises awareness about the many animals still waiting in shelters for their forever homes. If you're not a pet parent (yet), National Pet Day is a great opportunity to consider adoption or support your local animal rescue centre.

Ways to Celebrate

Here are some heartwarming and fun ways to celebrate with your beloved pet:

Extra playtime – Whether it’s a game of fetch, a new scratching post, or some mental stimulation with puzzle toys, your pet will love the added attention.

Treats & goodies – Whip up some homemade pet treats or surprise them with a new toy. Just be sure any edible goodies are safe for your specific animal friend.

Photo session – Snap some adorable shots and share the love on social media using #NationalPetDay. (Bonus points for silly costumes or matching outfits.)

Cuddle up – Sometimes, the best way to celebrate is simply spending quality time with your pet. A cosy evening together on the sofa might be just what you both need.

Give back – Donate to an animal charity, volunteer at a shelter, or spread the word about adoptable animals. You can make a difference in another pet’s life too.

A Toast to Our Animal Companions

National Pet Day is a lovely excuse to pause and appreciate the quirky, cuddly creatures that fill our homes with laughter and love. Whether they’re curled up at your feet, chirping from a perch, or chewing on your favourite slippers (again), they make our lives better just by being in them.

So give your pet an extra ear scratch, treat, or cuddle. After all, they’ve earned it just by being themselves.

"Please Look After This Bear" A Heartwarming Christmas Rescue Gives Margaretta the Gift of Freedom

Messages to share kindness and goodwill are prominent as the world gears up for the festive season. 

One extraordinary tale of hope shines brighter than ever. 

Meet Margaretta (Retta), an ex-circus bear who spent years confined in a tiny cage, serving as a sad spectacle for visitors at a resort in Armenia.

 But this Christmas, as Aladdin Pantos grant wishes across the UK, we are pleased to share that Retta's wish has also been granted. Retta's life has been transformed. 

Thanks to an extraordinary rescue mission by International Animal Rescue (IAR) and its Armenian partners FPWC (Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets), Retta now roams freely for the first time in her life, a living testament to the power of compassion and the spirit of giving.

Retta's heartbreaking journey began in captivity, where she suffered for many years of neglect and isolation. Her cage, no larger than a concrete closet, became her entire world; with no opportunity to explore, play, or feel the earth's warmth beneath her paws, Retta's life was a shadow of what it should have been.

This changed when Animal Rescue and Conservation charity International Animal Rescue (IAR) and FPWC launched a daring rescue to free Retta from her cage and transport her to safety. 

Working tirelessly with local authorities and the police; the team navigated logistical challenges and harsh conditions to ensure Retta could begin a new chapter of life.

Now, Retta resides in the quarantine quarters of International Animal Rescue and FPWC's bear sanctuary, where she can finally live as nature intended. Once her period in quarantine ends, just after Christmas, she will be able to step onto soil for the first time, sniff the crisp air, and enjoy the winter sunlight, a life she never even knew existed.

International Animal Rescue's President, Alan Knight OBE, reflects on the mission: "Rescuing Retta was a monumental effort, but seeing her rediscover her instincts and joy will be worth every second. Her resilience inspires us to keep fighting for animals like her, who desperately need a second chance at a life worth living."

The timing of Retta's rescue couldn't be more poignant. As the world celebrates the release of Paddington in Peru, Retta's story echoes the famous bear's plea: "Please look after this bear." This holiday season, Retta reminds us that acts of kindness, big or small, can create miracles.

International Animal Rescue invites you to read more inspiring stories or support our bears at www.internationalanimalrescue.org.