Life is better with dogs. Not only because they are adorable weirdos, but because they make their pet parents happier and healthier, and research proves it.
In 2016, dog subscription box company BarkBox released it’s first-ever dog study that found that 93% dog parents in the U.S. say their dog has made them a better person in at least one way.
For instance:
- Seven in ten (71%) dog parents say their pup has made them happier people, with nearly four in five saying it's easier to wake up in the morning because their dog greets them.
- About half of pup parents say their dog has made them more patient (54%), responsible (52%) or affectionate (47%).
- More than four in five (83%) say their dog has made them more active, with 72% saying their dog plays a role in their exercise decisions.
- In addition, dogs are the ultimate therapists with 85% of dog parents saying their dog has helped them get through a difficult time in their life.
Another study in 2018 in the UK (not BarkBox related) found that dog owners are more likely to volunteer, go on a dream holiday, and feel as though they have a purpose in life.
- 45% of dog parents said their pet is the main reason they exercise
- 31% claim that having a dog gives them a purpose in life.
These findings aren’t revolutionary or mind-blowing to those with pets, nor are they to psychologists.
Psychologist and author, Corinne Sweet, said: “The psychological and emotional benefits of pet ownership are well-known among mental health professionals. Having a close bond with a domestic animal can boost ‘feel good’ biochemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin; which can make owners feel more relaxed, calmer and happier at home.”
And these days, more and more Americans are on the pet parent train –– with 67% of US households having a pet compared to 56% in 1988.
Those pet parents are also spending a lot more on their pets. In 2018, $72.56 billion was spent on our pets in the U.S. That’s up from $42.2 billion just 10 years ago.
In many cases, young American adults are adopting dogs in their 20s and early 30s instead of having children.
“Pets are becoming a replacement for children,” Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University and author of ‘Generation Me,’ told the Washington Post. “They’re less expensive. You can get one even if you’re not ready to live with someone or get married, and they can still provide companionship.”
So, today, in honor of National Dog Day (which might as well be every day), we are here to shine a spotlight on some of our favorite celebrity pets (pets who are celebrities, not celebrity’s pets!), office dogs, and dogs who have crossed the rainbow bridge, but still live on through the work of the legacy projects their parents have launched.
8 Celebrity Dogs You Should Know About on National Dog Day
The following 8 dogs are ones that the Eterneva team has been lucky enough to either meet and/or meet their owner in honor of the dogs. We can vouch for each of them: not only as they celebrities in their own right, but they are down right sweet, cute, and worthy of all the praise!
- CHLOE THE MINI FRENCHIE.
We have to start with the dog that has touched so many people’s lives: Chloe The Mini Frenchie. Chloe died in 2017 due to “a medical error that shouldn’t have happened,” according to the vet.
Chloe’s mom, Loni Edwards, is the founder of The Dog Agency and PetCon, the world’s largest celebrity pet conference. In the wake of the tragedy, Loni has supported the Animal Legal Defense Fund in their quest to reclassify pets under federal law from property to legal personhood –– the same status corporations and ships have.
The following celebrity dogs are ones that attended PetCon 2019 in LA, many of whose parents donated to the ALDF.
2. The Kardoggians.
If you aren’t following the Kardoggians, how invested are you –– really –– in Instagram-famous dogs? This account has more than 160,000 followers, and is a huge supporter of #AdoptDontShop.
They even throw NYC fundraisers to raise money for Fospice –– a foster program for elderly dogs who are nearing the end of life.
A post shared by The Kardoggians (@the_kardoggians) on Jun 26, 2019 at 4:40pm PDT
On their page, you’ll find tons of pics of Derp, Kimchi, Cupid, and Chloe –– though Chloe has officially crossed that rainbow bridge. To honor her legacy, her mom is having her ashes turned into a diamond –– and documenting the process.
3. Bush’s Baked Bean dog, Duke.
It isn’t every day you get to see the Bush’s Baked Bean dog Duke in person –– and being the best boy there is.
Typically, we are all relegated to watching him on TV commercials and following him on Instagram –– where he shows off all of his fun adventures, like attending Lollapalooza!
A post shared by Duke Bush (@itsdukebush) on Aug 2, 2019 at 8:00am PDT
4. Bentley, the pom.
Bentley is the kind of dog that looks like a stuffed animal, and is therefore made for fame. His hair holds up his tiny glasses of all styles – and his suits fit snug.
He’s amassed nearly 60,000 Instagram followers, to whom he shows off his LA lifestyle.
A post shared by Bentley | Global Fashion Icon (@bentleythepom_la) on Jul 10, 2019 at 8:44am PDT
5. Harlow and Harper.
Harlow and Harper have amassed nearly 10,000 followers on Instagram, where they post about their rough start in life, and how much sweeter things have gotten!
A post shared by 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐑 Biewers (@harlow.n.harper) on Mar 9, 2019 at 8:59am PST
In general, the duo makes for double the cute, double the trouble.
6. Tiffany’s Diamond dogs.
Dubbed companions, models, and trick dogs, this devilishly cute threesome is rarely seen apart.
The Eterneva team got to catch a glimpse at PetCon LA 2019, but on their Instagram where they have almost 10,000 followers, this pack sticks together to earn their likes.
A post shared by 💎The Diamond Dogs💎 (@tiffanysdiamonddogs) on Aug 15, 2019 at 8:14pm PDT
7. 3 Colorful Yorkies.
These three colorful Yorkies live their lives as happy dolls –– dressing up in anything from princess to rockstar attire as they travel the world (though they call LA home!).
A post shared by ℝ𝕪𝕝𝕖𝕖 • ℤ𝕠𝕖𝕪 • 𝕂𝕪𝕣𝕒 (@3colorfulyorkies) on Aug 7, 2019 at 8:15am PDT
Who said you need to choose one personality and stick with it? These ladies serve up whatever attitudes fit the day.
8. Sasha and Yuna.
Sasha and Yuna are sisters from Las Vegas with over 1,000 followers. They often pose next to tiny little things –– of which they barely any bigger.
A post shared by Sasha and Yuna (@sashaandyuna) on February 15, 2019 at 7:12am PDT
When they are out and about, there is always a tiny purse around to carry all their tiny things.
7 Dog Angels Worth Celebrating on National Dog Day
The rainbow bridge is where all of our beloved dogs are headed –– whether they are pups now are nearing that bridge’s entrance. But a dog’s passing isn’t the last time their love, their presence, and their lives impact our own. We are forever changed by the dogs that become family.
Here are just a few of the 100+ pets which have been memorialized with memorial diamonds.
1. Miss Piggy.
Miss Piggy is office-famous over here at Eterneva. Her ashes have been used to create a .25 pink diamond for Jacob, Eterneva’s very first non-founder hire! Miss Piggy was his everything, seeing him through to meeting his wife, new jobs, and so much more.
Today, beyond the diamond, Miss Piggy’s memory shadow box graces Jacob’s desk –– where he often works with Taylor Swift, his Frenchie (Miss Piggy was a Boston Terrier)
2. Nemo.
Lauren was only 7 years old when she first got Nemo (she was in the 3rd grade!). Now at 26 years of age, Nemo has literally grown up with her for the past 19 YEARS!
From halter tops to crock-pots, it's truly amazing to see how a pet can experience and influence some of the most formative years of your life.
A post shared by Eterneva ♾ Ashes To Diamonds (@eterneva) on Aug 19, 2019 at 7:02am PDT
3. Ellie.
Sweet, happy-go-lucky, loyal and loving. Ellie was a beautiful dog who brought so much happiness to those lucky enough to know her and her owner, Joy. She loved to swim, and her favorite place in the world was swimming around the dock in Lake Austin.
Joy's little nephew, James, was particularly fond of Ellie and shared a special bond with her. A few weeks ago when he visited Joy he asked to see Ellie. Joy said, "Remember, she is in heaven, up in the sky," to which he responded, "I can't see her. I need sunglasses," as he looked and pointed towards the sky.
To this day, Joy's family still talks about Ellie and keeping her memory alive, and Joy carries her special girl with her in a beautiful necklace over her heart.
A post shared by Eterneva ♾ Ashes To Diamonds (@eterneva) on Mar 10, 2019 at 12:24pm PDT
4. Russ.
Russ is a beautiful red-nose pitbull, who found his forever home when his veterinarian mom, Jcoelyn, rescued him. For eleven years, he would never leave her side. Jocelyn had many animals, but Russ was special. Whenever he saw his Mom come home, he’d smile ear-to-ear.
Russ loved his blue ball (pictured), so Jocelyn chose blue for Russ’ diamond, because she felt he would have liked that. Russ created an absolutely show-stopping diamond - graded Internally Flawless (IF) clarity - which goes to show that beautiful pets make beautiful diamonds.
5. Marty.
Marty is Christine and Greg’s first child. They loved him endlessly! We had the honor of bringing him home last week and in Christines words: “Marty looks absolutely perfect! So happy to have him back.”
A post shared by Eterneva ♾ Ashes To Diamonds (@eterneva) on Jan 10, 2019 at 9:58am PST
6. Twinkle & Mimi.
This beloved duo were Sandeep & Gita’s first kids. They were unquestionable members of the family, and wonderful older siblings to the girls who came later. They adored their family and each other - they were never apart.
If Twinkle went somewhere, Mimi was flanking her side. Mimi was a princess of mischief who could be a handful at times, but always weaseled her way back into your good graces. Twinkle was wiser and calmer - a watchful eye over her humans and the glue that kept everyone upbeat and happy.
Twinkle and Mimi were family, so the Kesiraju’s chose to have their ashes turned into diamond pendants, so everyone in the family could wear their precious girls close to their heart.
A post shared by Eterneva ♾ Ashes To Diamonds (@eterneva) on Jan 6, 2019 at 2:08pm PST
7. Allie & Nattie.
Allie & Nattie finally came home! They are darling dogs who brightened the lives of their family so much, so they’ll continue to sparkle on through their bright yellow diamonds.
“I am in tears right now. I can’t wait to have this piece of my babies home with me. It certainly has been an emotional but rewarding journey,” said Eterneva Customer Stacy.
A post shared by Eterneva ♾ Ashes To Diamonds (@eterneva) on Jul 8, 2018 at 10:56am PDT
Conclusion
Want to help celebrate #NationalDogDay with pics of the pup that most changed your life for the better? Post it on social and tag @Eterneva, and we’ll help share it with the world.