Every year on May 20th, we celebrate National Rescue Dog Day, a day that shines a light on the countless incredible dogs waiting in shelters and rescues for their second chance, their forever family, and their happily ever after. As someone who has had her heart changed and healed by rescue dogs more times than I can count, I can tell you firsthand, adopting a rescue dog will change your life, all for the better.
And yes, there may be poop involved. But it’s worth it, I promise.
Why Rescue Dogs Deserve the Spotlight
There’s a myth that rescue dogs are damaged, difficult, or less than. I’m here to bust that BS wide open. Rescue dogs are like all other dogs. They’re goofy, gentle, loving, and often incredibly resilient even when they shouldn’t have to be. Some have been through things no dog ever deserves, and while some may require additional patience, care, and time to adjust, it’s all part of the forever love they’re eager to give and receive.
Adopting a rescue dog means saying yes to love, to healing, and to rewriting a story that could have ended in heartbreak.
Meet the Rescue Behind Our Heart: Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ
I’ve talked about them before and I’ll keep singing their praises forever. Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ is the rescue that brought Meatball and Petunia into our lives.
Meatball, our current snuggle boss and official Cogs Dogs taste tester, was adopted from this rescue after we fostered him for a month. I didn’t know it then but adopting him has changed my life for the better. He’s made me a better person, a better dog mom, and overall a happier person. He’s the most incredible dog and I’m forever grateful for him and for his rescue for saving him.
And then there’s Petunia, a six-year-old Frenchie who spent her whole life being used for breeding. She was terrified of the world when we first met but slowly started discovering that it wasn’t so scary after all. She’s now living her best life with a beautiful family who adores her, and I cry every time I think about her journey and how far she has come.
Without Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ, these stories wouldn’t exist. These dogs wouldn’t exist. This rescue works tirelessly to save, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs who have nowhere else to turn, and have a focus on the bully breeds, who we absolutely love.
Learn more or adopt from Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ here
Adoptable Dogs Who Need You and Will Love You Forever
Want to make this National Rescue Dog Day unforgettable? Meet a few pups from Bullies-N-Beyond who are still waiting for their forever homes:
Luna
Luna is a sweet girl and is the total package, playful, affectionate, and smart as a whip. She’s ready to be someone’s new shadow and adventure buddy. If you’re looking for a dog who’ll be your ride or die and cuddle on the couch, Luna’s your gal. Whoever adopts her has to promise to continue playdates with her boyfriend Meatball. 😊
Wonder
Wonder lives up to his name. He’s curious, gentle, and so eager to love. He may be blind but he hears and smells the world just fine. He’s sweet as ever and deserves a forever family.
Kai
Kai has beautiful, soulful eyes and a heart full of love. He’s been waiting far too long, and he deserves a home where he can feel safe, seen, and celebrated every day.
If You Can’t Adopt, Here’s How You Can Still Help
Not everyone can adopt and that’s okay. You can still make a difference in a rescue dog’s life by:
• Fostering, even short-term fosters save lives
• Volunteering at your local rescue or shelter
• Donating money, supplies, or even your birthday to a fundraiser
• Sharing adoptable dogs on your social media
• Using your platform to advocate for rescue dogs
• Do NOT support backyard breeders or puppy mills (or pet stores who support these)
At Cogs Dogs, Rescue Is at the Heart of Everything We Do
Our mission has always been about more than just dog-themed t-shirts and treats, although let’s be real, those are great too. We’re here to make a difference. That’s why we foster, volunteer, donate, and use every opportunity to lift up the voices of those who can’t speak for themselves, dogs in need of a second chance.
Because every rescue story matters. Every dog deserves love. And every wagging tail is proof that second chances work.
Final Thoughts and Maybe Some Tears
Rescue dogs may sometimes have a sad beginning or need additional care, but they come with soul. They come with resilience. And they come with an unlimited supply of love, the kind that fixes things inside of you that you didn’t even know were broken.
So, on this National Rescue Dog Day, I hope you’ll consider opening your heart and maybe your home to a dog in need. Trust me, you’ll never regret it, because who can regret love?!
With love & pawsitivity,
Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom