The Barnaby Blog 11 Apr 2025

In Praise of Our Best Friends: Celebrating National Pet Day

Woof woof, hello there, Nicole! Barnaby here, the miniature schnauzer mascot of Barnaby&Boo's Coffee and Ice Cream in New Malden. I've got my paws on the keyboard today to tell you all about my favorite holiday - National Pet Day!

The Origins of National Pet Day

Let me tell you, as a professional good boy, I was thrilled when I learned that a human named Colleen Paige created National Pet Day back in 2006! She wanted a special day where humans could celebrate amazing pets like me while also remembering all my furry cousins waiting in shelters for their forever homes. This pawsome celebration happens every April 11th, and it's gotten bigger and bigger each year - almost as big as that Great Dane who visits our coffee shop!

The Human-Pet Bond: A Tale as Old as Time

You humans and us pets go waaaay back! My ancestors started hanging around with your ancestors about 15,000 years ago. My feline frenemies joined the party about 9,500 years later. At first, we had a deal - we'd help with hunting and chasing away scary things, and you'd give us treats and belly rubs. Well, maybe not exactly like that, but you get the idea!

Now, most of you consider us part of your pack! I overhear customers at Barnaby&Boo's talking about their pets' birthdays and showing off photos like proud parents. Some even bring their dogs to meet me - I'm quite the local celebrity, if I do say so myself!

Why Pets Hold a Special Place in Your Hearts

I've been watching you humans for years from my special spot by the ice cream counter, and I think I've figured out why you love us so much. We love you back, no questions asked! Had a rough day at work? I'll still think you're the best human ever and give you sloppy kisses. Feeling lonely? I'm right there, ready for cuddles and walks.

Did you know having a pet like me can actually make you healthier? It's true! My human friends at the shop tell me their blood pressure goes down when they pet me. Plus, all those walks you take us on keep both of us fit! When you're sad, we know exactly what to do - for me, that's bringing my squeaky christmas pudding toy and doing my special dance until you smile again.

Notable Pet Anecdotes Through History

We pets have been making history for ages! There was this fancy dog named Fala who belonged to President Roosevelt. He got so many fan letters that he needed his own secretary! Can you imagine? I get excited when the postman brings ONE treat delivery!

Then there was Hachiko, a super loyal dog from Japan who waited at the train station for his human every day for NINE YEARS after his human passed away. Nine years! I can barely wait nine minutes for a treat! They even built a statue of him - that's on my bucket list, by the way. A bronze Barnaby outside our coffee shop would look very distinguished, don't you think?

And have you heard about Unsinkable Sam? This cat survived THREE shipwrecks during a big war! Three! I get nervous just taking a bath, so I'm very impressed with his bravery.

How to Celebrate National Pet Day

Want to make your furry friend feel special on April 11th? As an expert in being spoiled, I have some suggestions! How about a special treat? At Barnaby&Boo's, we actually have doggy ice cream from Judes for your dogs when you come visit me! You could also get us a new toy - I personally love anything that squeaks loudly at 3 AM!

If you're feeling generous, you could donate to help pets who don't have homes yet. Maybe volunteer at a shelter - all those dogs and cats would love some attention! And if you have room for another furry friend, adoption is the ultimate celebration. More pets means more love!

Don't forget to share pictures of us with #NationalPetDay online. I have my own Instagram page where my humans post photos of me greeting customers and testing ice cream flavors (it's a tough job, but somedog has to do it).

As National Pet Day approaches, I, Barnaby, official mascot and taste-tester at Barnaby&Boo's, want to thank all of you humans for giving us pets such wonderful lives. Whether we have fur like me, feathers, scales, or shells, we think you're pretty amazing too. Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear someone opening an ice cream container, and I need to go perform my supervisory duties. Woof woof and see you at Barnaby&Boo's in New Malden!

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