Mary Cramer and her puppy, Jamie, will celebrate National Dog Day on Monday with a special treat and possibly a trip to the pool.
National Dog Day, observed annually on August 26, aims to raise awareness about the many dogs in need of new homes and to celebrate the special bond between humans and their canine companions.
Following the passing of her husband and golden retriever at the end of 2023, Cramer felt she needed a new focus. When she saw Jamie’s photo on the Central Missouri Humane Society website, she was immediately drawn to him and decided to meet him in person.
"He looked too adorable; his eye makeup was just fantastic," Cramer said. "When I met him, I sat on the floor, and he came right over and settled in my lap."
Jamie is a unique blend of Australian cattle dog and beagle, a combination confirmed by a DNA test, according to Cramer.
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"He barks like an Aussie, has Aussie-like ears, and herds like an Aussie," she said. "His coloring is beagle, but his outlook on life is all Aussie."
Born in May 2023, Jamie is still a playful puppy, which explains his quirky behavior and curiosity about the world.
"Everything is just amazing to him," Cramer noted.
Since adopting Jamie, he has been a wonderful companion for Cramer. She values Columbia’s dog-friendly environment and regularly takes Jamie for walks on trails and visits to dog parks. Jamie happily wags his tail at greetings from passersby and loves to run energetically with other dogs for up to an hour.
"Dogs are wonderful companions, and they really make a significant difference in our lives," Cramer said.
Also joining the celebration are Robert Henderson and his 9-year-old labradoodle, Sancho.
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“We have such a close bond and understand each other so well,” Henderson said.
Henderson and his labradoodle, Sancho, are currently making their way back from a cross-country road trip from New York to California. Henderson, who had previously made a similar trip 12 years ago on a motorcycle, is now driving a car to better accommodate Sancho.
The duo has enjoyed several travel adventures together. On one memorable occasion, they flew to Florida to witness Henderson’s friend launch into space.
“He might have been the only dog there—and possibly the only dog ever—to watch a space launch,” Henderson said.
For Sancho’s birthday in July, Henderson took him to the Rocky Mountains where they played frisbee and enjoyed some ice cream. Henderson plans to celebrate National Dog Day with another special treat for Sancho.