For International Dog Day (Friday, August 26) we’re putting the spotlight on your beloved family pets to celebrate all of the happiness those perfect pooches bring to your life.
Founded in 2004, the awareness day celebrates dogs of all breeds and shines a light on those across the globe who still need to be adopted or re-homed.
Ahead of International Dog Day’s arrival this weekend, we called on North East families to share their own photographs and messages in honour of their animals.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how much happiness, love and warmth pets bring into our homes.
Thank you to everyone who contributed a photo – we’re just sorry we can’t share them all!
Ahead of International Dog Day’s arrival this weekend, we called on North East families to share their own photographs and messages in honour of their animals.
![Tess and Elsa the Rottweilers and Dora the Boston Terrier cuddle up for an International Dog Day picture.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjNkMmFmY2QxLWI3MDAtNGVlYS05YzdhLWMxNDBkOWVlYTQxZjo0NjE2ZjhkNy0yNTRjLTQ3MDUtYmZiMS1lYTA3NDQwNWY2ZmE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Here come the girls
Tess and Elsa the Rottweilers and Dora the Boston Terrier cuddle up for an International Dog Day picture. Photo: Michelle Clark
![Three-year-old Mindy is an assistance dog - thank you for your service, Mindy. We salute you on International Dog Day.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjRjZWE2MzA0LTc5NDEtNDBkNC05NmVlLTY1YWQ4OTIyMzk2MTo0MTgzMjJmNy1jNzA0LTQ4NjEtODAwNy0wYTVlYmNjMzBiZjY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Here to help
Three-year-old Mindy is an assistance dog - thank you for your service, Mindy. We salute you on International Dog Day. Photo: Jodie Williams
![Peek-a-boo! Alfie has some fun in the long grass for International Dog Day. We can see you Alfie!](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmY1ZWY4YzNjLWViMmItNGJlMy1iMmYxLWIyY2MwZmE5MzQ0NTplNDIwNmViZi03M2Y0LTQwZGEtOGUxMi00YWMzMDAyMDY1ZTM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. Spot the dog
Peek-a-boo! Alfie has some fun in the long grass for International Dog Day. We can see you Alfie! Photo: Tracey Newham
![Cuddles for Lilly on International Dog Day. She knows she's cute!](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmNhZTdlZDM4LWM0NGQtNGVjYy05N2FlLWU3N2NjMzhkMTIxOTo4MjdhMTY1NC05MzYwLTQyNjEtYjQ1Mi1iZmUwYzIwMTI4ODU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. Time to play?
Cuddles for Lilly on International Dog Day. She knows she's cute! Photo: Fi Angela