Today is the day to take that big hunk ‘o fur you call Spike, Fido, Mercutio or Fif and hug him (or her), tell him how much you love him, and be grateful for the loving companion you’ve got in your life. That’s right, I’m talking about National Dog Day!

To celebrate your pooch today, here are some ideas. Feel free to post your own or to share how you celebrated National Dog Day!

• Play with your dog. Take him out running or hiking with you, go play at a dog park, toss a Frisbee, or just wrestle with him in the floor. Have fun with him!
• Buy him a treat he’ll love. Is he due for a new squeaky toy? How about a bone, or some yummy treats? The next time he gives you “puppy dog eyes,” give him something he will really enjoy.
• Catch up your canine companion on his shots and medical visits. If you haven’t seen a vet in a while, there’s no better time than the present. Give him the gift of great health. Sure, he might think you’re torturing him, but you know you’re really being a loving pet owner by helping him stay his healthiest.
• Book your pet a spa day. Get him nice and clean, have his nails taken care of, his teeth brushed, and the whole ball of wax. He’ll feel better having all of that hair trimmed and you’ll feel better not having to clean up so much fur!
• Spay or neuter your pup. This helps prevent homeless puppies that you—or whomever would end up with them—may not be able to care for. Learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering, the effects of unwanted puppy litters, and a bill to make neutering into a law here.
• Let him sleep at the foot of your bed. You may already do this, but if you don’t, let him have a sleepover with you. Maybe you can watch Milo and Otis or Homeward Bound together! (I have a friend whose dog loves Milo and Otis.)
• If you don’t have a dog, volunteer at the local pound or animal rescue center to help care for the dogs. You could spend time with them, take them for walks or bathe them. If you don’t have the time to volunteer, you could always make a donation as well. Money, toys, food, and supplies are always welcome!