My coworker threw me a bone this week and informed me that there was a national holiday next week that caters to dogs, the greatest of all pets.

This Monday marks National Dog Day, a tail-wagging good time that’s celebrated annually on Aug. 26. I had not heard of this holiday until yesterday. But I’m more than happy for an opportunity to put pooches in the spotlight.

According to nationaldogday.com, the celebration was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an animal advocate and pet and family lifestyle expert. She also founded National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day — all to bring attention to the plight of animals and encourage adoption.

Aug. 26 is also significant for Paige, since it’s the date her family adopted her first dog, “Sheltie,” when Paige was 10 years old.

“Our mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort,” according to nationaldogday.com.

“Dogs put their lives on the line every day,” the website reads, “for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage, now they’re detecting cancer and seizures … things even humans cannot do.”

This organization encourages those seeking man’s best friend to first consider adoption. Even for potential owners that prefer a purebred dog, look for a local pure breed rescue, or find a large chain pet store that hosts adoption drives for local shelters and rescues.

As Paige describes on the website, millions of dogs are killed each year simply because they’re not wanted.

“All a dog wants to do is love you and be loved by you,” Paige states on the website. “Dogs are amazing, courageous, sensitive and sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect.

“Please consider bringing what was once considered ‘unwanted love,’ into your heart and home on National Dog Day!”

Contact the Suffolk Humane Society at 538-3030 to see if there’s a dog to which you can provide a good home, or visit suffolkhumanesociety.com for information on upcoming events.