According to the North Shore Animal League, people who rescue dogs often don’t know their pet’s real birthday. We were lucky in that respect. When we picked up Buff, our cocker spaniel/golden retriever/beagle mix at the Small Dog Rescue in Princeton, NJ, some seven years ago, he came complete with his vet records. These records included Buff’s birthday–March 1, 1996. Needless to say, my daughters still make a big deal for Buff (curled up for a nap, below), with lots of treats and perhaps a new Nylabone, whenever March 1st rolls around.

For those who don’t know their pet’s actual birthday but want to celebrate nonetheless, the North Shore Animal League America has deemed the first day of the eighth month of 2009 (August 1–today!) as DOGust the 1st, a universal birthday for shelter and rescued dogs everywhere.

If you’re one of these pet owners looking for a universal day to celebrate your pet’s birthday, check this out: you can get DOGust the 1st online greeting cards featuring an original song, “Happy Birthday, Doggie Dear.” You can also order a creatively-themed doggie gift box from sponsor ARFdog that says “I love you” in a unique way, or coax a big kiss from your four-legged best friend with a birthday bouquet from www.1800flowers.com. (You can save 10% by ordering with Promotion Code NSAL with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Animal League.)

If you happen to live near the Animal League’s Port Washington, New York headquarters (that’s on Long Island), you may want to trot over to the DOGust the 1st family fun day today. There will be a Pet Health Fair, kids’ activities, adoptable animals and a special DOGust the 1st birthday cake under a country-fair tent. The Animal League, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, will be offering canine health and wellness information through demonstrations, “Ask the Experts” sessions, and special services at its own Pet Health Center. Among the experts who will be on hand will be celebrity dentist Dr. Jennifer Jablow and dog stylist Jorge Bendersky, from Animal Planet’s Groomer Has It.

Too bad Buff and I can’t make it to what sounds like it’s going to be a great day. Also keep in mind: there are thousands of animal-rescue groups around the country, which you can locate by visiting the Petfinder website. That’s how we found Buff. Please: if you’re in the market for a new dog, don’t visit a breeder and spend big bucks on your new buddy. Instead, save the money and give a rescued dog a loving home.