DEAR PET TALK: I just heard that Feb. 20, was “Love Your Pet” day, and I missed it! Are there other holidays for pets?
— CRAZY ABOUT PETS
DEAR CRAZY ABOUT PETS: Oh, not just holidays! Monthlong observations and weeklong events are on the calendar as well.
This month, here’s what’s coming up: K9 Veterans Day (March 13), National Animal Poison Prevention Week (March 15-21), National Puppy Day and Cuddly Kitten Day (March 23), Respect Your Cat Day (March 28) and Take a Walk in the Park Day (March 30).
And if you have a pet that’s not a cat or dog, mark the calendar for National Ferret Day (April 2), World Rat Day (April 4), World Hamster Day (April 12), Bird Day (May 9), and Turtle Day (May 23).
Why so many holidays? Companion pets are on the increase in every part of the developing world, and Market Research Future projects that “the Companion Animal Healthcare Market was estimated at $29.7 billion in 2024. The Companion Animal Healthcare industry is projected to grow from $31.9 billion in 2025 to $65.4 billion by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 7.44%.”
Yes, that’s a lot of pets, a lot of vet services, and a rise in the number of pet-sitting and “doggy day-care” business opportunities.
Honoring K9 Frankie
However, we will have a special dog in our hearts on Friday, March 13, K9 Veterans Day: Frankie, a K9 officer serving with the Massachusetts State Police.
According to reporter Danielle Ray of the Sentinel & Enterprise, “Frankie was shot on July 26, 2022, during an attempt to apprehend an armed suspect who had barricaded himself inside a residence in the city. Despite being transported by ambulance to Wachusett Animal Hospital in Westminster and life-saving measures administered, the 10-year-old Belgian Malinois unfortunately succumbed to his injuries with state police Sgt. David Stucenski, his handler, partner and best friend, by his side.”
Frankie was the first Massachusetts State Police K-9 killed in the line of duty and the first police K-9 in the state to receive emergency care under Nero’s Law, which is named for a Yarmouth Police Department K-9 wounded in 2018. Frankie served 9 years with the MSP and was highly decorated after answering hundreds of calls, including earning the Medal of Valor in 2017 with Stucenski.
Frankie’s service is honored with a statue in his likeness at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Visit us on Facebook and text questions to 978-320-1335.
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