July Fourth is the perfect time to celebrate and spend time with family, friends, and of course … your pets. We’re getting into the Independence Day spirit at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa, and can’t wait to host overnight guests while their families are traveling.

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind families about the dangers of fireworks and holiday celebrations, and how to keep your dog safe and healthy. Take a minute to read our Top Tips for Dogs, Fireworks & the Fourth of July.

In addition, we wanted to provide you with your daily dose of cuteness in honor of Independence Day. We’ve collected some awesome links to holiday-themed photographs, articles and videos that highlight adorable dogs and owners. We’ve also included links to some great organizations that support dogs in service to veterans.

We wish you a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!

What’s In A Name?

If you’re looking for a patriotic name for your dog – or you just want to see what other pet owners have named their dogs – check out this list of possibilities. Spoiler alert: lots of dogs have been named after presidents.

All-American Dogs

While many of the dog breeds we know and enjoy today originated in other countries, there are a number of AKC registered breeds which were developed on American soil, and each has its own unique history and heritage. Find out more on the American Kennel Club website.

Decked Out Dogs

Who doesn’t love a good dog photo? Here is a gallery of 30 patriotic dogs getting into the spirit of the Fourth of July. Yes, they’ll make you smile.

Patriotic PAWS

Patriot PAWS is a nonprofit organization that trains and provides service dogs at no cost to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to help restore their physical and emotional independence. The Texas Country Reporter filmed a 2015 segment on Patriot PAWS so you can get an “inside” look at how they train service dogs with the help of prison inmates. Watch four veterans go through their daily routine with the female inmate trainers in Gatesville as they prepare for graduation.

Patriotic Service Dog Foundation

Patriotic Service Dog Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on serving our military and first responder veterans by raising awareness for their needs and providing Service Dogs to those who may benefit from long-term mental and physical assistance. They match wounded veterans with highly trained and skilled Service Dogs that allow their new partners to become more independent, self-confident, and comfortable with life outside of the military/law enforcement. Read their success stories here.

Pets for Patriots

Pets for Patriots helps United States military veterans adopt a new pet friend while giving the most overlooked shelter dogs and cats hope and a home. To promote the human-animal bond and reduce the chance of adopted animals being surrendered to shelters, Pets for Patriots provides veterans with various benefits to make pet guardianship more affordable over the life of the pet, including ‘welcome home’ contributions for pet food and other essentials, access to high-quality, discounted veterinary care, and discounts on a range of pet-related goods and services. See videos and read success stories here.

Patriotic Puppies

This YouTube video is compilation of photos set to patriotic music and shows pups dressed up and showing off their red, white and blue.