08/26/2026
Sometimes, the angels have four paws. 🐾❤️
Today is National Dog Day.
And somehow, this year, it feels a little different.
After losing Dolly Parton yesterday, I found myself thinking about the story of her beloved Boston Terrier, Popeye.
Dolly once shared that during one of the darkest periods of her life, when she was struggling deeply, Popeye came running up the stairs. The sound of his little paws brought her back to the moment. She later said she believed Popeye was a spiritual messenger from God.
I don't know about you, but I think dogs have a way of doing that.
They don't need to understand our grief.
They don't need to know what we're thinking.
They just… show up.
They put their head in our lap.
They lean against us.
They make us get out of bed.
They remind us that we are needed.
And sometimes, those little paws carry a whole lot more weight than they could ever know.
My own pup had to put in some extra work today. ❤️🐾
So on this National Dog Day, I'm thinking about Popeye. About Dolly. About every dog who has ever stayed close when their person needed them most.
To the dogs who comfort us, protect us, make us laugh, and sometimes quite literally help us find our way back to the light…
Thank you.
Happy National Dog Day.
Give your dog an extra hug today. They may be doing more for you than you realize. ❤️🐾