According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year and many do not come out alive (ASPCA).

National Rescue Dog Day on May 20 is a perfect day to consider rescuing one of these unfortunate animals from a local shelter and making it your “furever” friend. You might consider a visit to Solano SPCA at 2200 Peabody Road in Vacaville or Solano County Animal Care at 2510 Claybank in Fairfield.

If you can’t actually adopt a dog, you might start the volunteer process, if you are over 18, so that you can help the dogs at these locations, or offer to take a neglected dog for a walk. Another way to celebrate this day is to buy gifts or provide other donations, like towels and treats, that a benefit these dogs.

National Rescue Dog Day reminds us that, although we can’t save all of the 3+ million dogs entering the shelters every year, we can help a few have a better life experience.