No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.

The love between a dog and his/her owner is a special bond and millions of dogs all over the world play an important role in the lives of the families they live in.

Today - Friday 26 August - is International Dog Day, a chance to shower your best mate with a bit of extra love.

National Dog Day was established to shine a light on all breeds of dogs, pure or mixed breed. The day helps to gain public attention to the number of dogs that must be rescued on a yearly basis, from pure breed rescuers, rescues, and public shelters.

With around 61% of Australian pets being dogs, there are currently 5.5 million dogs being housed in family homes and in work situations across our nation.

Sadly, approximately 200,000 stray or surrendered dogs are admitted to shelters and municipal rescue facilities each year in Australia. Of the 200,000 dogs admitted to shelters, approximately 20% of them are euthanised.

The work of dogs all over the world cannot be underestimated whether it is keeping us safe working for emergency services to supporting people who are blind, deaf, or disabled, dogs do a lot for us humans so it’s a good reason to return the love.

How much is a good working dog worth? Meet White's Honey from White's Kelpie Stud near Nyngan.

There are dogs that protect our safety and freedom by drug and bomb detection, those dogs who work in accidents, search, and rescue in tragic situations, to working dogs who are the backbone of many farming properties and work tirelessly to please their master.

Today is about paying tribute to these incredible animals who work selflessly to bring comfort, keep us safe, and save lives. They are the one constant in our lives, and we would be lost without them.

More and more people are urged to look to rescue shelters for their next best mate and to give a dog a chance at a happy life in a secure home. After all they deserve it for what they give to man unconditionally.

Science backed research has shown that hugging your dog on a regular basis is healthy for you. It can relieve stress, build your immune system, and give you a better night’s sleep not to mention making your dog feel loved.

So, take a minute to spoil your dog today and give them a hug. We all love love.