National Dog Day

National Dog Day (August 26th) is a time to celebrate the loyal, loving, and often extraordinary canine companions who enrich our lives. We were blown away by the response to our photo contest on Facebook, and every single submission reminded us just how special dogs are!
While every pup deserves a gold medal, there can only be one contest winner—and this year, the crown goes to a resilient and remarkable Australian Shepherd namedBindy!

Meet Bindy: A Story of Survival and Sign Language

Bindy is a beautiful 5-year-old Australian Shepherd whose journey is a powerful testament to the healing power of love and determination.

A Rough Start

Bindy’s life began with hardship. At just eight months old, she and her sister were sadly dumped by their previous owner and rescued by a shelter where her current mom worked. They arrived covered in fleas and ticks, and Bindy had sustained a horrific injury:
"I had also unfortunately been caught in a snare trap and had managed to get my foot out."

The shelter thought Bindy would lose her leg. However, her mom and dad saw a glimmer of hope—the foot was still pink, and she was trying to put weight on it. They fought to save her limb, and thanks to their perseverance, Bindy is now just fine!

The Double Merle Difference

Bindy carries a special secret: she is deaf .

This is due to being a double Merle, a genetic condition often resulting from unethical breeding practices. When people try to talk to her, her parents simply explain: "Her ears are just for decoration!"

Since Bindy's mom is a professional dog trainer, the two had to learn together. Bindy became her mom's unexpected curve ball, forcing them both to adapt. Now, Bindy knows all of her commands through sign language and even wears an E-collar that vibrates, allowing her to run freely with her five canine siblings!

"I even get to go with Dad to the farm like the other dogs because they never let my disability decide that I had a disability!"
Bindy is living proof that a physical challenge does not define a dog's capability or joy.

National Dog Day Celebrations

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos of their amazing dogs! The response was truly outstanding, showcasing the love and loyalty that makes the human-dog bond so strong.
While we couldn't feature every picture here, all of the adorable submissions are featured in the Fall 2025 issue of the Destination Pratt magazine.

Want to see all the contenders?