EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Wednesday is National Dog Day, as millions celebrate man's best friend.
During the pandemic, there has been an increase in animal fosters and adoptions. Famed dog enthusiast and television host Brandon McMillan says he hopes it stays that way.
"There's about one million dogs alone euthanized in shelters because they can't find homes," McMillan said. "Shelter dogs actually don't come with any more behavior issues than dogs bought from breeders."
Here are five things you need to know about McMillan and what's new this year on National Dog Day:
- Amazon's virtual "Pawsitive Impact" Wednesday event is hosted by McMillan, who will feature insight on how to be home with your dog during this pandemic.
- Experts have found that during this pandemic, having a dog can offer companionship when most people live alone, as they instill routine, provide purpose, offer more opportunities for exercise, and reduce blood pressure.
- McMillan opened a dog boarding and training facility outside Los Angeles in 2010. It was here he began his work training service and therapy dogs, and where he also became a dog trainer to the stars. Some of his clients include Andy Cohen, Don Cheadle, Ellen DeGeneres, James Caan, Hugh Hefner, Ronda Rousey, Chris Hardwick, Wolfgang Puck, and Kate Hudson.
- His father and uncle were both exotic animal trainers in the entertainment industry. As a child, McMillan was raised around a variety of wild animals, including big cats, bears, primates, wolves, birds of prey, and elephants.
- McMillan explained there's a big difference between shelter dogs and pure breeds, saying the common misconception is that shelter dogs are untrainable and come with so many health problems. "The health problems are often quite the opposite," he said. "A lot of shelter dogs are mutts and mutts are healthier than pure breed."
Amazon's virtual "Pawsitive Impact" event is going on now.