Today is International Dog Day, marked on this day every year to draw attention to the plight of canines around the world and encouraging adoption.

There are several ways you can help celebrate. You could make a donation to rescue centres for dogs. You could also volunteer with organisations that are working towards the cause of dogs, including joining dog walking groups for those who maybe can't do it themselves for health reasons.

If you are planning to get a pet dog, then international Dog Day is symbolically the best day to do so.

Also, when you are looking for a dog as a companion, the message is “adopt, not shop”. This helps discourage breed discrimination, and when you adopt a dog from a shelter, another dog takes its place. So, you will actually save two lives.

To help join in the occasion, we would love to see your furry family members.

You can send your photos here or email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk