International Stray Dog Day

Iternational Stray Dog Day
July 27th, 2026

International Stray Dog Day – One Cause That Hits Me Right in the Heart

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 252

There are a lot of “National Days” and “International Days” on the calendar these days. Some are fun. Some are a little goofy. But today, International Stray Dog Day, is one that actually means something to me.

If you know me personally, you already know this isn’t just another charity we support. This is personal.

Over the years I have rescued more dogs than I can count. Some were abandoned. Some were injured. Some were starving. A few simply wandered into my life and decided they weren’t leaving. Funny how that works.

You can tell a lot about people by the way they treat animals. I have always believed that.

Living here in Costa Rica is paradise. We have incredible beaches, beautiful sunsets, amazing people, and a lifestyle that most people only dream about. But paradise has its challenges too. One of the biggest is the number of stray dogs that need help.

The good news? This community has a huge heart.

What started out as me simply trying to help a few dogs has grown into something much bigger. Through Tank Tops Flip Flops and Tres Amigos Realty Group, we’ve been fortunate enough to support local rescue efforts, sponsor spay and neuter clinics, provide medical care, and help countless dogs find loving homes.

And every single time we think we’ve made a dent… another litter shows up.

That’s why spay and neuter is so important.

People always ask me what the biggest need is. Food helps. Donations help. Volunteers help. They all matter. But if we really want to make a long-term difference, we have to reduce the number of unwanted puppies being born in the first place.

It isn’t glamorous.

There are no cute Facebook pictures when you’re paying for surgeries.

But it works.

Every dog that gets spayed or neutered means fewer homeless animals next year. It’s that simple.

I also want to say THANK YOU.

To everyone who has bought a Tank Tops Flip Flops shirt…

To everyone who has donated…

To everyone who has fostered a dog, adopted one, shared one of our rescue posts, or stopped to help an animal on the side of the road…

You are making a difference whether you realize it or not.

You have literally helped save lives.

If you’re thinking about bringing a dog into your family, please do me one favor…

Adopt. Don’t buy.

There are incredible dogs sitting in rescues right now that would become the most loyal friend you’ve ever had. They just need someone to give them a chance.

So… What Is International Stray Dog Day?

International Stray Dog Day is observed every year on July 27 to bring attention to the millions of homeless dogs living on the streets around the world. It reminds us that every dog deserves food, shelter, medical care, and a family to love them.

It also shines a spotlight on the organizations and volunteers who dedicate countless hours rescuing animals, promoting adoption, and supporting spay and neuter programs that help prevent the problem before it starts.

One person can’t save every dog.

But every one of us can save one.

Want to Help?

Our rescue work and our spay and neuter clinics are ongoing, and there is always room for another animal lover to join the team.

If you’ve ever wondered how you could help—whether it’s volunteering, donating, fostering, adopting, sponsoring a surgery, or simply learning more about what we’re doing here in Guanacaste—I would love to talk with you.

Please contact me and I’ll show you how you can help.

Together, we can give a few more dogs the life they deserve.

Pura Vida.

I want to personally thank Christie for always taking care of my beautiful animals.  She is the best groomer in Costa Rica.  If you want to give her some love check out her Facebook page Happy Pets

Come on Down Baby!

Michael Simons