Have you heard BARK the news?

Yes it is, observed the last full week of September since 1928.

Writer, editor, and publisher William Lewis Judy was the week’s founder. In 1923 he bought Dog World Magazine, and was the publication’s publisher into the 1950’s. His mission in founding National Dog Week wasn’t to get people to take in more dogs, but to create more responsible dog owners.

To say Judy, a decorated Veteran, was passionate about dogs is an understatement.

“People own dogs for varied reasons. The reason is of small consequence; the important item is that the owners be worthy of their dogs. To your dog, you are a god. Do not do anything which destroys this delusion,” he wrote.

I love dogs. I love, love dogs.

The entire world loves dogs.

Perhaps no one gave a more beautiful explanation as to why the love of dogs is such a phenomenon than Judy. He wrote several editions of “Training the Dog.” A 1937 edition included the following.

Why the World Likes Dogs

The most unselfish living thing in the world is your dog. If you are in danger, your dog needs only to hear your cry of distress to rush to your aid, without thought of his own life, fearless of guns and enemies.

The most patient thing in the world is your dog, waiting for hours at the top of the stairs to hear the sound of your footsteps, never complaining however late you may be.

The most grateful thing in the world is your dog. Whatever you give him, whatever you do for him, he never is guilty of ingratitude. To him you are the most powerful personage in the world and beyond censure; you are your dog’s god; you can do no wrong.

The most friendly thing in the world is your dog. Of all the animal kingdom, he alone serves man without whip, without compulsion, glad to be by the side of his master wherever he may be, whatever he may do, and sad in heart when his master is away.

The most forgiving thing in the world is your dog. The one virtue most humans lack is forgiveness. But your dog carries no grudge and no spite. Punish him even undeservedly, and he comes to you, nudges his moist nose into your hand, looks up at you with pleading eyes, and wags his tail hesitatingly as tho to say, “Oh, come on, let’s be pals again.”

The most loyal thing in the world is your dog. Whether you come home from Congress or from jail, whether you have lost your fortune or made a million, whether you return dressed in fashion’s height or in rags, whether you have been hailed a hero or condemned as criminal, your dog is waiting for you with a welcoming bark of delight, a wagging tail and a heart that knows no guile.

The world likes dogs because dogs are nearest to moral perfection of all living things.