Photos: National Pet Day

WASHINGTON — April 11 is National Pet Day, an unofficial holiday to give your four-legged family members some extra love and attention.

The holiday was founded in 2006 by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate. It was created to celebrate all the happiness that pets can bring into homes but also to shine a spotlight on the plight of many types of animals in shelters all over the world.

Check out the photos of these adorable pets.

These two puppers -- Sandy and Scout -- are besties. (Maria Clements via Twitter) — These two puppers — Sandy and Scout — are besties. (Maria Clements via Twitter)

Penny looks less than thrilled to wind up in this photo gallery. (WTOP/Sarah Beth Hensley)

This dog is a real chick(en) magnet. (2RedheadsHere via Twitter)

This is Magellan, he wants to voice his strong disapproval to the notion that all pets have four legs. Some have two feet and can talk. Also, he'd like some lemonade. (Courtesy Klpbirds via Twitter) — This is Magellan, he wants to voice his strong disapproval to the notion that all pets have four legs. Some have two feet and can talk. Also, he’d like some lemonade. (Courtesy Klpbirds via Twitter)

This is Domino, hasn't seen your shoe but can get you another one if you'd like. He knows a guy. (Courtesy HarryEdwards via Twitter) — This is Domino, hasn’t seen your shoe but can get you another one if you’d like. He knows a guy. (Courtesy HarryEdwards via Twitter)

This is Ninja. Likes their coffee black. No cream. No sugar. Just black. Long day ahead. (Courtesy HarryEdwards via Twitter)

This is Basil, has something on its nose. Is it gone yet? (Courtesy black_tym via Twitter) — This is Basil, has something on its nose. Is it still there? (Courtesy black_tym via Twitter)

This is Bailey, the dog, and RJ, the cat. They've having an interesting discussion about all the books they've read. RJ thinks they might need a bigger shelf. (Courtesy TrinaTR via Twitter) — This is Bailey, the dog, and RJ, the cat. They’re having an interesting discussion about all the books they’ve read. RJ thinks they might need a bigger shelf. (Courtesy TrinaTR via Twitter)

This is Dez, knows a good shortcut if you take a left. (Courtesy PsiManSayz via Twitter)

This is Moxy, very excited to be sitting shotgun, wouldn't mind getting a chance to drive. (Courtesy Lisa Winston via Twitter) — This is Moxy, very excited to be sitting shotgun, wouldn’t mind getting a chance to drive. (Courtesy Lisa Winston via Twitter)

This is Sammy T. Dawg, his debut album drops in a couple of days. Thinks this photo should be the cover. (Courtesy TrinaTR via Twitter)

This is Gracie and Lola, as you can see they're living the ruff life. (Courtesy CourtCourt via Twitter) — This is Gracie and Lola, as you can see they’re living the ruff life. (Courtesy CourtCourt via Twitter)

This English Springer Spaniel wants to have a word when you have a second. (Courtes Joesmithactual via Twitter)

This WTOP Morning Writer Brandon Millman's cat Sydney, appears to have some laundry-related concerns. (WTOP/Brandon Millman) — This WTOP Morning Writer Brandon Millman’s cat Sydney, appears to have some laundry-related concerns. (WTOP/Brandon Millman)

This WTOP Digital Writer Jack Pointer's dog and cat, Scoots and Rho, who were quite comfortable on the ground, thank you very much. (WTOP/Jack Pointer) — This WTOP Digital Writer Jack Pointer’s dog and cat, Scoots and Rho, who were quite comfortable on the ground, thank you very much. (WTOP/Jack Pointer)

This is Charlie, he's WTOP Digital News Manager Jamie Forzato's dog. He is 4-years-old but doesn't feel a day over 3. Wouldn't mind having some cake though. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato) — This is Charlie, he’s WTOP Digital News Manager Jamie Forzato’s dog. He is 4-years-old but doesn’t feel a day over 3. Wouldn’t mind having some cake though. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)

This is Goose. He's the "nephew" of WTOP's assistant editor Anagha Srikanth. He appears to be dubious of being in a gallery that predominantly features dogs. (WTOP/Anagha Srikanth) — This is Goose. He’s the “nephew” of WTOP Assistant Editor Anagha Srikanth. He appears to be dubious of being in a gallery that predominantly features dogs. (WTOP/Anagha Srikanth)

This is Ruckys, he is WTOP's Digital Editor Colleen Kelleher's dog. He'd prefer his naps on his beagle pillow not be interrupted for web content purposes. (WTOP/Colleen Kelleher) — This is Ruckus, he is WTOP’s Digital Editor Colleen Kelleher’s dog. He’d prefer his naps on his beagle pillow not be interrupted for web content purposes. (WTOP/Colleen Kelleher)

This is Remy, he's WTOP's assistant editor Anna Isaacs' dog. Just happy to be here. (WTOP/Anna Isaacs) — This is Remy, he’s WTOP Assistant Editor Anna Isaacs’ dog. Just happy to be here. (WTOP/Anna Isaacs)

This is Coco, he is not thrilled about being in this photo gallery, thinks the captions are trying too hard to be like a very popular Twitter account's. (WTOP/Patrick Roth) — This is Coco. He is not thrilled about being in this photo gallery, thinks the captions are trying too hard to be like those belonging to a very popular dog rating account on Twitter. (WTOP/Patrick Roth)

This is K9 Kota, with the Takoma Park Police Department. The department tweeted out that he is a big fan of his kong, a training toy and loves "just being the most handsomest dog ever." He appears to be confused as to why anyone would even question that. (Courtesy Takoma Park Police Department via Twitter) — This is K9 Kota, with the Takoma Park Police Department. The department tweeted out that he is a big fan of his kong, a training toy and loves “just being the most handsomest dog ever.” He appears to be confused as to why anyone would even question that. (Courtesy Takoma Park Police Department via Twitter)

Today is National Pet Day! We appreciate our friends @FCACMD
Coincidently this week is also National Animal Control Appreciation Week. pic.twitter.com/GKV3uNEWCj
— Frederick Police (@Fred_MD_Police) April 11, 2018

(Courtesy Takoma Park Police Department via Twitter)

It's #NationalPetday! We want to see your loves!! Share you pics with us and tag #nationalpetdayloudoun pic.twitter.com/aYsUYZWGXO
— Loudoun Co. Sheriff (@LoudounSheriff) April 11, 2018