Did you know that February 9th to the 15th is Random Acts of Kindness Week? What a fantastic excuse to spread a little extra joy!

“The work to create a kinder world never ends,” said Laura Reiss, Kindness Matters 365 Founder. “Every day has the potential to impact someone’s life in a meaningful way. You can participate in the Random Acts of Kindness movement by showing appreciation through simple gestures. Do an act of kindness for a stranger, say ‘thank you,’ or smile! There is no limit on the amount of goodness we can put into the world if we all strive to do a little something to spread kindness each day.”

That got me thinking—what about extending this kindness to dogs? After all, they bring us so much joy and unconditional love. Here are a few easy ways to spread kindness to our four-legged friends:

1. Donate Supplies to a Local Shelter

Most shelters are always in need of food, bedding, collars, leashes, treats, and cleaning supplies. Occasionally, I’ll post on NextDoor so that neighbors can drop donations at my house, and then I load up my SUV and deliver everything to a shelter about 30 minutes away. It makes it easier for people to contribute, and together, we can make a bigger impact!

2. Help a Friend Walk Their Dog

If you know someone who is struggling to walk their dog—maybe due to a busy work schedule or a physical limitation—offer to help out. My dog, Gunnar, loves it when others join us on our walks, and it’s a simple way to lighten someone else’s load while making a pup’s day extra fun!

3. Make Homemade Dog Treats and Share

Whip up a batch of homemade dog treats and surprise your neighbors or friends with a little bag of goodies. Dogs love trying new treats, and their humans will appreciate the thoughtful gesture. Just be sure to include a list of ingredients in case of allergies. One of my favorite go-to places for easy recipes is SpoiledHounds.com!

4. Leave Out Water for Neighborhood Dogs

If you live in an area where people frequently walk their dogs, consider putting out a fresh bowl of water by your front porch. On hot days, it can be a lifesaver! You could even add a sign that says, “Thirsty? Help yourself!”

5. Share a Kind Word with a Fellow Dog Owner

Sometimes, a simple compliment can brighten someone’s day. If you see someone with their dog, take a moment to say, “Your dog is adorable!” or “I love how happy they look with you.” A kind word costs nothing but can mean everything.

Random Acts of Kindness Week is a great reminder that small, thoughtful actions can create ripples of goodness—whether for humans or our beloved dogs.

What are your favorite ways to spread kindness to dogs? I’d love to hear your ideas!