Get ready to be overwhelmed with cuteness because March 23 is National Puppy Day, the most paw-some day of the year.

Established in 2006 by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert, National Puppy Day is a perfect excuse to celebrate our beloved furry friends.

For dog owners, this could mean longer cuddles, a few extra treats, and lots of belly rubs for their lovable fur babies. For dog lovers without pets of their own, scouring social media for dog-related content is the way to go.

Nowadays, even pups can dominate social media and have influencer status, complete with marketing discount codes, sponsored posts, and online pet celebrity crews. 

Meet the canine celebrities who’ve been cheering us up with their cuteness and antics.

Marutaro the Shiba (@marutaro)

First on the list is Marutaro, the lovable shiba inu from Japan. Shinijir Ono, Maru’s owner, originally started the account as a way to comfort fellow Japanese during the earthquake crisis in 2011. Now, Maru is one of the most popular dog accounts on Instagram with over 2.5 million followers.

Tuna the Chiweenie (@tunameltsmyheart)

Want some laughs? Then be sure to check out Tuna, the chiweenie (a chihuahua and dachshund mix). With an adorable underbite and a love for tortilla chips, Tuna is both hilarious and relatable.

Maya the Samoyed (@mayapolarbear)

Best known for her mukbang-style ASMR videos on YouTube, Maya the samoyed (also known as Maya the polar bear) has amassed a huge following on social media. She has over 1.84 million YouTube subscribers and 2.1 million Instagram followers, thanks, no doubt, to her fluffy, pure white fur, and funny skits with her owner, Lingli Ye, known to the fandom as Karen.

Nimbus the Cloud Dog (@nimbus_cloud_dog)

Say hello to Nimbus the cloud dog, an adorable teacup maltese with over 32,000 followers on Instagram! Based in the Philippines, Nimbus is adored for his marshmallow-like fur and silly antics.

The Kariton Club (@karitonclub)

The Kariton Club is the collective name for “fur-blings” (fur siblings) Porsche (@sweetlifeofporsche), Bailey (@bailey.rub), Bean (@beanstagram2020), Caramel & Mocha (@thecoffeetwins), Lexie (@l0ve.lexie), and Peggy & Geri (@theadorablepeggy). The shih tzu-corgi-pinscher mixed breed clan have charmed followers with their playful charms and unique appearances. 

Charlie the Gardener (@_charliesgarden)

Last but not least is Charlie, Instagram’s resident cuddly #plantuta! The stylish shih tzu is often pictured next to luscious greenery – a perfect combination for puppy-loving plantitas who are “leafing la vida lockdown.” Charlie also dishes out important tips for responsible plant and pet ownership. 

While National Puppy Day is all about praising our furry friends, it’s also observed to raise awareness on unregulated puppy mills and abusive pounds.

Thousands of pups go unnoticed in rescue shelters globally, leaving many animals stuck in cages for most of their lives. Shelters often resort to euthanizing older animals to make space for new strays. Rescued animals are still lovable and loyal companions who deserve warm homes, soft beds, and affectionate owners. So the next time you’re in the market for a new four-legged friend, remember: adopt, don’t shop! – Rappler.com

Indira Nivera is a Communication Arts student at De La Salle University-Manila and a Digital Communications volunteer at Rappler.