International Dog Day: DIY Dog Wire Art

August 26 is International Dog Day, a special day to celebrate our dogs and raise awareness about the importance of finding loving homes for those in shelters. In support of this cause, Wire Fence has created a DIY dog wire art project.

 

What is International Dog Day?

National Dog Day, also referred to as International Dog Day, is a day dedicated to celebrating everything about our beloved dogs. Whether you’re a proud pet parent or just a dog lover, this day reminds us to appreciate the adorable companions we can’t imagine life without.
Let’s use this day not only to celebrate our fur babies but also to advocate for those still waiting for their forever families.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

This blog will guide you through creating your own dog wire art. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.

• Experience Required: Low
• Tools Required: Protective Gloves, Pliers, Wire Cutters, Spray Paint (optional) 
• Materials Required: Tensioning Wire, Optional: sketch of a dog (printed or drawn)

Step 1) Gather Your Materials

• Collect the necessary materials for this project.

 

Step 2) Cut the Wire

• Trim a piece of tension wire to the desired length.

 

Step 3) Start Shaping Your Dog Wire Art

• Start shaping the wire around the template or freehand it. Use pliers to assist in bending it into curves and shapes.

 

Step 4) Finish Your Shape

• Keep bending the wire to finish outlining the head.
• Use your pliers to fine-tune and adjust the shapes until you’re happy with the overall appearance.

 

Step 5) Paint Your Shape

• If you prefer, you can paint it any colour you like.

 

Step 6) Finished Project

• Congratulations! You’ve created a beautiful dog wire art for International Dog Day.  

 

Printable Template

Tips and Tricks

• Smooth Curves: Use round-nose pliers for creating smooth, rounded curves, and flat-nose pliers for making sharp angles and adjustments.
• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Always measure and estimate the wire length before cutting to minimize waste.
• Gentle Bends: Make gentle bends to avoid kinks in the wire. If a kink does occur, carefully straighten it out with pliers.
• Painting Tip: Apply light, even coats of spray paint for a smooth finish. Rotate the piece to cover all angles evenly.
• Colour Choice: Select a colour that complements your home’s design.
• Drying Time: Ensure sufficient drying time between paint coats to prevent smudges and fingerprints.

 

Video

 

Organisations to Support

To mark International Dog Day, we have created a wire art – a beautiful way to pay tribute to our loyal companions. While we enjoy this artistic nod, it’s just as important to support real-life efforts to care for them. Here are some organisations you can help:

• All Dogs Matter – They help find loving homes for furry companions and provide a new start for those in need of a fresh beginning. Their team works closely with local shelters and the community to ensure every animal gets a fair chance. 
• Almost Home Dog Rescue – A caring charity dedicated to giving pups a second chance and ensuring they find their forever families. They also provide ongoing support to adopters to help settle their new friends. Their goal is to create lasting, happy matches between pets and their new families.
• B.A.R.K. – A charity that provides temporary refuge for unwanted and stray domestic animals, aiming to rehome them wherever possible. Their operations span both sides of the Scottish border, typically within 60 miles of their kennels, though they’ve taken in animals from as far as Aberdeen to London. As a growing organisation, they are dedicated to giving every animal a chance at finding a loving home.
• Best Friends Animal Society – Is committed to saving animals and advocating for no-kill policies across the country. They operate one of the largest sanctuaries in the US, providing refuge and care. Their mission is to bring about a time when there are no more homeless pets.
• Birmingham Dog’s Home – A long-standing charity that has been helping abandoned animals find new homes since 1892. They provide medical care, rehabilitation, and a safe space for those in their care. Their commitment to animal welfare has made them a trusted name in the community.
• Dog Rescue R Us – A rescue group dedicated to saving and rehoming animals, often rescuing from high-kill shelters. They believe every pet deserves a second chance, regardless of their past. Their work is driven by a deep commitment to giving every pet a fresh start.
• Dogs 4 Rescue – An innovative rescue that focuses on a kennel-free environment, allowing pets to socialise freely. They believe in the power of pack rehabilitation where their rescued ones experience companionship, have a sense of belonging and can enjoy their freedom in the great outdoors. 
• Dogs Friends – A small, passionate charity helping to find forever homes for pets that have been neglected or abandoned. They also provide foster care and medical attention to those in need. Their dedication ensures that every pet gets the care and love they deserve.
• Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home – A rescue providing care and finding homes for those in need of a second chance at happiness. They pride themselves on matching the right pet with the right family. Their mission is to give every animal the opportunity for a new beginning.
• Dogs Trust – One of the UK’s largest rescue organisations, known for its commitment to never putting a healthy animal down. With centres across the country, they’ve rehomed thousands of pets each year. They work globally to improve dog welfare through vaccination, neutering, veterinary training, education, and disaster response.
• Grey Muzzle – An organisation devoted to providing care and love for senior pets, ensuring they enjoy their golden years. They offer grants and support to rescues and shelters that care for elderly animals. 
• Homeless Hounds – A rescue that works tirelessly to find homes for abandoned pets. They focus on saving dogs from euthanasia by placing them in foster homes or transferring them to rescue centers, all while relying on donations and volunteer support to fund their operations.
• Hope For Paws – A rescue dedicated to saving animals in extreme conditions and helping them find loving homes. They’re known for their heartwarming rescue videos that highlight their lifesaving work. Their efforts are focused on giving every pet a chance at a better life.
• I Stand With My Pack – Is a nonprofit organization focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused and neglected animals, primarily dogs. They also advocate for animal rights and work on global educational campaigns to prevent cruelty towards animals
• Lucky Dog Refuge – A refuge offering a safe space for stray or abandoned companions while they await their forever homes. Their team is committed to ensuring every pet receives the care and attention they deserve. They strive to create lasting, happy matches between pets and their new families.
• Milo Foundation -is a nonprofit, no-kill organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming homeless pets, primarily in California. Founded in 1994, it provides sanctuary for animals that need more time to find suitable homes and operates a main adoption center in Point Richmond, California.
• Muddy Paws Rescue – is a foster-based organization dedicated to ending unnecessary euthanasia of dogs by building a supportive, inclusive community focused on rescue, education, and continuous innovation. They emphasize transparency, diversity, and proactive approaches in animal care, training, and adoption processes to maximize lifesaving efforts and responsible pet ownership.
• Oregon Dog Rescue – Is a no-kill shelter based in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need. Founded in 2007, this nonprofit organization prioritizes finding the best possible homes for dogs and ensuring long-term success for both the pets and their adopters.
• Rescue Dogs Rock NYC – A rescue group focused on saving animals from neglect and abuse, giving them a new lease on life. They often take on the most challenging cases, providing medical care and rehabilitation. Their mission is to ensure that every pet, no matter their background, has a chance at happiness.
• Safe Rescue For Dogs – A UK-based rescue that helps rehome animals, often focusing on those from difficult backgrounds. They believe every pet deserves a chance at happiness, no matter where they come from. Their work is driven by a passion for giving every animal a safe and loving home.
• South East Dog Rescue – A charity that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals, especially those in urgent need. They work to educate the public on responsible pet ownership and the importance of adoption. Their goal is to ensure that every pet gets the care and love they deserve.
• Soul Dog Rescue – A rescue dedicated to saving lives, with a focus on reducing the overpopulation of unwanted pets. They run spay/neuter programmes and provide education to prevent future homelessness. Their mission is to create a world where every pet is wanted and cared for.
• Waggy Tails Rescue – A UK based charity committed to finding loving homes for pets in need, giving them a brighter future. They also provide lifetime support to adopters, ensuring that every match is successful. Their work is focused on making sure every pet has a chance to experience a happy, loving home.