"Man's Best Friend" will get a special treat - doggie ice cream - when Douglas County celebrates National Dog Day on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. with a Doggie Ice Cream Social at the Deer Lick Dog Park and Family Fun Center, 2105 Mack Road.

National Dog Day was instituted in 2004 to recognize the unconditional love that dogs give their owners and the wonderful search and rescue dogs, K9 unit dogs, and other special purpose dogs that make a difference in our lives every day. It is annually held on Aug. 26, but Douglas County is celebrating it on Sunday, Aug. 25, so that more four-legged waggy tail residents can attend.The celebration has free admission and is open to the pooches and their people families. If you don't have a pooch, or would like another, the Douglas County Animal Shelter will have shelter dogs for adoption on site.All dogs will be treated to special doggie-safe ice cream (while supplies last), and can run leash-free in the Deer Lick Dog Park to play and make new friends. The celebration will also feature information, services and product tents.

Douglas County Celebrates National Dog Day is a program of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners through its Department of Communications and Community Relations. For more information, please call 770-920-7593.