September 21 gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate! At Four Paws Place, we love finding special days that bring people and pets together, and today offers a little bit of everything—compassion for special dogs, New York pride, a warm cup of chai, and one of the greatest feel-good songs ever recorded.
Today we’re celebrating Deaf Dog Awareness Week, National New York Day, National Chai Day, and of course, the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire by turning up their classic hit “September.” After all…September 21 is the day! 🎶🐶🍵🗽
Celebrating Deaf Dog Awareness Week
Deaf Dog Awareness Week is September 20–26, 2026, giving dog lovers an opportunity to recognize just how loving, intelligent and capable deaf and hearing-impaired dogs can be.
A dog does not need to hear your voice to understand your love.
Deaf dogs can learn through hand signals, visual cues, touch and consistent routines. With patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn commands, enjoy adventures, play with their families and form incredibly strong bonds with the people who love them. Virginia Tech’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital notes that shifting communication from sound toward sight, touch and consistency can help deaf dogs thrive.
At Four Paws Place, we believe every dog deserves the best, including dogs who experience the world a little differently. This week is a wonderful time to share information about deaf dogs, support deaf-dog rescues and encourage families to consider adopting special-needs pets.
Most importantly, remember that different does not mean less deserving of love. ❤️🐾
National New York Day — Big City Energy for Our Four-Legged Friends
September 21 is also National New York Day, celebrating the Empire State.
When we think of New York, we think of energy, fashion, food, culture and unmistakable style—and our pups can certainly appreciate a little metropolitan flair too!
Picture your fashionable pup strolling through Central Park, riding through Manhattan in a stylish carrier, or strutting down the sidewalk like Fifth Avenue is their personal runway.
And because New Yorkers know that style matters, Four Paws Place is always ready to help your dog make an entrance with fashionable apparel, toys, accessories, beds, birthday goodies and plenty of conversation-starting finds.
Today, give a big “Woof!” to New York! 🗽🐕❤️
National Chai Day — Something Warm for You and Something Fun for Your Pup
September 21 is officially National Chai Day, celebrating the aromatic tea drink commonly prepared with black tea and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and other warming flavors.
So grab your favorite chai, find a comfortable spot and let your dog join the celebration in a much more pup-appropriate way—with a Starbarks toy from Four Paws Place!
Important: your actual chai is for the humans. Many chai beverages contain caffeinated tea and ingredients that aren’t appropriate for dogs. Your pup can have the squeaky version instead!
Shop the Starbarks Café
These Starbarks toys are currently published and listed in stock at Four Paws Place:
Starbarks Pupkin Spice Latte Dog Toy
Shop the Starbarks Pupkin Spice Latte Dog Toy
The perfect fall-inspired café toy for your pup while you sip your chai.
Starbarks Ginger Bark Latte Dog Toy
Shop the Starbarks Ginger Bark Latte Dog Toy
With all that cozy café energy, this one fits right into a National Chai Day celebration.
Starbarks Muttchiato Dog Toy
Shop the Starbarks Muttchiato Dog Toy
Because your dog deserves a little coffee-shop fun of their own!
Starbarks Iced Matcha Dog Toy
Shop the Starbarks Iced Matcha Dog Toy
Tea lovers aren’t the only ones who can join the café party!
Starbarks Sweet Pup Cold Brew Dog Toy
Shop the Starbarks Sweet Pup Cold Brew Dog Toy
Hot chai for you, cold brew toy for your best friend. Sounds like a pretty good afternoon!
Do You Remember the 21st Night of September?
There may be no better soundtrack for September 21 than Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
The classic was released in 1978, and its reference to the 21st night of September has turned September 21 into an unofficial annual celebration among fans of the group. Songwriter Allee Willis later explained that there wasn’t a deeper reason behind choosing the date—it simply worked beautifully in the song.
So today, Four Paws Place has one request:
Turn the music up. Dance around the house. Grab your dog. And celebrate! 💃🏽🕺🏽🐕🎶
Whether your dog can hear every horn, beat and vocal or experiences the celebration through your movement, touch and excitement, the joy can still be shared.
🎶 Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)
One Day, Four Reasons to Celebrate
Today reminds us that sometimes the best celebrations are the ones that bring completely different things together.
We can celebrate and advocate for deaf dogs.
We can show a little New York pride.
We can enjoy a delicious cup of chai.
And we can dance with our dogs to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
That sounds like a pretty great September 21 to us.
From all of us at Four Paws Place, give your pup an extra hug, turn up the music and make today one to remember.
Four paws up!
