Is your pup patriotic? Today is Dogs in Politics Day!

Officially called “Checkers Day” after the famous 1952 speech by then-Senator Nixon, this day celebrates the importance of our four-legged friends, even in Washington! Canines have had the run of the White House for decades and have joined members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

With your help, we’re working hard to help keep dogs and their furry companions safe by advocating for them across the county—and we’ve made amazing progress.

However, there’s still a lot more to be done. Dogs don’t have thumbs, so they need you to stand up and be their voice!

Here are four easy ways you can help right now:

1. Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade to be informed when we need you to speak up for animals.
2. Visit our online Advocacy Center to take action now and find resources on how to get involved on a state and national level.
3. Spread the word to your family and friends! Share the adorable card below on your social media channels and encourage everyone you know to speak up for animals.
4. Register to vote. By serendipitous coincidence, today is also National Voter Registration Day! Every election cycle, millions of Americans miss out on voting because they didn’t register in time. Election Day 2014 is November 4, and several states’ registration deadlines are approaching—don’t put it off, register today!