It's National Puppy Day!

Happiness, Charles M. Schulz famously observed, is a warm puppy.

Today, on National Puppy Day, there's always plenty of happiness to go around.

Consider the youthful canines at the Wisconsin Humane Society. Drew, the 2-month-old Retriever/Labrador mix pictured above is just one of the adorable puppies up for adoption at the Milwaukee Campus. 

While puppies usually sell themselves, many folks might be surprised at how many are in need of homes right here in our area. 

National Puppy Day is the brainchild of Colleen Paige, a lifestyle expert who also created National Dog Day and National Cat Day. The goal, says the National Puppy Day website, is "to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills."

'Landfill dogs' face sad reality

The Wisconsin Humane Society will match 10,000 homeless animals with new families this year, and there are no time or space limits for any animals in their adoption program.

While puppies are certainly cute and cuddly, it's important to remember that those adorable fur balls require plenty of care and training. If you're away for nine hours a day, perhaps a puppy isn't for you, but an older dog might be.

If you do decide a puppy is right for you, be sure to take an active role in it's well being. Give them your time and effort, much like you would a small child. Make it a priority to get them socialized with other dogs, as well as other people (obedience classes are great for both). And just like Bob Barker says, "Have your pets spayed or neutered."

Puppies do grow up, and sadly many puppies get surrendered once they have outgrown the cute stage, so it's important to understand the work that goes into getting a pet (no matter the age).

But don't worry: if you're ready for a puppy, no doubt there's one ready for you. If the Wisconsin Humane Society doesn't have a campus near you, drop by your local shelter and see if you can find a furry friend.

Nothing will make you happier.