Have you ever wondered what it would be like if pets had thumbs? Humans obviously have many different characteristics from pets, and having opposable thumbs allows us to do certain things that animals with no thumbs cannot, such as firmly grasping objects and opening doors. Nowadays, it seems there is a national holiday for just about anything, so why not have If Pets Had Thumbs Day? National If Pets Had Thumbs Day is observed on March 3rd of each year, so how do you celebrate this bizarre and fun holiday?
Join us in learning more about this holiday, how you can celebrate the day, and if you can give it two thumbs up.
What Is National If Pets Had Thumbs Day?
Now that we know when the holiday is celebrated, what is it exactly? You may be sitting around twiddling your thumbs trying to figure out the answer to this question, but luckily, we’re going to figure out together what this unusual national holiday is, but first, let’s talk about what it is.
National If Pets Had Thumbs Day is a fun day to imagine what life would be like if your pet had thumbs. We can think of one right off the bat: your dog or cat could hitchhike their way back home if they got lost. Do you have a visual? Wouldn’t that be something to see?
National If Pets Had Thumbs Day may be a strange holiday, but it’s a day to imagine what all your pets could do if they had that oh-so-important digit. Even though our pets get along just fine without opposable thumbs, it’s still fun to let your imagination run wild.
Image Credit: 5 second Studio, Shutterstock
How Is National If Pets Had Thumbs Day Celebrated?
Now, on to the fun part: how do you celebrate this holiday? Turns out, you can celebrate this holiday in numerous ways. Let’s take a look.
Draw pictures of your pets with thumbs
Go to a zoo and observe monkeys and apes using their own opposable thumbs
Teach your pet to give you a high-five
Tape your thumbs down to get a firsthand experience of what life would be like without thumbs
Imagine all the things you could do with your pets if they had thumbs
The holiday is mostly there for you to use your imagination and, most importantly, appreciate your pets.
Who Started National If Pets Had Thumbs Day?
This unusual holiday was invented by Thomas and Ruth Roy and is technically called, What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day. Together, they have invented over 80 quirky holidays they felt deserved to designate a day to. The holiday is meant to have fun with your pets and imagine what life would be like if pets had opposable thumbs. Can you picture your dog opening the fridge? How about your cat using a can opener to open its own cat food—the possibilities are endless and fun to think about, which is the point of the holiday.
Image Credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock
What Animals Have Opposable Thumbs?
Obviously, dogs and cats have no opposable thumbs, but some animals do, even though most animals do not need them to survive. In fact, having opposable thumbs could hinder how some mammals do everyday tasks, as some use their forefeet for walking, climbing, and most essentially, for protection and defending themselves.
Nonetheless, animals that actually have opposable thumbs are as follows:
Apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutan)
Old World Monkeys
New World Monkeys
Pandas
Lemurs
Chameleons
Koalas
Possums and Opossums
Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe
Even though most pets do not have opposable thumbs, they seem to get along just fine without them, but we still need to keep our pets safe and take care of them. Keep small objects out of reach from pets, as small objects could become a choking hazard. Always feed a high-quality diet, and ensure you give your pets plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Don’t forget to take your pet for yearly checkups and shower them daily with lots of love.
Image Credit: Roman Zaiets, Shutterstock
Conclusion
Can you imagine your dog helping you do the dishes or your cat making its own trap for catching mice? Those things might be possible if they had opposable thumbs. Even though it’s not a reality, it’s fun to get creative and use your imagination, which is what this bizarre and amusing holiday allows you to do.
If you have a Border Collie, you know just how agile and athletic they are. In order to appropriately walk them on a leash, a well-fitting harness is a must. Since you’re in the market for a new harness—we have you covered with ten great options for this breed specifically.
We took the liberty of trying out some fabulous harness choices, which spawned our product reviews. There are some great choices for harnesses for Border Collies of varying ages and experience levels. See what we found out.
Even though we had the opportunity to check out some excellent harness options, our best overall harness for Border Collies is the C4 No-Pull Premium Dog Harness. We were impressed by the quality of this harness—very tough material, durable, well-stitched, and beautifully colored.
Whether you have a puppy or a full-grown adult, there is a size to choose from. They have this harness in extra small, small, medium, and large—so your Border Collie should be covered no matter what. Also, there are four stylish colors: black, navy blue, lilac, and sky.
The harness is slightly padded inside, so it doesn’t rub or wear on your pup’s beautiful coat. However—keep in mind it might get a little hot in the summer. With proper measuring, the design fits perfectly. It comes fully equipped with three carbon-coated steel D-rings, so you can attach it for any experience level.
Another terrific thing about it? It’s totally machine washable, so you can clean it every time it gets a little dingy. We couldn’t pick a better harness to recommend to our readers. We think you’ll agree with our findings!
Pros
Padded & ultra-comfortable
Excellent quality
Machine-washable
3 D-ring attachments
Cons
It might be hot in the summer
2. Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-In Lock Dog Harness – Best Value
If you want to save a little money while getting the best quality possible, we think Best Pet Supplies Voyager Set-in Lock Dog Harness is worth your attention. It is a simple design that is very easy to put on, and it’s incredibly lightweight for long-term wear. We think you’ll love it!
First of all, personalization is key here. There are tons of colors: baby blue, army green, fuchsia, black, lime, pink, purple, turquoise, and royal blue. Also, it comes in all sorts of sizes—from extra-extra-extra small to extra large—so it will work for Border Collies of all shapes and sizes.9
The material is polyester and padded mesh—breathable and perfectly fitting. It has strong plastic buckles with durable D-ring attachments. We really like the step-in design. It makes it very straightforward to put on, even with apprehensive dogs.
This is a very basic harness with no fancy bells or whistles. The wide-shaped rounded neckline fits snugly, permitting you purchase the correct size. The adjustment points are sturdy, too. It is light on the wallet, and you can get it on virtually any budget. We think it’s the best harness for Border Collies for the money.
If price isn’t really an object, we think you’ll be interested in the Julius K9 Powerharness. It is designed for mannerly walkers—not beginners. So, if you have a seasoned pup, this well-fitting, sturdy no-pull harness will work wonders.
This harness is for service or emotional support dogs, but it will work for virtually any Border Collie, regardless of worker status. The hook-and-loop patches are made to express your dog’s job to passersby (permitting you need the feature).
This harness is available in seven new colors: aquamarine, blue, black, red, pink, orange, and the USA flag. The inside is made of a trademark Eco-Tex inner liner with a nylon outside. The side labels are removable, so you don’t have to keep them on if it’s not your style.
This harness is water-repellent and reflective. It is explicitly ideal for the weather—wind, rain, or shine. So, you and your pal can enjoy long walks at night with optimal visibility. The D-ring attachment and buckles are also freeze-proof.
If you have a little skipper in training, we recommend the PHOEPET No-Pull Dog Harness. It’s ideal for introducing your pup to the process for a few reasons: it has three D-ring attachments, is super padded and well-made, and has a handle on the back for total body control—it’s the perfect training tool!
The front leash attachment works for better control. It’s a great starting point for beginners who aren’t mannerly on the leash. You can use other attachments as needed as your puppy learns the ropes. All attachment points are metal and durable.
This is also a reflective design, so you can teach your pup in both daylight and twilight hours with total visibility. The adjustment points are simple to maneuver, and the buckles are sturdy plastic. The product comes in a variety of colors, too: orange, baby blue, black, blue, gray, green, pink, purple, red, and royal blue.
We really think that puppies can benefit from this harness, and you will find that it works swimmingly.
The Blueberry Pet Essentials is a fantastic step-in harness that is so, so adorable! It’s such an easy harness; you just slip in the legs, attach the leash to the back, and head out.
This harness is made from incredibly durable high-density polyester webbing. The buckle portion is eco-friendly—so there are no harsh plastics. It is entirely safe for your four-legged friend.
We think it’s perfect for springtime walks and adventures! It might be best suited for a little girl since it has a cute floral print, but it can work for either gender. It comes in three colors: light purple, pastel blue, and baby pink.
If you have a new learner on your hands, this might not be too comfortable. It lacks padding and might really slide around on a Border Collie who is pulling or acting rambunctious on the lead.
We love this unisex Frisco Ombre Style Dog Harness. It has a simplistic design with a cool iridescent look. If you want to get really matchy-matchy, it also comes with a matching collar and lead so your guy or gal can dress in style.
This particular design is super comfortable for daily walks. There are no fancy bells or whistles; it’s just a straightforward step-in harness that looks incredible on any pup! We like how easy it is to put on and how comfortably it fits.
The adjustment points are extremely easy to maneuver, not sliding or spacing apart, even with long walks. The decent metal buckles are both stylish and functional. You can buy this particular harness in any size, from small to extra-large.
This harness is perfect for everyday walks. If you and your pup are on the go, this is a quick and easy style selection.
The Times No-Pull Dog Harness is a very stylish and practical harness that might work perfectly for your Border Collie. This particular harness is extremely well made with strong nylon straps, heavy-duty plastic buckles, and metal D-ring attachments. It is exceptionally structurally sound and long-lasting.
It has a lot of pattern options here: pink floral, red checkerboard, black, black rose, cyan, lavender, pale pink, pink blue, red, rosy, sky blue, sunset valley, turquoise, vintage orange, military green, military khaki. The material is very breathable yet thick and desirable.
This particular harness handle is padded with soft Oxford cloth, keeping your dog comfortable while allowing better control. This design has two leash attachments, ideal for Border Collies that are training as well as experienced walkers.
The safety harness is equipped with quick snap buckles, making it very secure to take on and off without the chance of escape. We want to stress the importance of correct sizing before you purchase this item. If you don’t measure your dog correctly, it could easily slip out of this particular design, making it less effective.
We love that this comes with a leash and harness, cutting out all of the buying work for you. It is terrific for both novice and seasoned walkers alike. You simply buy this combo, and you’re ready to go on an adventure!
It is a no-pull and no-choke harness, meaning that it won’t put any pressure on your dog’s esophagus if they try to resist during walks. The 2D ring attachments are incredibly durable by themselves and sewn on exclusively with thick nylon webbing and enforced block stitches.
This particular leash and harness combination was blue, but you can also grab it in the following colors: black, black and blue, red and black, gray and blue, orange, pink, pink and blue, purple, and red. The matching set will be aesthetically pleasing for your beautiful Border Collie.
Made of highly durable nylon webbing, breathable mesh lining, high-density nylon Oxford, and strong buckles, this harness is strong enough for many outdoor activities.
The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness makes a wonderful choice for Border Collie parents. It is a very well-fitting harness with just the right amount of durability and padding. We loved the comfort and the design of this particular harness. Plus—there are tons of options!
You can choose from many colors: black, beige, blue, blue coral, dazzling blue, gray, hot pink, orange, pink, purple, red, turquoise, wild lime, and yellow. You can buy this harness for your dog, whether they are a pup or an adult.
This harness is friendly for dogs of any walking experience. The metal D-ring attachments are super strong and easy to latch. The back has a handle for body control during walks. It is a no-pull, no-choke product with two fast-release buckles.
All in all, it’s lightweight, comfy, and easy to clean. What more could you want? We will say that it might not be as well-stitched or durable in comparison to some competitors. So, keep in mind that it’s for basic wear.
Pros
Lightweight
Excellent padding structure
Fast buckle release
Cons
A bit less durable than some
10. Industrial Puppy Reflective Service Dog Harness
If you have a service or emotional support animal, the Industrial Puppy Reflective Service Dog Harness might just fit all your needs. This particular design was made for service animals, so if you have any emotional support or service animal on your hands, this already has all of the badges you’ll need for others to identify your dog.
This harness comes equipped with a tactical back control handle, making walking simpler. It is designed so you have complete control over your dog in public settings. This is a pretty hefty harness, and it might get hot on summer days. So, consider the area you live in as well.
This particular design comes with a leash with reflective lettering that reads Service Dog. It is decently durable, depending on your overall needs. If you are dissatisfied with this portion, you can always get Another or use one you already possess.
This particular design is not meant for beginners. It is very much an advanced option for well-trained animals. It has a pretty seamless belly buckle, So you can take it on and off with ease.
Pros
Comes in multiple sizes
Made of durable materials
Reflective
Cons
Designed for service dogs only
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Harness for Border Collie
When you buy the harness you want for your Border Collie, what aspects can you look for in a product?
Harness Style
You can choose from several different harnesses, each with their own purpose.
Step-In: Step-in harnesses are pretty straightforward to use. They are designed to make the process simpler. They simply step into the harness, as the name states, and you fasten the design on their back.
Reflective: Reflective harnesses are designed for nighttime, dusk, or dawn walks. When light is low, and visibility is tough, the reflective harness lets passersby know you are there.
No-Pull: No pull harnesses are designed for beginning walkers who might be a little rambunctious on the lead. These styles of harnesses allow the owner to stay in control even when their pup is fighting for the reins.
Material
Material is an important aspect to look for when you are buying a harness for your Border Collie. After all, you will want the material to be very durable and structurally sound. If it isn’t, it can cause premature breakdown.
You might see harnesses made of:
Mesh lining
Nylon webbing
Synthetic fabric
High-density polyester
Straps
Straps should always be made with very hardy material, as their purpose is crucial. Well-fitting straps ensure that your pet will not escape and that you can always achieve the most appropriate fit.
Straps can be made of many materials, but most commonly, you’ll see:
Polyester
Nylon
Synthetic Fabric
Image Credit: Emily-Rose Ashdown, Shutterstock
Buckles
Buckles ensure the safety and security of your pet during walks. They are the very make or break of most escapes, so proper belt function is essential.
Metal: Sometimes, buckles are made of metal rather than plastic. It is rare, and sometimes there can be more room for malfunction with these particular designs, but you can find well-made harnesses that utilize them.
Plastic: Some buckles are made of plastic. While many plastic buckles can be very durable, some can break easier or malfunction with minimal provocation. Always look for tight, well-made buckles that aren’t flimsy or misaligned.
D-Ring Attachments
D-ring attachments are important in both quality and position. D-ring attachments in the front are perfect attachments for Border Collies and training. This is a no-pull design, ensuring that you have full control over your dog and not the other way around during walks.
Back D-ring attachments are designed for mannerly walkers who are easy to control on the lead.
Proper Sizing
To avoid hectic returns, make sure that you measure your pup before you even start shopping. You can keep their measurements on hand and look at each individual sizing chart. Because products differ, sizing can be different from product to product, so you’ll want to look at the chart each time you select a product.
Beware of Allergies
Some dogs can have allergies and sensitivities to certain materials. If your dog is sensitive to dye, make sure that you avoid those materials when you are purchasing. Sometimes it can be a little complicated to find information about the safety of the fabrics, so always research or contact the company directly.
Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock
Conclusion
The C4 No-Pull Premium Dog Harness is still our top contender, even though there are several good options. It is incredibly well-made and long-lasting. It will fit your Border Collie perfectly, considering you use the sizing charts listed in the product description. Plus, it has three main attachments for all stages of training.
Best Pet Supplies Voyager Set-in Lock Dog Harness is an affordable option on most budgets. This cute harness comes in several colors and touts a lightweight, simple design for easy wear. We think you’ll definitely get your money’s worth, and the value overrides the price.
The Julius K9 Powerharness is a little pricier, but the perks can be worth it. This particular harness was designed with service and emotional support dogs in mind. However, it can work for many mannerly adults.
Hopefully, our reviews helped you slim down the options on your shopping list.
