Never Bean Better Day
August 22
About Never Bean Better Day
Never Bean Better Day takes place every year on 22 August and celebrates the comfort, companionship and unconditional love that therapy dogs and pets bring to people’s lives. The day was created in honour of a golden retriever named Bean, a certified therapy dog from Pennsylvania, and it falls on his birthday. In 2026 it is observed on Saturday, 22 August.
The Story Behind Never Bean Better Day
The day owes its name and its existence to one remarkable dog. Bean, whose registered kennel name is Neversink’s Never Bean Better, was born on 22 August 2009 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. He is owned by Michelle Drager, an accredited public relations professional, and her husband Jim. From an early age Bean showed the calm, gentle temperament that defines a good therapy animal, and by the age of two he was certified as a registered therapy dog by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national organisation based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Bean began his working life making rounds at Penn State Health St. Joseph in Reading, Pennsylvania, offering comfort to patients, families and staff. He later spent three years as a comfort dog at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, Montana. Over the years his visits extended to hospitals, schools, nursing homes and rehabilitation centres, where his presence helped ease anxiety and lift the spirits of the people he met. Along the way Bean became something of a celebrity, appearing on Animal Planet’s series “The Haunted” and co-authoring a book about his adventures titled “Bean Unleashed”.
Never Bean Better Day was established in 2017 by The Drager Group, Inc., a consultancy that works with organisations on strategic planning and communications. Choosing Bean’s birthday, 22 August, the Dragers set out to mark not only their own dog’s milestones but the wider contribution that therapy and companion animals make to human wellbeing. What began as a tribute to a single beloved retriever grew into an annual occasion that encourages people everywhere to recognise the animals that bring kindness and calm into their daily lives.
When and Where is Never Bean Better Day Celebrated?
Never Bean Better Day is held on 22 August each year, the date never changing because it marks Bean’s birthday. In 2026 the day falls on Saturday, 22 August. Although it began in the United States, the sentiment behind the day travels easily, and animal lovers in many countries use the occasion to celebrate their own pets and the therapy animals working in their communities.
Traditions and Customs
The day has built up a handful of warm-hearted customs since its founding:
- Celebrating Bean’s birthday – Because 22 August is Bean’s actual birthday, supporters often share birthday wishes and photographs of their own dogs to join in the celebration.
- Spreading kindness – The day carries a simple message of compassion, encouraging people to perform small acts of kindness towards others and towards animals.
- Supporting therapy dog programmes – Many people mark the day by donating to or volunteering with organisations that train and register therapy animals.
- The Never Bean Better Buddy – Bean’s team produces a plush toy called the Never Bean Better Buddy, and for every one purchased, another is donated to a child in need.
- Pampering pets – On a lighter note, owners treat their own dogs and pets to extra walks, new toys or a favourite snack.
Ways to Celebrate Never Bean Better Day
There are plenty of ways to take part, whether or not you own a dog:
- Visit a therapy dog programme – Find out whether a local hospital, library or care home runs animal-assisted visits, and consider supporting their work.
- Volunteer with your own pet – If you have a calm, sociable dog, look into therapy dog certification through an accredited organisation and bring comfort to people in your community.
- Make a donation – Support a charity that trains assistance and therapy animals, or one that rehomes dogs in need of a loving family.
- Share Bean’s story – Spread the word about therapy dogs on social media and help others understand the difference these animals make.
- Treat your own pet – Mark the day with a longer walk, a new toy or simply some extra attention for the animal in your life.
- Perform an act of kindness – In keeping with the spirit of the day, do something thoughtful for a person or animal who could use a little comfort.
Facts and Figures
- Bean was born on 22 August 2009, which is why Never Bean Better Day is always held on 22 August.
- He was certified as a registered therapy dog at the age of two by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
- Bean served as a comfort dog at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, Montana, for three years.
- He has appeared on Animal Planet’s series “The Haunted” and is the co-author of the book “Bean Unleashed”.
- For every Never Bean Better Buddy plush toy sold, one is donated to a child in need.
- The day was established in 2017 by The Drager Group, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Never Bean Better Day?
Never Bean Better Day is an annual observance held on 22 August that celebrates therapy dogs and pets and the comfort they bring to people. It was created in honour of Bean, a certified therapy dog, and falls on his birthday.
When is Never Bean Better Day in 2026?
In 2026 Never Bean Better Day falls on Saturday, 22 August. The date is fixed and never changes, because it marks Bean’s birthday.
Who is Bean?
Bean is a golden retriever and certified therapy dog from Morgantown, Pennsylvania, owned by Michelle and Jim Drager. He has spent years visiting hospitals, schools and care homes, and his story inspired the creation of the day.
Spread the Word
Share Never Bean Better Day with your community using #NeverBeanBetterDay and #NeverBeanBetterDay2026. Whether you mark the occasion by treating your own dog, supporting a therapy animal programme or simply passing on a little kindness, every bit of awareness helps celebrate the animals that make life better.
Related Awareness Days
- National Dog Dad Day – A celebration of the men who care for their canine companions.
- Bring Your Dog to Work Day – An occasion that highlights the wellbeing benefits dogs bring to the workplace.
- National Pet Choking Prevention Day – A safety-focused day reminding owners how to keep their pets out of harm’s way.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
