National Dog Week was founded in 1928 by Captain Will Judy, a former publisher of Dog World Magazine and a dog judge. He created National Dog Week to educate all dog owners in their responsibilities to their pets and to their communities. The origin of “man’s best friend” is alleged to have come from a closing argument given by Sen. George Graham Vest. Vest was representing  a man whose dog was shot and killed by a neighbor.

In his closing statement, Vest gave what has become the famous “Tribute to the American Dog.” The speech was so powerful that it won the case.
(Cont. Reading)
http://m.entirelypets.com/nationaldogweek.html