This Wednesday, February 24th, and every February 24th from here on out, the City of Akron will celebrate "Dick Goddard Day." 

The special day honoring the late Northeast Ohio TV weatherman and renowned animal advocate was lobbied for by Ward 4 Councilwoman Tara Mosley-Samples who said in a statement, "Many of us grew up with Dick Goddard and his catch phrase that we will all remember, 'Have your pet spayed or neutered.'" 

And that was just one small piece that Goddard fought for on behalf of his beloved "four-foots" as he referred to companion animals. In 2016, Goddard's Law was passed in Ohio, named after Dick Goddard who relentlessly fought for its passage. The law made it a felony to knowingly abuse a companion animal. 

Goddard passed away back in August of 2020 at the age of 89. This Wednesday, the 24th, would have been his 90th birthday. To honor the occassion and the man, Mosley-Samples is encouraging Akron residents and beyond to post pictures of them with their animals on Wednesday, using the social media hashtags "Dick Goddard Day," "Goddards Law," or "Spayed or Neutered."

While the first annual "Dick Goddard Day" will remain entirely virtual due to COVID-19, the city and Mosley-Samples are hoping to expand events and activities honoring Goddard in the years to come.