Celebrate International Dog Day with #DevelopersBestFriend

It’s no secret that we’re fans of dogs here at Snyk. In fact, you’ve probably noticed our logo is a Doberman.

Throughout history, dobermans have been known as a pillar of protection. The breed first appeared in Germany during the 1870s because of Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who also ran a local dog pound. With access to so many breeds, Dobermann wanted to create a dog that would be perfect for providing protection.

He decided to mix a cattle dog and a shepherd dog — two breeds known for their reliability, strength, and intelligence. However, the doberman of the 1800s didn't look like the breed as we know it today. A few more bloodlines were introduced — the Manchester terrier in 1895 and the greyhound at the beginning of the 20th century. This mix of breeds created a dog that prioritized security and protection while also being friendly.

How Patch Became Our Mascot

We can’t talk about International Dog Day without first telling the story of our mascot, Patch.

During the early days of brand development, we knew we wanted an animal logo. It was Snyk’s founder, Guy Podjarny, who wanted a guard dog from the jump. 

“I tried to balance [the notion of security] with an animal,” Podjarny explained. ”I pretty quickly got to a guard dog, but wanted to make sure it was a friendly guard dog.” Ideas for friendly animal mascots started to pour in from there. At one point, a designer even wanted to go with a koala, noting how koalas are fierce protectors of their young. While koalas are cute and cuddly, it’s hard to imagine one as the Snyk mascot. 

When it came to selecting Patch’s breed, for Guy and the team, “it wasn’t really about a doberman, but rather a ‘classic guard dog’. The doberman ears just served as a great visual for an easily recognizable, but simple, logo.”

The logo required several iterations before we landed on what Patch looks like today. According to Podjarny, “The first iteration was way too goofy, inspiring sentiments like ‘a robber’ or ‘Batman,’ and in general, didn’t feel like a protector. However, it gave us the anchor idea to use the ears as part of the logo’s font.”

We chose the warm purple to represent, what was then, a newly formed security concept — a purple team. This group operated between the “red team” that acted as the attacker simulator, and the “blue team” that often refers to defenders.

The process of finalizing Patch’s name took years. Although the name came up early and had unanimous support from the team, it wasn’t immediately implemented alongside the design.

“I was worried it wouldn’t represent the company well — being, well, patchy,” Podjarny said. Fortunately for us, he eventually came around. “Over a year or two, I wore down, and the name stuck.”

Can you imagine how different Snyk would look without Patch?

#DevelopersBestFriend: International Dog Day Celebration Details

Every year at Snyk, we get excited about International Dog Day. It’s an opportunity to show our love for Patch and all the dogs (and Snyk tools!) that have become a “developer’s best friend”. From August 22nd - 27th, we have a lot in store — from a chance to win a sketch of your own dog from Michal Woroniecki, our Senior Director of Creative Brand and Design, to activities supporting various charities for our furry friends.

Win a custom sketch of your dog

We had so much fun celebrating with everyone last year that we wanted to do something extra special this time around. For our 2022 International Dog Day Sweepstakes, one lucky winner will receive a sketch of their own dog from Snyk’s Senior Director of Creative Brand and Design, Michal Woroniecki.

Entering is easy:

• To be eligible, you must follow Snyk on Twitter or LinkedIn with a valid, public account.

• Share an image of your dog on your Twitter account, or in a comment on any of Snyk’s LinkedIn posts that include the tag #DevelopersBestFriend.

• You may enter up to (3) three times. No more than three entries per person is permitted.

Following and interacting with us on LinkedIn and Twitter will also increase your chances of winning. You can review the full terms and conditions below.

#DevelopersBestFriend Terms & Conditions

Join Snyk Impact in supporting our furry friends globally

This year, Snyk Impact will make a $10,000 USD donation to the Humane Society International. Additionally, we’ve partnered with several organizations around the globe, and any eligible Snyker donations to these charities made will be matched at 1:1 up to $500 USD per year.

This year, through Deed, we have partnered with 8 charities that span our core cities.

• Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind - The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind is dedicated to improve the quality of life of visually-impaired Israelis.

• Best Friends Animal Society - Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization focused exclusively on ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters.

• Ottawa Dog Rescue - Ottawa Dog Rescue is dedicated to helping abandoned, abused, and surrendered dogs find well suited forever homes.

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals aims to increase standards of care, and raise awareness for issues affecting all animals today.

• Guide Dogs Singapore - Guide Dogs Singapore is dedicated to helping the blind and visually-impaired achieve their fullest potential within society.

• Humane Society International - Humane Society International is one of the only global animal protection organizations working to help all animals — including animals in laboratories, animals on farms, companion animals, and wildlife — and our record of achievement demonstrates our dedication and effectiveness.

• Companion Animals Welfare Incorporated-  Byron Dog Rescue aims to provide care and find homes for unwanted or surrendered dogs, rehabilitate orphaned, sick or injured dogs without owners, promote responsible pet ownership and provide information to the general public on animal welfare and the prevention of cruelty to animals.

• Royal Guide Dogs Australia - Royal Guide Dogs Australia’s mission is to assist people who are blind or have low vision gain the freedom and independence to move safely and confidently around their communities.

While our sweepstakes is free to enter, all participants are welcome to donate to any of the charities listed above as well. We’ve even set up a quick donation link here. 

A Developer’s Best Friend

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating all of our furry friends this year, whether it’s by entering our sweepstakes, donating to the nonprofit organizations above, or even just sitting back and enjoying all of the dog photos you’ll see on our social media pages.

Providing developers with industry-leading security tools is what we do best, but it’s interactions with the developer security community at large that means the most to us. A good dog is loyal, and Patch represents how we’ll always have development and security teams’ backs through good times and bad — while guarding fiercely against vulnerabilities.

The International Dog Day fun kicks off on August 22nd and lasts until August 27th. Join us on Twitter and LinkedIn via #DevelopersBestFriend and we’ll see you soon!