The exhibition “History Wags Its Tail”, currently on display at the National Museum of Lithuania’s House of Histories, invites visitors not only to explore the history of human–dog companionship but also to become part of it. On Saturday, September 13, the museum, together with the exhibition’s general sponsor KIKA, is organizing a joyful community event – an attempt to set a record for the largest “Hello” to four-legged friends.

In the exhibition “History Wags Its Tail”, visitors discover how the relationship between humans and dogs has evolved from the Stone Age to the present. The record attempt is a natural continuation of this story, encouraging today’s city dwellers not just to look at history, but also to create it themselves.

“History has seen countless handshakes – rulers’ deals, diplomatic agreements, victorious greetings. But never before has history been written like this: hundreds of palms will meet hundreds of paws, and a united greeting will become a new Lithuanian record. In our history, the dog has always been more than just a helper or a guard. The exhibition tells the story of how the dog became our closest friend, so we want to celebrate this friendship in a festive and joyful way. It will be a memorable moment that symbolically connects the past and the present,” says Simona Širvydaitė-Šliupienė, Director of the LNM House of Histories.

The record will be documented by representatives of the Lithuanian Records Academy, ensuring that the largest “Hello!” to four-legged friends becomes not only a fun moment but also one officially written into history. To achieve the record, more than a hundred pets must take part, all greeting in unison and maintaining contact for at least three seconds.

For KIKA, the exhibition’s general sponsor, the event is about more than just setting a record.

“Our daily work revolves around animal welfare, but this event shows that pets are not only about care and responsibility – they’re also about joy, play, and companionship. For us, it’s a special occasion, because what matters most is not the numbers, but the community and unity. When so many people and dogs come together in harmony, a truly unique moment is born. Striving for a record together with the museum is another opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all four-legged friends for their loyalty and love,” says Goda Žvilaitė, KIKA’s Marketing Project Manager.

After the record attempt, the House of Histories will host part of the discussion series “Sofa Talks: On the History and Present of Dogs”. Together with historians, animal behavior specialists, and dog lovers, the discussion will explore dogs’ roles in culture, their place in daily human life today, and perspectives for the future. This is a wonderful opportunity to extend the day after the record attempt in a setting of live conversation, where different experiences and perspectives on human–dog companionship meet.

The event will take place on September 13 from 11:00 to 14:00 in the courtyard of the LNM House of Histories, T. Kosciuškos St. 3, Vilnius. The record attempt is scheduled for 12:00, but participants should arrive earlier to register and receive instructions. Participation is free, and the festive mood will be accompanied not only by the excitement of the record attempt, but also by fun activities – games, prizes, and a “Wheel of Fortune,” plus free treats for all pets.

Photos by: Silvestras Samsonas, LNM.