TODAY IS NATIONAL MUTT DAY!!!

 HEY GUYS!🐾

Today is National Mutt Day! It's an unofficial holiday that is celebrated not only today, but also on December 2nd. This day calls to our attention that mutts are as good as a pure-bred and deserve the same attention, love, and respect. This special day was created in 2005, by Colleen Paige, an Animal Welfare Advocate. Her intent is to raise awareness of the unfortunate situation that mixed breeds face in our nation’s shelters as approximately 80% of the dogs in the shelters are mixed breeds. The pure breeds that end up in the shelters are generally rescued quickly by individuals who purchase these dogs for considerably less or they are rescued by a pure breed rescue organization.

As noted by the ASPCA, “approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year”. Many of the dogs that enter the shelters are often abandoned or abused, but each one deserves a forever home. Sadly, a large percentage of dogs that are euthanized are due to illegal breeding and the continual over-breeding and the sale of pure-bred puppies by puppy mills to pet stores that are ill or neglected. Many people are unaware that mixed breeds possess unique characteristics that result from the mix of their breeds. Mixed breeds tend to be healthier and live longer lives and their behavior is often better. They learn and obey commands just as easily as a pure-bred. They are just as competent at performing the tasks of search and rescue, bomb and drug sniffing, and therapy/guide dogs. Also, let’s not forget the health benefits that all canine companions provide us with such as daily walks and social interaction with our neighbors.

To celebrate National Mutt Day, you may want to visit your local shelter and find your perfect companion. There are many healthy and loving mixed breeds desperately waiting for their forever home. If you are unable to adopt, the shelters appreciate your financial donation for every dollar-counts. Or you may want to volunteer your time at a shelter or donate food and other supplies.

If you need more convincing to adopt a mix breed, just remember Benji, a mixed breed Terrier famous for several films from 1974 through the 2000’s and Spike, a Labrador Retriever/Mastiff mix who was best known as Old Yeller and the list goes on.

“In every heart, there is a hole. In every shelter, there is love in which to fill it.” ~Colleen Paige

CHEWY MAN AND FAMILY!!🐶