Everyone knows that life is better with mutts! National Mutt Day is held every July 31st and December 2nd for those loveable creatures. It’s also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day. These celebrations were founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige, celebrity pet and lifestyle expert. She is also an animal rights activist and wanted to shine a light on the plight of mixed breed dogs in shelters across the country.
Owners of mixed breed dogs report that their pups are happy, healthy, and great companions for people of all ages. They are also unique in the world. No mixed breed dog is the same as another. There are many different varieties of mutt and they all make great pets and companions for anyone looking to adopt a dog.
Mutts tend to be healthier than most pedigreed pets and they offer just as much love and companionship. If you’d like to honor your tail-wagging friends, you have two different opportunities! It’s also a great chance to get to know some of the mixed breed dogs available at your local shelter if you don’t yet have a furry friend to call your own. There’s always a chance you’ll meet the love of your life there at the shelter and bring home a wonderful dog who will offer years of companionship and cuddles.
Most of the dogs abandoned at shelters every year are mutts or mixed breeds. This day is meant to celebrate these wonderful companions and to highlight the problem of mutts in shelters. Many people choose pure breed dogs and they are adopted quickly while mixed breeds stay in the shelter or are euthanized. The unfortunate fad of designer dogs means that many of these mixed breeds wind up in shelters because they have passed their sell-by date. There are many dogs in shelters all across the country just waiting to share their love with you and your family.
Mixed breeds make fantastic pets and are often much better behaved than purebred dogs. They are also capable of all the work that purebreds can do, including search and rescue, bomb sniffing, and service dog work. They are also faithful companions and some are legendary in their dedication to their owners. For example, Bobbie the Wonder Dog became famous for traveling 2,551 miles from Indiana to the city of Silverton to reunite with his master. This real life ‘incredible journey’ is one of the reasons we love our pets so much.
There are two dates in each year for National Mutt Day because the need for adoption is so great that it is necessary to bring awareness to the public twice annually. If you don’t yet have a mutt in your life, this is a great opportunity to add a special friend to your world. If you already have a mixed breed dog, then these dates are a fun time to celebrate your pet. Pick up some treats and a gift for your pup and thank him or her for being an amazing part of your life.