Our Lovable Mutts
by Casey Hampf
By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair
July 31st was National Mutt’s Day. Founded in 2005 by animal expert and animal advocate, Colleen Paige, it is also known as National Mixed-Breed Dog Day.
To celebrate, my friend Jo scheduled a play date for her mutt, Daisy and friend’s mutt, Bo. Another friend bought her mutt, Banjo, a new toy. Alice took her mutt for a romp in a nearby stream, and Peggy posted photos of her adorable Tchotchke wearing his new scarf.
Other friends donated dog food to their local animal shelter. And for my goofy Gracie, I wrote this article to shout out love for all the adorable mutts who bring joy to millions of homes. (She also received extra treats.)
National pet demographics and shelter data consistently document that mixed-breed dogs make up the majority of our country’s canine population, representing millions of household pets.
Mars Veterinary, a company that produces kits for home sampling of dog’s DNA, conducted the first-ever National Mutt Census in 2010. The data collected revealed breed prominence, most popular purebreds and how owners care for their dogs. One notable result showed that 53 percent of the dogs in the United States are of mixed breed.
Additional data shows that in shelters throughout the United States mixed-breed dogs represent over 80 percent of their population.
Colleen Paige founded National Mutt Day, also referred to as National Mixed-Breed Dog Day, to celebrate these mixed breed dogs and raise awareness about the high number of them waiting for adoption in shelters nationwide. It is observed twice a year on July 31st and December 2nd. Paige’s aim was to save mixed-breed dogs and encourage people to adopt from shelters.
She writes:
In every heart, there is a hole.
In every shelter, there is love
In which to fill it.
Although Paige prefers the term “mutt” for its lovable sound, she added mixed-breed to the title of the special day because “mutt” can still carry a negative stigma.
The term “mutt,” is derived from “mutton-head,” an old slang term given to a foolish or slow-witted person. This insult came from the old idea that sheep (the source of mutton) lack intelligence. In 1906-1910 the word, “mutt” shifted to specifically mean a mixed-breed or non-purebred dog, unfortunately carrying the implication of lesser breeding or intelligence.
Today, many owners use the term mutt affectionately to describe their lovable, unique pets who do not seem to lack intelligence, as they can learn a variety of commands and tricks.
Several mutts excel in various roles, such as service and working dogs, proving their capabilities and versatility in tasks such as search and rescue, guiding the blind, and detection work, to name just a few. Others are therapy and emotional support dogs.
To quote an ASPCA slogan about mutts, “The intelligence of a Poodle and the loyalty of a Lassie. The bark of a Shepherd and the heart of a Saint Bernard. The spots of a Dalmatian, the size of a Schnauzer, and the speed of a Greyhound. A genuine, All-American Mutt has it all.”
Ask mutt owners, and most would agree, their mutts have it all, and definitely have won their hearts.
My friends, Janice and Chris recently adopted their mutt, Shaggy from the Ark-Valley Humane Society. In a few weeks he has filled their lives with love and laughter. He has become quite the social wonder, attending outdoor concerts, Gold Rush events, family parties, and even a recent team meeting at our church. He is such a good boy, and he is a mutt.
You can foster or adopt your own uniquely lovable mutt from AVHS by visiting www.ark-valley.org. It is the perfect way to celebrate National Mutt Day, change a dog’s life and open up space for another.
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