Mixed-breed dogs make up about half of the U.S. canine population. These diverse pups, sometimes known as Heinz 57 dogs, come in many shapes, sizes and colors, and their unique personalities defy breed expectations. Mutts are known for having great temperaments, and they may also be healthier and live longer. Although they’re prone to similar conditions as purebred dogs, they may have a lower risk of genetic disorders.
National Mutt Day, which is observed on July 31st and December 2nd, provides an opportunity to celebrate mixed-breed dogs. It’s also a day to raise awareness of mutts in shelters waiting for a forever home. Keep reading to find great ways to honor the mutts of the world.
5 Ways to Celebrate National Mutt Day
Adoption
All dogs deserve loving homes, but with many families setting their sights on certain breeds, mixed breeds are often overlooked in shelters. So if you’ve always wanted to adopt a dog, National Mutt Day may be the perfect time to head to your local shelter.
If you’re worried about adopting from a rescue, you don’t have to be. Most shelter dogs make amazing pets. They’re well-adjusted, friendly pups that are just waiting for a forever home. Although shelter dogs may initially exhibit behavioral problems such as excessive barking, these can usually be attributed to the stressful environment. Most unwanted behaviors disappear or are easily managed in a loving home.
When you’re ready to find a new canine best friend, organizations such as Petfinder and the ASPCA can help you find suitable mutts or designer dogs in nearby animal shelters. Take a look and you might just fall in love.
Volunteering
If you aren’t prepared to adopt, you can change a dog’s life by volunteering at a local shelter. These organizations rely on volunteers to perform essential functions, such as dog walking, kennel cleaning and administrative tasks. Many rescue organizations also desperately need fosters. By fostering, you can help shelters make space for dogs in need while providing a safe space for scared or anxious pups to decompress so their personalities can shine through.
Volunteering is hard work, but it’s also rewarding. You can find a sense of purpose and accomplishment, learn new skills and connect with like-minded people.
Donation
Shelters and rescue organizations rely on donations. Although animal shelters always need money, many also need food, toys, treats and blankets. Often, brick-and-mortar pet stores maintain shelter donation bins where you can drop off new and gently used items.
You can also donate directly to reputable national organizations, such as the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society. Your donation may be used for life-saving tasks, such as placement, medical care and rescue operations.
Spoil Your Mutt
National Mutt Day 2024 is also a perfect excuse to spoil your own mutt with:
- Special treats or rawhide-free chews
- New toys and interactive games
- A trip to the beach or dog park or a dog-friendly hike
- A relaxing day of pampering that includes grooming and cuddles
- Homemade dog biscuits that can be made with a recipe like the one below
Ingredients:
- 1 small banana, mashed
- ⅓ cup all-natural creamy peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 cup instant whole oats
In a large bowl, knead the ingredients with your hands until they form a dough. Roll it out until it’s 1/4-inch thick, and use a bone- or heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out treats. Set them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To make them extra special, drizzle the treats with melted carob. Refrigerate treats to keep them fresh for weeks.
Advocacy
National Mutt Day can also be a time to advocate for the welfare of mixed-breed dogs. Advocacy can give a voice to the voiceless and promote long-term legislative changes that can have an impact on animals’ lives. Becoming an advocate for mixed-breed dogs can be as simple as:
- Sharing information and stories on social media
- Educating family and friends about the benefits of adopting mutts
- Supporting legislation that protects shelter dogs
- Promoting responsible pet ownership, including spaying/neutering and microchipping
Level Up Your Mutt’s Safety and Freedom With Halo Collar
The best way to honor your pet is to keep it safe. The Halo Collar is a revolutionary tool that promotes dog safety and freedom. It includes GPS tracking, so you always know where your pet is, and activity tracking that monitors your dog’s health and well-being so you can make informed decisions about care, feeding and exercise.
The Halo collar lets you customize virtual fences — indoors and out — so you can keep your dog safe in any environment, and it offers training tools that let you reinforce positive behaviors so your dog can be a canine good citizen. With the Halo Collar, mixed-breed dogs have the freedom to explore within the boundaries you set, so mutts with a high prey drive or a tendency to wander have a safe space to run. Plus, by providing more opportunities to exercise, you can reduce your pup’s risk of canine obesity and promote a long, healthy life.
Unleash the Muttastic Love This National Mutt Day!
On National Mutt Day, celebrate your pup’s unique and wonderful qualities. Head for the beach, or just snuggle on the couch and enjoy time together. If you don’t have a mixed-breed dog, National Mutt Day is a perfect time to adopt. Shelters are overflowing with loving dogs just waiting for their forever home.
Dogs make our lives complete. Sharing your life with a mutt can result in reduced stress and anxiety, more social interactions and better overall health. In fact, the human-animal bond promotes the mental and physical well-being of both you and your pup. So, let your four-legged best friend know how much it means to you on National Mutt Day by learning more about how the Halo Collar can enhance your dog’s life.
