Dog lovers know every canine is one-of-a-kind, but mixed-breed dogs are truly unique thanks to their grab-bag of genes. Mutts come in every shape, size, scruff, and shade you can think of! Personality-wise, too, mixed-breed dogs can have any disposition under the sun, depending what family traits win out. Help save a life and see how a mutt can enhance your own!
2. Volunteer to walk a shelter dog
Did you know that some shelter dogs rarely leave their kennels? Shelter staffs just do not have the time to dedicate to walking each dog every day, and could really use the extra help that volunteering gives. Volunteering to walk shelter dogs also gives you an opportunity to help raise awareness, recruit people with time and compassion, and encourage animal lovers to visit their local shelter to learn about volunteer opportunities.3. Donate food and other supplies needed to your local animal shelter
Many shelters rely solely on the good hearts and goodwill of those who donate. While there are some government assisted programs that provide some funding to animal shelters, the wait lists are long and it's not always guaranteed that they'll get the funding they need to properly maintain and care for the animals that arrive in their shelters daily. Often times, shelters will post supply need lists on their websites or social media pages, so subscribe to your local shelter's facebook or website page and keep an eye out for their next need list.
4. Make a donation in the memory of a loved dog who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge
There comes a time in every pet owner's life that they must say goodbye to their furry friend. It's never easy, and another pet just cannot replace that void. But what may help ease some of the heartache and give you peaceful closure is to make a donation to your local shelter in memory of your beloved dog who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. In doing so, you're honoring the life of your pet and passing along the unconditional love they received from you to those that are not as fortunate to have a loving furever home and family.
5. Spread the word to raise awareness
The biggest percentage of dogs abandoned and euthanized is due to the constant over-breeding and public desire of designer dogs and purebred puppies that are sold to pet stores supplied by puppy mills that often produce ill and horribly neglected animals. This special day was created to raise awareness of the plight of mixed breed dogs in shelters around the nation, as approximately 80% of dogs in shelters are mixed breeds. The mission behind National Mutt Day is to educate the public about the overwhelming number of mixed breed dogs that desperately await new homes and to celebrate the amazing characteristics that the mix of breeds creates in each individual dog.
Celebrate National Mutt Day by spending time with the mutts in your life or by volunteering at your local shelter. Your efforts to educate and bring awareness to this cause will be appreciated and won't go unnoticed. If you'd like to donate supplies to your local shelter, we've got great products that shelters would love to have - such as a raised dog bed or waterproof crate pads. Visit our website today to get your donation items ordered!
