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Go Hug a Mutt, Because They’re the Best

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Apparently, today is National Mutt Day. Do not attempt to confuse this “holiday” with the banality that is National Avocado Day, which shares the same calendar space but nowhere near the respected caliber. Of all the ridiculous marketing scheme-laden crap we get to “celebrate” in some promotional way, National Mutt Day ranks up there with the almost righteous.

It’s a day to love on the best part of this planet, our mixed-up little weirdos we call our dogs. Most of us don’t have pure-breeds demanding pattée and pedicures — we somehow, someway ended up with the coolest friends all smashed together from unlikely and often head scratching origins. Basically, mutts and humans can largely relate. You’d be hard-pressed to find a pure-bred human of any sort, and considering that would produce mutant children, that’s probably a good thing. For the newbie dog lover, mutts are the best because they’re resilient. You can fuck up — a little — and things will probably be okay. Just don’t do it again.

We couldn’t celebrate National Mutt Day without sharing with you some resources if you’re so inclined to become a new mutt’s best friend. But first, we’ve shamelessly pulled some of cutest freakin’ mutt posts we could find. You’re welcome.

Mutts Rock!

This one makes it not only because the pooches are cute, but because any family that names their dog Poopie is cool in my book.

Need I say more?

Flex on…

Shy dogs need love, too.

Because, Me Day!

 

All the reasons why rescuing is where it’s at.

And I’m proud to disclose that this here little beauty is my very own “special” Corgi-German Shepherd, Ruby. She was born with a slightly malformed brain that comes out in a neurological way — her back legs “wiggle” when she’s overtired or stressed out. Some asshats tried to euthanize her at 4 months old and the vet called a rescue organization to save her. They did, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

We brought her home a couple weeks ago and she’s become the star supreme. She makes everybody feel better every day, and every person in this house loves her right back when she says so. She’s the only one around here that doesn’t get verbally assaulted for waking up a teen boy at noon. If she wants a walk, somebody is going to take her. If she wants to play, somebody is gonna throw the damn ball. She’s our little everything.

If you want to rescue a mutt to call your best, best friend, check out some of these organizations doing good things for the right reasons.

BTW: I got this list from my mom, so I know it’s on point. Don’t argue.

Jelly’s Place

According to their site:

“Jelly’s Place is a community nonprofit rescue and no-kill shelter located in San Pablo CA. We rescue, provide veterinary care, and placement for  abandoned, impounded, sick, or injured dogs and cats. We provide community education and assistance to low-income pet owners to keep their pets, and educate the public about the plight of dogs and cats in the meat industry in Asia.”

Jelly’s Place is located at 2905 San Pablo Dam Rd, San Pablo and is open Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ozzie’s Pound Puppies

The Concord-based rescue organization is one that truly sprung up from local need on the shoulders of volunteers and pet foster families. Their site gives the following description:

“Ozzies Pound Puppies is an all breed dog rescue based in Concord, CA. Our volunteers are committed to rescuing unwanted and abandoned dogs from the public and from shelters.”

You can look through all the four-legged friends they’re caring for here.

Road Dogs & Rescue

This place focuses on rescuing bulldogs. When founder Nikki Carvey was asked, “Why bullbogs?” she said:

“Because although they are ‘cute’ and expensive, many wind up in the shelters or unwanted because people do not realize how expensive they can be to maintain.  Eye issues, skin issues, joint issues –  you name it, bulldogs get it.  They are the Lovable Lemons of the canine world!”

You can check out current profiles for all their lovable, large-mandible rescue babies here.

I leave you with these choice quotes…it’s National Mutt Day, after all.

“My dog is half pit-bull, half poodle. Not much of a watchdog, but a vicious gossip.” Craig Shoemaker (comedian)

“A lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me.” – Barack Obama (president of the United States)

In closing, rescue a dog if you can and you just might find yourself rescued.

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Nik Wojcik - East Bay Editor

Nik Wojcik - East Bay Editor

Journalist, editor, student, single mom to a pack of wolves, foodie, music lover, resident smart ass, and champion of vulgarity and human kindness.

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