National Mutt Day, also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day, was created in 2005 by Celebrity Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige and is celebrated on both July 31st and December 2nd. National Mutt Day is all about embracing, saving and celebrating mixed breed dogs. The biggest percentage of dogs abandoned and euthanized is due to the constant over-breeding and public desire of designer dogs and pure bred puppies that are sold to pet stores supplied by puppy mills that often produce ill and horribly neglected animals.
The rise in puppy prices in North America during the current pandemic has been astronomical. As people find themselves in lock down and stuck at home the urge to get a puppy has driven the prices up by almost triple. A purebred toy poodle in Toronto sold for $1500 in 2019, now they are getting $5000 for a puppy. A mixed breed puppy ending in anything ‘oodle’ has also skyrocketed but before you go out and purchase a puppy visit your local shelter and find a new friend! If you can’t adopt a mixed breed on December 2nd, please donate at least $5 to your local animal shelter, as they all need financial assistance and every dollar counts! You can also volunteer to walk a dog, donate food and other supplies needed to your local animal rescue. PLEASE help end the overpopulation of dogs by spaying and neutering your pets.