THE BEST “DESIGNER” DOG

Did you know that 25-30% of dogs available for adoption in animal shelters are purebreds? The other 70-75%, of course, are lovable, wonderful mutts or “poi dogs” as they refer to them in Hawaii. (I get around a lot.)

I don’t mind purebreds. Despite their hoity-toity pedigree most of them are really nice. What I do mind is that too many mixed breed adoptee dogs are considered less adoptable, not as special just because of the mish-mash genetics. In truth, the love of a dog is gold regardless of his or her “background”. And consider the side benefits of a mutt.

One, they don’t have as many genetic problems. Two, you have the mystery of trying to figure out how they are likely to act or, if they’re a puppy, what they’ll look like when they grow up. Look at the Wanted Posters below of both types of dogs and tell me both these guys are not just as special as the other.

Now, before I close on this topic, consider a new challenge in the market for mutts: designer dogs. Whereas purebreds hale a progeny derived from several generations of the same breed, designer dogs are a mix of two (usually) purebreds. It’s like a super breed. As Charlie Brown would say, “Good grief.”

Recently a little dog named Lily (see photo below) emailed me about how bodaciously (it’s not even a real word) awesome it was to be a Chiweenie (part Chihuahua and part dachshund). Okay, she’s kinda cute but now the poi dogs really don’t have a chance.

All I’m saying is that whether designer, purebred or poi, you’re adopting a bundle of joy, of love not a breed.

Okay, gotta run but before I go, here’s the question of the day from Bevo who asked: How can I tell if the promises my humans make to me will actually be carried out? My parents promised to walk me at least twice a day but most days I get a quickie (why are people snickering?) just after dinner. - Some times a longer walk on the weekends. I noticed that the second I do my business (the little and big stuff) that they immediately turn around and take me inside. So it stands to reason that they are not walking me because they like how much joy it brings me but instead they are walking me just so I’ll go to the bathroom. I’m not as dumb as they think so I simply hold it longer to get a longer walk. Now, they promised to do something fun with me every weekend like take me to the doggie park or take me shopping at the pet store. Do I believe them or not?

Dear Bevo:

Hey! Were you named after the mascot for the University of Texas, Austin? If so, my foster mom Jet says ‘hello’. She’s a UT-Austin alum. (Apparently that’s a good thing unless you’re from the University of Oklahoma.)Okay, to answer your question… Humans are special to us but that doesn’t mean we are always special to them. Proof is the millions of abandoned dogs (and cats) that desperately need a new home because some lame human broke their promise to take care of them forever. Anyway Jingo, when humans make promises take it with a grain of salt but love them anyway. Our way of loving unconditionally is one of the gifts God gave us (too bad humans don’t catch on to this) and another reason why humans need us as much as we need them.

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