National Mutt Day reminds people to love mixed breeds

COSHOCTON – National Mutt Day is celebrated on July 31 and Dec. 2 to draw attention to mixed breed dogs, which are just as lovable, huggable and loyal as purebred dogs.

“The Heinz 57s are the best,” said Rachael Selders from the Coshocton County Animal Shelter. “Purebreds usually have a lot of medical issues and there is a lot of over breading because of backyard breeders.”

There are several mutts waiting for their forever homes at the Coshocton County Animal Shelter and Four Paws which will be featured over the next two weeks.

“Animals will choose you,” Selders said. “Be prepared to stay here for a while and visit.”

When people come looking for a dog to adopt Selders will ask them questions about their lifestyle, children and other pets to help them find a dog that is best for them.

“We want them (the dogs) to be in the right circumstances and not end up back here,” she said.

Selders tries to test the dogs to see if they can handle a child playing rough, how they act if a treat is taken away, and how they do around other dogs and cats.

One dog at the shelter that doesn’t play well with cats, but is otherwise well mannered is Sirius.

“He’s real gentle and takes treats nice from us,” said Selders.

Sirius is a German Shepherd/Husky mix who Selders believes is between four and five years old.

Someone who has time to train an energetic mix breed puppy might be the perfect match for a six month old one at the shelter.

“She needs worked with,” Selders said. “She will probably be ok with a kitty, but might be rough on an older dog.”

They also have a mixed breed male named Rebel. He is about one year old and has one dark eye and one blue eye that make him stand out from the crowd.

“We were told he grew up around cats and is friendly, but was too hyper for the (past) owner,” Selders said.

Haven has always been an outside dog and is believed to be a boxer/lab mix.

“She is seven years old and is one heck of a talker,” Selders said. “She is supposed to like children and be dog friendly, but sometimes being in kennels can change dogs.”

Another lovable mutt at the shelter is a one to two year old sweetie named Ginger.

“She is just a regular old mutt and she is beautiful,” Selders said. “After she calms down she is very loving and will just sit at my feet.”

When a dog chooses you and you are ready to take them home, Selders reminds people to be patient with them.

“It’s hard to tell what they’ve gone through,” she said. “We don’t always know their stories.”

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