Mixed-breed dogs make up a massive portion of the United States’ pet population. Whether it’s designer mixes like yorkiepoos or a breed you can’t possibly begin to identify, mutts of all stripes are welcome on National Mutt Day, a holiday just for them. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing holiday and how to celebrate it!
What is National Mutt Day?
National Mutt Day is exactly what it says on the tin: a holiday just for celebrating mixed-breed dogs. Generally known as “mutts,” these dogs make up a majority of the canine population, and if you’ve got a rescue pup of your own, chances are, you’ve got a mutt!
When is National Mutt Day?
Unlike most holidays, National Mutt Day occurs twice a year: on December 2nd and July 31st. That way, there’s plenty of time to celebrate dogs of all kinds and advocate for them year-round!
The History of National Mutt Day
Originally founded by Colleen Paige, National Mutt Day wasn’t made with a specific dog in mind. Instead, Paige wanted to create a day dedicated to spreading awareness about mixed-breed dogs and how many of them get left behind in shelters. The holiday continues to raise funds for animal rescue services and shelters where mixed-breed dogs are often abandoned.
Image Via: Ja San Miguel on Unsplash
How to Celebrate National Mutt Day
So, how can you celebrate National Mutt Day? Whether you’re participating in July’s Mutt Day or December’s, there are quite a few things you can do:
Volunteer
To start, volunteering your time at a local animal shelter is a great way to show how much you care for the mutts in your area. Animal shelters can always use an extra helping hand, whether it’s walking the dogs or answering phone calls at the front desk. Ensuring that shelter dogs get the care they deserve, especially during extremely hot and cold days is one of the best things you can do to honor the mutts in your life.
Fostering a shelter dog is another excellent way to volunteer too: it provides dogs with a loving home and gives special-needs pups a chance to receive vital care that shelter hosts otherwise wouldn’t be able to provide.
Donate
If you don’t have the time to donate, why not donate physical goods instead? Local animal shelters need blankets, toys, food, and supplies for their dogs to stay happy while they wait for a forever family. Ask how you can donate to your local animal shelter or veterinary clinic by giving them a call– a representative will let you know what the shelter needs and how to give it to them.
Celebrate the Mutt in Your Life
If you’ve got a mutt of your own, National Mutt Day is the perfect time to celebrate them, too! These four fantastic treats are must-haves for any doggo on their special day:
Get Some Jerky
Who doesn’t love jerky? These savory snacks make great day-long treats that your puppy will drool over! Whether they’re a chicken fan or a beef fiend, your pupper will love these amazing digestive treats.
Cool off with Ice Cream!
If you live somewhere hot, celebrating National Mutt Day with a cool bowl of puppy ice cream is exactly what you need! This sweet treat is perfectly safe for dogs. To prepare it, mix a scoop of ice cream powder with water, and then stick it in the freezer overnight for a delicious Mutt Day morning!
The Underrated Oatmeal
Most people tend to overlook mutts, just like how they overlook oatmeal treats! Give your pup a delicious, nutritious treat this National Mutt Day with our fantastic oatmeal bites. These tiny cookies are great guilt-free treats to snack on throughout the day!
Mutter Butter and other PB Treats
It wouldn’t be national mutt day without our classic Mutter Butter Cookies, made with real peanut butter and baked with your dog in mind. These cookies are pretty simple, too– their main ingredient is dog-safe peanut butter, but you’ll also find a delicious hint of applesauce in them too. We bake fresh batches of Mutter Butters every day.
Pay us a Visit!
Can’t decide what to grab for Fido? Don’t worry! We keep our bakery case stocked full of fresh treats every day. Feel free to come in with your dog and let them choose!
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Works Cited
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Rocky Kanaka
Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in
dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!
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Lorna Ladd
Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with
dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.
