Mutts Run Great

On my way to church one day, I noticed a beautiful dog jogging alongside its owner. It was a honey-colored retriever. I don't think it was a mutt. But I didn't get a chance to examine the dog. Could have been. It just made me think how common this scene was to me. That week alone, I probably saw three similar dogs and their owners in my travels throughout Greenville.

All of the running dogs were golden labs (their owners were non-descript, but athletic types). Anyway, it made me wonder how wonderfully happy the pair must be together because, afterall, who wouldn't be happy and proud of such a beautiful dog. And what dog wouldn't be happy to be running alongside its owner!

Then my mind ran deviously astray. "What about all of the ugly mutts? Why don't I see more mutts running alongside their fit and obviously consciencious owners?" Well, then came my conclusion. I thought "Ah, because the more smart and fit among us obviously know what we want. We want the perfect dog. We want to know what we're getting when we adopt. We're getting full-breds because they meet the profile we expect and can count on."

I can't blame the pure-bred owners. It just saddens me, that's all. For every beautiful show-grade dog I see, there are multiple ugly mutts roaming the streets without a home, or penned in a backyard, or being mistreated somewhere else in Greenville. So many wonderful people adopt mutts. But not enough. I understand wanting a pure-bred dog. But I don't understand not wanting a mutt. I think we are misinformed, inexperienced, and unfortunately missing opportunities. Not just to change a dogs life. But more to add something amazing to our own. Adopted homeless dogs know they being saved from a worse fate. They've experienced loneliness, neglect, and hunger. With a bit of nurture from you, there comes a reward that lasts a lifetime - and far outlives that dog.

Besides, I think the little bit of control we attempt over our lives by choosing the perfect breed for us, is all for naught really. All living things come with their own unique differences and challenges that one could never anticipate. The things dogs have in common, however, is  they all speak "dog," not English; they all need potty training and training in general; and they all need exercise, food, water, and companionship.

There are just too many responsible and wonderful pet owners paying good money for a full-bred when there's a good mutt that desparately needs a home just down the road at the local shelter. The little effort it takes to overcome sheltered-dog issues is long forgotten when your once homeless pet looks you in the eye, cocks his head, sits and stands by your side, or puts his paw or head on your lap when you've had a bad day.

Consider a homless mutt. They come in all shapes and sizes, and breeds. They also run just as beautifully as pure breds. Some are pure breds, in fact.

If you just want to give money away, rescue organizations and shelters always need a little extra.

Happy tails...and God bless the mutt owners of today and tomorrow. Thanks for reading and click on the picture of the pups for the caption. Please share your thoughts.