July 31 is National Mutt Day.
In 2008, former President Barack Obama made headlines by referencing his mixed parentage by using the phrase “Mutts like me,” and this is top-of-mind today as a formidable candidate of dual cultural identity takes the stage as the likely Democratic nominee for the American Presidency in 2024.
The term “mutt” itself is derisive, an abbreviation of “muttonhead,” or sheep’s head in British slang, meaning dull-witted. When dogs were valued primarily for shepherding duties, some Brits apparently decided that mixed-breed dogs were harder to train for specific skills like agility, and so on. We are not canine behaviorists, so we don’t know. But, sticks and stones: by freely adopting a term and using it about ourselves, it often loses its sting, although many took offense at the President’s self-deprecating comment.
Even if Chucks and pearls are not your current jam, many dog experts agree that mutts may often have fewer inherited problems than purebred dogs.
When researchers studied the 1995-2010 veterinary records of more than 90,000 purebred and mixed-breed dogs from the University of California–Davis in 2013 (Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; PMID: 23683021; DOI 10.2460/javma.242.11.1549), lead clinician Bellumori and his team found that, out of 24 genetic disorders found in over 27,000 dogs, 10 of these were found significantly more often in purebred dogs.
Part of the reason is that unethical breeders (we know, not all breeders are unethical) may get greedy when a breed becomes popular. This leads to pairing males and females without knowing their genetics, and the resulting congenital abnormalities—hip dysplasia in GSD and other large breeds, for instance—are passed on in the interest of instant puppies for a quick payday.
Other examples of inherited, often deadly disorders that plague purebreds include brachycephalic syndrome (airway deformities and breathing difficulties) in pugs and French and English bulldogs, mitral valve endocardiosis (degeneration of the heart valves) in King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, and Von Willebrand’s Disease (poor blood-clotting) in Doberman Pinschers.
If needed, here are more disclaimers. The same is of course true among cat breeders. And the relative health of any animal is affected by the health of their animal parents. Unhealthy breeding pairs generally produce unhealthy offspring, regardless of their fancy paperwork or lack thereof.
But as President Joe Biden says, here’s the deal. Our region’s animal shelters are overflowing. You may locate a purebred in those sad cells. And you’re sure to meet some spunky “Heinz 57” mixes who capture your heart.
So be open-minded. If you’re ready to open your home to a new companion-animal, check out this week’s candidates.
Thanks to our friend Darlene P. for this listing!
Meet “Little G”
Little G is also known as Gillian. She’s a twin, and although they may be adopted separately her twin-sister sister Gemma is also available and looking for her fur-ever home.
- Female cat
- Breed: DSH
- Coloring: Black and white tuxedo
- Age: 3 years, 3 months old
- Low-key temperament
- Like tummy-rubs and climbing into high places
- Spayed, vaxxed, in fine health
To fill out an adoption application, go to https://www.lifelineforpets.org/gillian.html
Meet Arwel #A802616
We know next to nothing, except that a rescue organization is needed to step up and change the life of this hard-luck ginger.
- Feline, DHS
- Gender and age unknown
- Ginger and white tabby
- On the Naughty List, perhaps for behavior (?)
- Will only be released to a Rescue
Same sad story below:
Meet Wynne #A802634
- Feline, DSH
- Gender and age unknown
- Black and white
- Arched back signifies trauma, behavior issues
- Will only be released to Rescue
Devore Animal Shelter
19777 Shelter Way
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 386-9820- press 2 for Devore Shelter, Rescues, press 1 to speak with Rescue Coordinator
Rescue coordinator email: [email protected]
Baldwin Park Pets Need Immediate Help
Many thanks to our friend Alice C and Lisa, Lor, and the other volunteers of www.unitedhopeforanimals.org for the following listings, including all photos for pets in extremely urgent need at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center. This is an especially overcrowded shelter, and animals are routinely euthanized here for space. Every share and inquiry could make the difference saving an animal.
Meet Candy #A5629283
- Canine, female
- AGE: 2 years old
- BREED: Mastiff Mix
- SIZE: Large (88 lbs)
- COLOR: Black brindle, short coat
- SPAYED: Yes
- HEALTH/CONDITION: Generally good health. Has one cherry eye (easily treatable)
- PERSONALITY: Friendly, good energy level, affectionate, dog-friendly, good on leash
- BACK STORY: Came to Baldwin Park Animal Care Center on 5/30/24 as a stray. Long-stay resident now at high risk due to overcrowding.
To adopt or foster Candy #A5629283, email [email protected]
Meet Frisbee #A5635188
Male canine
AGE: 6 years old
BREED: Terrier Mix
SIZE: Small (14 lbs)
COLOR: Creamy white, shaggy
NEUTERED: Yes
HEALTH/CONDITION: Microchipped and vaccinated. Needs grooming.
PERSONALITY: Curious, medium energy, good on leash. Nicknamed “The Little Inspector”
BACK STORY: Arrived at Baldwin Park Animal Care Center on June 26th as a stray.
Frisbee has been at the shelter for an extended period and is at risk of euthanasia due to overcrowding.
To save Frisbee, email [email protected]
Meet Aleve #A5632290
- Female canine
- AGE: 11 months old
- BREED: Belgian Malinois
- SIZE: Medium (49 lbs)
- COLOR: Brown and black
- SPAYED
- HEALTH/CONDITION: Microchipped and vaccinated, ready for adoption
- PERSONALITY: Friendly, smart, curious, very sweet, gives kisses, takes treats gently. Medium energy.
- BACK STORY: Arrived at Baldwin Park Animal Care Center on June 13th as a stray
- Needs more practice on leash
- Partially housebroken
- Needs basic puppy training
- Not suited for multi-pet household. No other dogs.
- To adopt or foster Aleve #A5632290, please contact [email protected]
Meet Swift #A5634484
- Male canine
- AGE: 3 years old
- BREED: Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
- SIZE: Large (102 lbs)
- COLOR: Red-brandy
- NEUTERED
- HEALTH/CONDITION: Generally good, but stressed in shelter environment
- PERSONALITY: Sweet, friendly, gentle giant, treat-motivated, walks well on leash, does well with other large dogs
- BACK STORY: Came to Baldwin Park Animal Care Center as a stray on 6/23/2024
- Rare breed with beautiful red-brandy coat
- Partially housebroken
- Dainty play-style with other large dogs
- Charming smooshed face and docked tail
URGENT: Swift is a rare breed in need of immediate rescue or adoption due to shelter stress! To adopt or foster Swift #A5634484, email [email protected]
Photo: www.unitedhopeforanimals.org
Meet Rocky #A5630895
- Male canine
- AGE: 3 years old
- BREED: Boston Terrier / Beagle Mix
- SIZE: Small (23 lbs)
- COLOR: Oreo-spotted coat (black and white)
- NEUTERED
- HEALTH/CONDITION: Fully vaccinated and ready for adoption
- PERSONALITY: Energetic, playful, affectionate, friendly with other dogs, knows basic commands, curious and eager to learn
- BACK STORY: Came to Baldwin Park Animal Care Center on 6/7/24 as an owner surrender
- Prefers an adult-only home without cats
- Needs confidence-building (a bit shy at the shelter)
- Would benefit from having pet siblings
- To adopt or foster Rocky #A5630895, email [email protected]
Meet Wiggle #A5634969
- Female canine
- AGE: 1 year,1 month
- BREED: German Shepherd
- SIZE: Large (66.6 lbs)
- COLOR: Classic GSD black/nutmeg coat
- SPAYED
- HEALTH/CONDITION: Fully vaccinated and ready for adoption
- PERSONALITY: Gentle, playful, highly intelligent, sweet-natured, eager to please, easy to handle, good on leash
- BACK STORY: Arrived at Baldwin Park Animal Care Center on 6/25/24 as a stray
- Impressive agility – perfect for outdoor enthusiasts
- Learns tricks quickly — highly trainable
- Partially housebroken (trainable!)
To adopt or foster Wiggle #A5634969) please contact [email protected]
For general inquiries:
Baldwin Park Animal Care Center
Phone: (626) 962-3577
Address: 4275 Elton Street
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Thanks to our friend Susan L. for this listing below of handsome Eli and photo!
Meet Eli
- Male canine
- AGE: 3 years old (approx.)
- BREED: Husky
- SIZE: 80 lbs.
- COLOR: Stunning Arctic white coat and blue eyes!
- NEUTERED
- HEALTH/CONDITION: Fully vaxed, in fine health
- PERSONALITY: Friendly with dogs of all sizes, and people. Curious, and loves to play
- Potty, crate and leash-trained
Susan Lindheimer is kindly fostering Eli through Bubbles Dog Rescue. Susan says “No known reason for why he was surrendered to a shelter. He was well cared-for, and well-behaved. Eli will be a perfect addition to any household.”
To meet Eli, call Susan at 626-244-4445, or email [email protected]
