Paul and I took a little excursion to Beacon, NY this weekend. Frank, of course was in tow. Beacon is a great trip for us because we’re all allowed into the stores! Pictured left is our entry to Beacon Barkery, Frank’s favorite stop along the way. Frank loves to explore, and I wonder what goes through his mind when we put him into the car. Everything is a new adventure, I suppose.

So we arrive, and quickly happen upon two men that were delighted by Frank. “Is he a puggle?” they ask. I tell them no, he’s a pug/chijuajua mix. “Oh! A designer dog! That’s a new breed. A chug.” My heart sank. I quickly explain to them Frank is a rescue, and there was no design involved. Their interest fizzled immediately. Very unfortunate.

I hold the belief that nothing beats a mutt. I’ve had several dogs in my life, and all of them were mutts.

Chien was our family dog growing up. I think there was some collie and golden retriever in that gorgeous dog. He was in my life from around the age of 10, until my first year in college. Then there was Boog (black lab, doberman), Tuco (chow, shepherd), Bingo (foster dog with who knows what in her), and now there’s Frank.

There are many advantages to the mixed breed dog. One of the best is the likelihood they will be in better health. Another big positive is that the dogs are not being bred for profit. Speaking to both of these issues is a recent report from The Poughkeepsie Journal. Pet Fashion pet store in Poughkeepsie is facing 70 charges of animal cruelty for knowingly selling sick puppies, and denying veterinary care to the animals.

So if you’re considering getting a dog I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit your local animal shelter and get yourself a mutt who desperately needs a forever home. You won’t be disappointed!