A few good mutts
By Christine Foster

It’s sort of fun when we get a purebred dog in the SPA. We don’t expect them, but once in while someone moves, develops allergies, or otherwise loses interest and suddenly we have a Weimeraner, a Dalmatian, or a Basset Hound in our care.

Although they have a recognizable look, they are rarely “better” dogs in any truly adoptable way than our own sturdy, cheerful, bright boys and girls of thoroughly mixed heritage.

For one thing we have no more way of knowing what background a “purebred” has than we have of any other dog. Did they originally come from a breeder, or a puppy mill, or just an enterprising community member trying to breed his dog to make some money? Will they develop early health problems which stem from lack of exercise, close confinement, inbreeding or poor immune systems?

Here are a few good reasons not to choose a purebred, especially if you’re buying one.

1. Looks are deceiving. Think about what the animal has been bred for. You may think huskies are beautiful but they are far happier in cold climates. Border Collies and many other working dogs need a lot to do or they become anxious, bored—or worse—neurotic.


2. With mixed breeds you always have a greater choice—not just the pick of the litter, but the pick of many litters.

3. Purebreds are more likely to be stolen and held for reward. Or sold. (This happened to two Golden Retrievers here last year.)


4. If you adopt a stray, you will feel good knowing you have not only helped that particular animal, but you are helping the problem of animal overpopulation in general. Every stray adopted (and spayed or neutered) is one less animal breeding unwanted animals (or one less innocent animal being euthanized). When you buy a purebred, in effect, that is one less animal saved.

5. Gratitude. When you bring home a dog who has known hard times, there is no end to the love you inspire. It is our experience that even abused and neglected animals rebound into amazing and devoted pets. You’d think they might hold a grudge…but somehow animals seem to know that life and love come first, and they just can’t stop celebrating their outrageous good luck.

Little Flor is about a year and a half old. She was found with her sister on the street and rescued by Sandra, a dedicated local animal lover, who nursed them back to health and had them spayed and vaccinated. Sandra was able to find a home for the sister, but brought Flor in to SPA a few weeks ago. Flor is medium small, very bright and very sweet and already a real people pleaser. This is definitely a mutt with moxy, ready for new adventures and a loving future.

Chloe, a young adult female, is another mix (clearly with some Siamese) giving the overall effect of a fluffy chinchilla. Can there be mutts in the cat world? Her heritage is just as broadly based, robust and genetically healthy as her canine compatriots. She prefers humans to other cats and would make an adorable only pet.

Please come and visit all our great animals at Sociedad Protectora de Animales, open noon–2pm, Monday–Friday for adoptions and volunteers. We are located at Los Pinos 7, a right turn off Calzada de la Estación. Check out our website at www.spasanmiguel.org to learn more about us and about how to sponsor, donate or adopt an animal.