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Perhaps the breed of dog that best personifies
the American spirit is the mutt: A mix of this and that which
culminates in a life-long friend.
America is a place called the “Great Melting Pot” for a reason. Whether
it is from Europe or South America, Asia or Africa, people come here to
forge new lives for themselves. Similarly, the mutt represents the
diversity of this country as surely as anything else.
Mutts have earned the reputation of being some of the best pets in the
dog world. Whether it is a mix of German shepherd and Rottweiller or a
cross between a longhaired Chihuahua and a pug, the outcome is always
the same: A new best friend for the family.
While breeds of dogs are good for some people, who might want to have
some very specific information about an individual dog’s likes and
dislikes (specific breeds are well-charted when it comes to this) for
many others the right eyes and height, as well as attitude, can be
found in the lovable mutt.
Each
year literally thousands of dogs are taken in by area shelters. These
dogs may sometimes lack the pedigree of a show dog, but they surely so
not lack the heart of a treasured family pet.
The
love of a family has incredible powers when it comes to a pet. This
love is invariably returned in kind, no matter what the dog’s pedigree.
Whether a dog is a certain breed or not is sometimes less important
than the special meaning that a pet, in this case a dog, can have.
In
the case of all dogs, the best piece of advice is to treat them in the
most human way that you can, like one of the family. So many people say
that they wish they could be the person that their dog seems to thing
that they are. Isn’t that true?
Dogs
actually ask for so little from us, especially when you consider what
they give in return. It has been clinically proven that dogs can extend
the lives of people. Notably, this is true the other way around as well.
Whether it is a friend on the running trail, someone to let you know if
anyone is in the yard or at the door, a playful friend that is looking
forward to throwing the old ball or Frisbee around, or just a buddy to
sit by the fire and read a good book alongside, the loveable mutt is as
true a canine companion as any of his or her more well-heeled brethren.
There are many things that help to make up the tapestry that is a
family. A couple and their children are the main part of it. But, a
home and a way of life is made all the more richer by the addition of a
family dog.
Of
course, while dogs are wonderful pets, regardless of the breed that we
are discussing, I have to remind families not to accept any
responsibilities with pets that are not prepared to see through. It is
very important that, when considering a pet, the move to do so is a
permanent one and not a “seasonal” situation where a new pet may be
turned over to a shelter “if it doesn’t work out.” This takes careful
consideration about where families are.
Remember, a dog is a living creature that has needs, and certainly
rights, when it comes to their health care, feeding and quality of
life. If a family or someone feels that they have the time, the
interest and the ability to care for a dog, then all that they need to
ask themselves is if they have the room in their heart for a family
addition.
(Buddy Amato lives in Hazlet. He operates Amato’s Karate and Weapons Academy. For more information call (732)671-9555.)
Copyright Buddy Amato
Amato's Goju-ryu
Karate, Nunchaku, Bo-staff, Aikido, Sword, Kendo, Sais, Kick-boxing, Tai-Chi and more
589 Palmer Ave, Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom, NJ 07734
(732) 671-9555
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