Mayday For Mutts is celebrated annually on the first Sunday in May and coincides with the first day of Be Kind To Animals Week, an event established in 1915 by the American Humane Association. Mayday For Mutts seeks to remind everyone that it is personality, not pedigree that makes a good dog. In addition, this holiday serves to remind us of the wonderful dogs available in shelters…not only mutts but senior and special needs pups that often are overlooked by people. Adopting one of these special mutts can go a long way to reducing the number of “puppy mills” in America.
Mayday For Mutts is the brainchild of Karen Derrico, author of “Unforgettable Mutts: Pure of Heart Not of Breed”‘. According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 75% of the six million dogs entering United States animal shelters each year are mixed-breed.
Animal shelters, humane organizations, and pet-related businesses across America will be holding mutt-related activities and distributing literature promoting the adoption of mixed-breed dogs throughout the month of May, but the official Mayday For Mutts holiday is the first Sunday of each May.
The aforementioned literature will include information on: mutt myths and facts, adopting a mutt, listings for mutt-specific activities, events, and clubs, spaying and neutering, and adopting special needs dogs –And who says that mutts don’t come with papers? Participating shelters will be presenting “100% Pure Mutt” certificates to people adopting mutts during the month of May.
So if you’re in the market for a loving canine companion, please consider adopting a mutt, senior dog citizen or a special needs dog.