There are no bones about it, dogs can exponentially improve the world in which we live. Pooches have the power to help you stay physically fit, de-stress, and give your life a greater sense of purpose.
No matter their shape, size or color, all dogs are capable of making a difference. While purebreds like poodles, retrievers and Shih Tzus often have the upper paw when it comes to finding a home, today we're showcasing several mighty mutts who are just as worthy.
Below you'll find nine special reasons mutts make the perfect companion, along with nine adorable pooches who are up for adoption through Utah's Best Friends Animal Society. Allow us to convince you to get a mutt of your own, and with luck, you might find your doggie soulmate today.
Nothing wrong with dressing like your peers, but mutts are particularly special because they're unique in every way. These dogs are like snowflakes: no two will ever look exactly the same. While purebreds are meant to look a certain way, everyone will know your special mutt belongs to you.
Hopeful can be yours! Visit her adoption page.
Pedigree breeds can cost thousands of dollars. You can take home a shelter dog for a small adoption fee, and sometimes nothing at all. A dog's dollar value does not correlate with the value it can bring to your life.
Tahoe can be yours! Visit his adoption page.
Though we wish it were the case, no dog is immortal. But mixed breeds are at lower risk for certain diseases from which purebred dogs suffer. Mutts, in this case, may enjoy a healthier life and won't chew your wallet when it comes to veterinary costs.
Casha can be yours! Visit her adoption page.
Mutts need your love just as much as you need theirs. Seventy-five percent of adoptable dogs are mixed breeds, meaning their group is in greater need of a place to call home. Whether she comes from a lineage of royals or not, your pooch is going to show you an unconditional love that'll make your heart feel full.
Jim can be yours! Visit his adoption page.
Dog person + dog person = best friends in the making. As a dog person, you know this equation to be true. You and your fellow dog owners can strut your mutts with pride, knowing that you've all changed the lives of animals who may have otherwise spent their days without the love and affection you are constantly providing.
Kaya can be yours! Visit her adoption page.
Dogs are a great conversation starter. Admirers will undoubtedly ask you about your special pooch when you're out on a walk, and you'll be able to tell them about the adopting process. Who knows? You might be the one to persuade them to adopt one of their own.
Khan can be yours! Visit his adoption page.
Every year, 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters, according to the Humane Society. Millions of these get adopted, many go to foster homes and some remain in the shelters for years to come. But sadly, 2.7 million are euthanized for lack of resources and space to house them.
When you rescue a pooch from an adoption center, you're potentially saving his life.
Digby can be yours! Visit his adoption page.
The process for finding a trustworthy breeder can be a complicated one. To find a shelter, all you'll need to do is a little typing into Google and voila! You're set to drive over to pick up your future doggie.
Lady Mojo can be yours! Visit her adoption page .
"A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs," reports the ASPCA. Breeding strictly for profit is a bad practice that can exacerbate health issues and mistreatment. When you choose not to spend your money on a mill dog, you're making it more difficult for those operations to stay in business.
Phinny can be yours! Visit his adoption page.
Also on HuffPost:
