Mutts, mixed breeds, mixes, mongrels. We all know what that means. And It sure doesn't have the negative connotations of decades past. It's cool to have a mutt, so what's your cool factor? Just how mutt-friendly are you?

North Shore Animal League America (NSALA) is a leader in changing how we view animal welfare by implementing its famous Mutt-i-grees curriculum in schools across the nation, as per HNGN.  

 "In every heart, there is a hole. In every shelter, there is love in which to fill it," said Colleen Paige, creator of National Mutt Day.

Paige also is the founder of National Dog Day, National Cat Day, National Puppy Day and many more, as well as a tireless animal welfare advocate and a pet and family lifestyle expert. When she started National Mutt Day in 2005 (happy 10th anniversary!), she wanted to embrace, save and celebrate the mixed-breed dogs stacked at the shelters. So each year, mutts get two special National Mutt Days, July 31 and Dec. 2.

While mutt-nificent mutts have been celebrated by those animal lovers not hung up on a pedigree, we can all agree that one of the most famous movie star dogs is Benji, a total mutt! So celebrate your mutt today, kiss a mutt, adopt a mutt and learn how to find true love when you find that soul-mutt you have been searching for.

Quit overlooking the silly happy chiweenie (Chihuahua Dachshund cross), adopt a shlab (shepherd lab cross) or spaniel mix, shepherd mix, hound mix or terrier mix at your local shelters. You could be missing the best relationship of your life. Mutts have mutt-itude and are dogs that tend to be healthier than overbred purebred dogs. They are as unique as there are wonderful.  They deserve at least two special days a year to be celebrated, and celebrate we will. Happy Mutt Day!