Patch Readers Share Their Mixed Breed Pups On National Mutt Day

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — This past Wednesday was National Mutt Day, founded in 2005 by celebrity pet expert and animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige. Patch editors in Hartford and Tolland counties asked readers to share their non-purebred pups; here is a sampling of the responses received.

"On the left is Silvie who is 4 years old. She is very protective of Daisy when we walk in the woods. She tangled with a coyote who we think after Daisy. Daisy just turned 10. She is the smartest dog I have ever owned. She knows 10 commands. Both dogs are very loving and enjoy being with my son and I. They are very loved and well taken care of." - Maureen Wesloski

"Nellie Mae, age 6. First dog I’ve ever known to bury bones, outside and inside and then dig them up and eat them. What makes her special beyond the obvious...when I had breast cancer 5 years ago and lost all my hair, every night, she’d lick my bald head, every night. And every treatment I had she lay down next to me and wouldn’t leave unless I got up. Nellie Mae, our rescue from Alabama, rocks our world!" - Sheila Strong

"This is Snickers, 12 months old. I am currently working from home, so my coworker comes to work with me every day. Doesn't get much accomplished." - Joanne Larocque

"This is our boy, Tegan and he is 9 years old. Well all dogs are special in my eyes, but Tegan's specialty is that he is a therapy dog and he brings joy, happiness, love and sometimes tears to students, children in the hospital and their parents and siblings too!" - Claudia Eberly

"Dalia, 1 year old. She's our mix of everything rescue from Texas. She is now very far from the beginning of her life of living under a deck and eating dirt and rocks. She is an absolute snuggle bug and loves giving kisses!" - Melissa Papa

"Griffin is a Jack Russell/Dachshund mix who was given a new life when picked up from the Bloomfield pound in 2014. He is approximately 10-12 yrs old. He is very smart, and a real character. I love him so much." - Andrew Chabot

"Leo is a Pomeranian Shireba, 5 years old, fun-loving and always wants to play. He’s not a fan of balls but loves to play with rocks - his 'pet rocks'" - Eleni Bouzakis

"This is Ziva. We call her Ziva the Diva. Ziva is a 1 year old mixed breed rescue from PawSafe in Ellington. Ziva has been enjoying the attention of everyone being home during the day due to COVID. She keeps us on our toes and always full of energy." - Julie Porter

"Kiki makes us smile every day. She is a 2 1/2 year old Chihuahua terrier mix. Kiki loves everyone. She is really friendly to human and animal friends. Kiki has an awesome fun-loving personality. She brightens my life every day." - Diane Pizzo

"This is Waffles. She is a 4-year-old pit bull-terrier mix. And she is sweeter than syrup. See picture where she participates in her favorite pastime - invading people's personal space." - Nicholas Parenteau

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