They are unique, beautiful, playful, and eternally grateful. Mixed-breed dogs and cats, without defined breeds, are trending. Much more resistant to diseases, they only bring joy, fun, and lots of love to their owners. It is worth remembering that purebred animals often suffer from illnesses caused by improper inbreeding between mothers and offspring in the pursuit of perfect aesthetics. And in terms of aesthetics, mixed-breeds are unique in their original beauty.
Many are already becoming "new affectionate breeds," such as Caramelos and Fiapos de Manga in the case of dogs, and Frajolas and Rajadinhos for cats. The national and international repercussion of the case of Orelha, a community mixed-breed dog who lived on a Santa Catarina beach and was attacked by a group of teenagers, shows that today there is greater awareness regarding animal abuse. This is the result, among other things, of a cultural shift effort that NGOs like Arca Brasil have been promoting over the past years.
Arca Brasil, Ampara Animal, and Fórum Animal are just a few examples, not to mention the importance of hundreds of NGOs across the country that rescue abandoned and abused dogs and cats and seek to give them a second chance through adoption. In this regard, Arca Brasil was a pioneer by introducing the culture of Temporary Foster Homes in the country, a more dignified and humane way to prepare these animals for possible adoption, in an environment better suited for socialization and closer to what they will find in their new homes.
Today, it is estimated that the number of abandoned dogs and cats reaches into the millions. For this reason, many dog and cat lovers are opting to adopt and give a second chance to abandoned mixed-breed animals rather than spending up to a thousand reais to acquire a purebred puppy. Keep in mind that in some cases, these puppies come from illegal breeders who abuse the health of adult females by repeatedly breeding them and, worse, perform inbreeding between mothers and offspring, generating litters with serious genetic problems.
Therefore, here is a warning: if you wish to acquire a purebred dog or cat, first verify the breeder’s reputation. But adoption is the best solution to end the suffering of so many abandoned animals or those living in overcrowded NGOs full of dogs and cats waiting for someone to welcome them. One thing is certain: those who adopt receive much more in return. They receive the gratitude and unconditional love that only those who experience it can describe. Advocating for animal causes and having a genuine mixed-breed pet at home today is true luxury.
Adopt this idea!
Julio Isnard, Vice President of NGO ARCA Brasil and Partner at Sua Galeria de Imóveis