I Love My Maine Mutt

Give it up to our dogs that aren't purebreds and just ... them. Mutts. Unique in their own way. No specific characteristics. No specific diets. No specific life expectancy. You literally have no idea what you are going to get.

Here is my dog Moo. He was abandoned in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma (some people are awful). He was given to me 15 years ago in California by someone who thought I needed him. Admittedly at the time, I thought he was the ugliest dog I have ever seen. What is this black, white, and brown mess? I did NOT want him.

After a week of being with this ugly dog, I knew I couldn't be a responsible for this creature, but I named him Moo (because cow colors), while I looked for another home for him. I took "Moo" for a hike in Los Angeles at a place called Runyon Canyon while waiting for a new family to love this thing, and after we hiked up this intense incline, he decided to run back down (freaking ugly jerk). In a crowd of people (a very large crowd because this is a trail in Hollywood), I chased "Moo" while screaming "MOOOOOO!" and I received well-deserved judgmental looks (I'm sure everyone thought I was on drugs).

After about a year of trying to find a permanent home for Moo, I found him one (YES). This family was excited! I met them on a trail at the beach. I handed him over and as I started walking away this ugly mutt would not stop crying and screaming (dammit).

Of course, I took Moo back. He has been my best friend for 14 years (first year he was a pain in my ass). Since then, he's been my favorite, daily running partner, my favorite travel partner, my favorite cuddle buddy, and my one consistency in life.

And he ended up being handsome as hell.

Mutts are the best. Moo is the best. Happy National Mutt Day. Check out other wonderful Maine mutts here and share yours!