The Rescue Mutt Rose to Admiral and Never Forgot Where He Began
Every great fleet needs an admiral, and this one came from humble beginnings. A black mixed-breed dog with a scruffy white chest and a few stray whiskers wears a navy coat with heavy gold epaulettes, gold buttons and braided trim. One ear flops and the other perks, and his warm brown eyes look out with quiet pride. The dark backdrop glows faintly behind him, and the crackled paint gives the whole portrait the feel of an old family treasure.
Mixed-breed dogs, often called mutts, are a wonderful mix of traits, and many shelters and rescues are full of dogs like him waiting for a home. Because their background is a mystery, it helps to get to know each dog's personality instead of guessing from looks. Spend time with a dog before you adopt, and ask the shelter what they know about his habits. A new dog may need a few weeks to settle in, with a calm routine, a cozy bed and patient training. Schedule a vet visit soon after adoption to discuss vaccines, parasite prevention and a healthy diet. Many rescue dogs become the most loyal companions you can imagine.
The admiral has served his crew faithfully, and he has earned every gold button on that coat. Good dogs, like good sailors, are made by the voyage and not the harbor, and this one has sailed a long way.
