News From Mrs. Parker: The case of the "Mystery Dog"

After a busy weekend traveling promoting My Darling  Theo I dropped my bags down in the foyer and found a letter from Parker on the hallway table with the other mail. I asked Parker and Fricke to write to me from school in order to improve their penmanship and writing skills as they will need this ability to communicate to all animals ( and people ). Although they know they can text, phone or Skype with me whenever they want we often exchange a note via snail mail as it is fun to receive a personal note on stationary ( both dogs have a personal stamp ). 

I sat down at the dining room table  and read a short note from Mrs. P while I nibbled a late supper, the house is so quiet without them ( although the cats don't seem to mind:).  Both Parker and Fricke are doing just fine at their new school Mrs. P writes: 

Our Goalie "Snyde" kept the balls of Felines First  out!  

"Dear Mummy: 

Fricke and I are doing well and adjusting to life at Four Paws Preparatory. We are making friends and sharing our stories with the hope that more dogs learn about the programs you offer in their behalf at My Darling Theo. We miss you and Mrs. Flee ( we are not allowed to bring our Nanny's to school ).  We had our first soccer game of the semester against an old rival  - Felines First Day School ( "The Academy for Discerning Kitties" ) . It was a tough match but in the end Canines Cheered:  "Victory!"  ( score 1-0 ). The first day of classes each student had the opportunity for a short introduction. I was about to finish my intro when a heckler yelled - "Mystery Dog!" ( some dogs in the class snickered ). I stopped mid bark, chewed a bit on my pencil and looked around the room over my reading glasses which were perched just above my nose,  I thought a moment and remembered what you taught Fricke and I: "That there is no such thing as a mystery dog each dog has a unique pedigree they should learn about and be proud of!"

I put an end to the heckling and assured the class that I was no "Mystery Dog" I am of mixed heritage - Dachsund and Schnauzer - a "Dachschnau" and  I have traced my roots back at least 200 years!. The teacher Mrs. Pennigrute, agreed and I left the podium with my head up, smiling as the other mixed breed dogs clapped, whistled and woofed at my response. Before I go I wanted to tell you about Little Fricke. He has a secret club called "The Law Wags" ( they send coded messages via the Twilight Bark.) This secret  club meets to discuss the changes in laws that affect dogs ( and cats ) across America. The club is not really secret but one has to go through a pledging ritual and be approved by Fricke for membership ( so far everyone has been accepted to the group:). Fricke introduces himself by saying: "Greetings I am L.J. Fricke - Attorney for Dogs ( because every dog needs a good lawyer :)" (and then he hands out his business card ). Fricke and I text each other all the time as we don't always have the same courses together.    

Some of my class mates at Four Paws  love school and get A's in penmanship! 

Well Mummy I have to go now I have an early class tomorrow morning. Kiss, kiss - Oh Mummy Fricke can't find "Monkey B"  - please look for MonkeyB and ask MonkeyB to pack a small bag and get ready to join Fricke at school. You might find MonkeyB lounging with his girlfriend MonkeyG somewhere in Fricke's room.  Please send MonkeyB  via special delivery - you know Fricke can't sleep well at night without "Monkey B" ( some where ) by his side:)

Pictured: "Monkey B"   ( on the right ) with his pal "Monkey G" on the Left.  The monkeys are named aptly MonkeyB ( Boy for Fricke ) and MonkeyG ( Girl for Mrs. Parker ) - note Fricke has befriend both:)  

Big Hug  ( pinch the cats for us:) 

xox

Love Mrs. P" 

_____________________

I taught Parker and Fricke when shortly after I adopted them that they were just as "special"  ( not to be confused with a reference to a person [ or dog ]  who is retarded ) as the next "pure bred dog". In fact "mutts" have less personality and health issues than their "pure bred" brethren:) YOU can help put and end to the response*: 

Oh what is your dog? 

 *"Oh he's just a Mutt you know a Mystery Dog" 

by educating people about the value of learning what breed(s) their dog is! All dogs are invaluable to human beings and so should your learning about their ancestry, as this simple and fascinating look into the animal(s) you live with and or care for could save their life ( knowing what breed your dog is will help a veterinarian determine what illnesses he or she may be prone to for example ).  

Additional Resources: 

The "Mutt" 

The "Mixed Breed Dog Campaign"

The Other End of the Leash: Stereotyping Mixed Breed Dogs