I remember my father getting me a mixed breed puppy when I was three years old. It was Christmas and while he was opening my presents, he came in and put the girl next to me. He had it hidden in the pocket of her coat.

Beauty, my first dog, was a spitz-fox terrier mix and lived into her twenties. It seems that most mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds. I do not know why.

Many years ago, we adopted a female collie and husky mix from our local animal shelter. Lady is now eight years old and a loving member of our family.

There are great mixes with wonderful temperaments. For example, sporting dogs (retriever/lab mix and spaniels) and herding and working breeds (collie/husky, German shepherd/collie). These breeds by themselves are excellent dogs and combined they will share traits of both.

I would not recommend a mix of guard dog breeds or aggressive breeds. Mixed breeds of Pit Bulls, Dobermans or Rottweilers are not acceptable for families with children. They can become combative and hurt children or small animals. Some may say they are a great combination, but those few are the exception to the rule.

If you have decided on a mix, I cannot urge you enough to visit your local animal shelter or breed rescue. There are so many abandoned dogs that need loving homes. Circumstances for these unfortunate animals range from the passing of the previous owner to stupid people dumping puppies and dogs on the side of the road because they were no longer wanted.

According to the ASPCA, millions of dogs need adoption and millions more are put to sleep each year. This is a horrible statistic. You have seen the commercial on TV for approval by the ASPCA. It makes you cry doesn’t it?

If you need help finding a shelter, visit ASPCA.org, HSUS.org (Humane Society of the United States), or AKC.org (American Kennel Club) for information on adoption or rescue breed shelters in your area.

When you go to an animal facility, an attendant will greet you and ask what particular dog or type you are looking for. They will then show you where the dogs are kept and you can view them up close or from outside the kennel area.

They are all so sweet and want you to take them home but, and I know it’s hard to do, pick one. Let the assistant know of his decision and then the paperwork will begin. Keep in mind that you will be “screened” just like your prospective new pet. Shelters want to make sure their animals go to good homes and are well cared for.

At most shelters, your pet’s adoption fee will cover spaying or neutering of the animal of your choice, if you haven’t already, and up-to-date vaccinations for rabies, distemper, and a full checkup before you bring it home .

So please consider one of these unfortunate animals as your next pet. It will not only provide them with a warm and loving home, but also save their lives.