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This Thursday July 31st marks Mixed Breed Dog (Mutt) Day, and Oh My Woof, a Sydney-based doggy day care and walking company, is on a mission to encourage Australians to choose adoption and discover the incredible value and love that mixed-breed dogs bring.
Almost half of Australians have the predicted total of 6.4 million dogs [1] and the average cost of a dog from a breeder is between $2,000-$7,000.[2] With the average purebred dog costing thousands, Oh My Woof founder, Juan Pablo Vanegas, stresses how adopting a mutt not only saves you money but also transforms a deserving dog's life.
A Passion Rooted in Experience
Juan Pablo Vanegas's journey into the world of dog welfare began in Colombia, where his first encounter with a "scruffy little dog" taught him that a dog's worth has nothing to do with its pedigree.
Growing up, his family consistently opened their home to dogs in need, whether strays or those seeking rehoming. This upbringing instilled in him a profound belief:
Before founding Oh My Woof, Juan studied economics, a background that unexpectedly equipped him with the business acumen necessary to grow his venture from a solo dog walker to a full-fledged doggy day care with pick-up and drop-off services and even birthday parties.
The disparity in adoption rates between purebreds and mixed breeds became glaringly apparent to Juan when he started walking dogs in Sydney. He observed a strong preference for "trendy breeds" while shelters overflowed with overlooked mixed-breed dogs.
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A Passion Rooted in Experience
Juan Pablo Vanegas's journey into the world of dog welfare began in Colombia, where his first encounter with a "scruffy little dog" taught him that a dog's worth has nothing to do with its pedigree.
"He wasn’t treated like much, just a street dog to many - but to me, he was unforgettable," Juan recalls.
"That was probably the first time I realised that a dog’s value has nothing to do with its pedigree."
Growing up, his family consistently opened their home to dogs in need, whether strays or those seeking rehoming. This upbringing instilled in him a profound belief:
"We didn’t care if they were purebred or mixed — if a dog needed help, we helped."
This philosophy became the bedrock of Oh My Woof.
Before founding Oh My Woof, Juan studied economics, a background that unexpectedly equipped him with the business acumen necessary to grow his venture from a solo dog walker to a full-fledged doggy day care with pick-up and drop-off services and even birthday parties.
Despite the growth, the core value remains: "putting the wellbeing of the dogs (and our staff!) first." Juan emphasizes that daily interaction with dogs has been his most significant education, complementing his formal studies in business and entrepreneurship.
"Honestly, though, the dogs themselves are the best teachers," he adds.Why Mutts Are Often Overlooked — And Why They Shouldn't Be
The disparity in adoption rates between purebreds and mixed breeds became glaringly apparent to Juan when he started walking dogs in Sydney. He observed a strong preference for "trendy breeds" while shelters overflowed with overlooked mixed-breed dogs.
This contrast was amplified during the pandemic, when demand for purebreds surged, only for many to end up in shelters once routines shifted. "Dogs aren’t fashion items," Juan asserts. "We need to shift how we talk about and value them."
Juan believes mixed-breed dogs are often overlooked because they lack a "neat label." Common misconceptions suggest purebreds are better behaved, healthier, or easier to train.
Juan believes mixed-breed dogs are often overlooked because they lack a "neat label." Common misconceptions suggest purebreds are better behaved, healthier, or easier to train.
However, Juan contends that mutts are just as incredible and often healthier companions. "Every dog is unique, and I think it’s time we start celebrating that instead of chasing a 'perfect' look," he states.
Oh My Woof's Commitment to Adoption
Promoting National Mutt Day is deeply ingrained in Oh My Woof's mission.
"A big part of our mission is making sure every dog feels like they belong. Supporting adoption and helping people fall in love with mixed-breed dogs is absolutely part of our identity."
Beyond the beloved Sunshine and Cosi, several mixed-breed dogs have profoundly impacted Juan.
Beyond adoption, Oh My Woof advocates for responsible dog ownership. Juan urges prospective owners to consider: "Do you have the time, resources, and love to give a dog for its entire life? Are you willing to not just 'own' a dog but care for one?"
Witnessing pets left unattended during mental health or domestic violence incidents, she realised the urgent need for support. This led to an initiative to care for these vulnerable animals, offering a lifeline to both pets and their devoted humans.
When Life Happens: Paws and Recover's Vital Role
Life can bring unexpected crises, and for many, pets are their only source of comfort. Paws and Recover steps in when individuals lack the support system to care for their beloved animals during significant life-changing events:
Unmasking Misconceptions: The Plight of Overlooked Breeds
While Paws and Recover helps many breeds, some face adoption barriers. Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixes are frequently overlooked due to the misconception that they are aggressive. In reality, Staffies possess loving, affectionate personalities and are surprisingly low-maintenance with their short coats. Their negative image often stems from a lack of socialisation, leading to fear-based behaviours mistaken for aggression, which Paws and Recover helps to remedy.
Beyond Staffie mixes, larger breeds like Dobermans, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, along with high-maintenance Shar Peis, also experience lower adoption rates.
Funding a Future: Keeping Hope Alive
As a not-for-profit organisation, Paws and Recover relies entirely on public support. While some services incur minimal fees, the demographic they assist often cannot cover costs, leaving the organisation frequently out of pocket, especially for vet care, their largest expense.
Receiving no government funding, they depend on loyal ongoing supporters and donations from those they've helped. Their main campaign, "Donate $1 per week (or more!) to Paws and Recover" directly funds essential vet care and sustains the organisation.
The Power of Fostering: Expanding Their Reach
Paws and Recover operates without a central shelter, utilising a network of dedicated volunteer foster carers across a wide area, from Melbourne to Cairns. They currently have around 50 pets in foster care, mostly dogs.
Foster carers undergo a thorough vetting process, including questionnaires, identification checks, and conversations to ensure a suitable home environment. Carers receive comprehensive support, including a dedicated chat group, a case manager, and all necessary supplies (beds, bowls, leads, toys). Paws and Recover covers all vet bills, flea and tick treatments, and even engages trainers for animals exhibiting behavioural challenges.
A Call to Action: Boosting Adoptions for Overlooked Friends
Current financial and housing issues are tragically increasing dog surrenders in Australia. Paws and Recover urges everyone to "adopt, don't shop." Fostering is also vital, effectively saving two dogs: the one fostered and the space opened in a shelter for another in need.
While not primarily a rehoming organisation, Paws and Recover faces challenges gaining exposure for dogs seeking new homes. They rely on social media and PetRescue but would greatly benefit from partnerships to expand their reach.
To increase adoption rates, they highlight the need for:
✔️ Professional video creation to showcase dogs' true personalities online.
✔️ High-quality photos where animals look directly at the camera.
✔️ Meet and Greet events at dog-friendly venues, allowing potential adopters to interact with dogs in person.
Unmasking Misconceptions: The Love of Overlooked Mutts
Many mixed-breed dogs, especially Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixes and larger breeds like Mastiff crosses, face unfair stigmas, often perceived as aggressive. But as we've seen countless times, these dogs are often the most loving and loyal companions.
We moved her over to another foster carer, Chris, to broaden her experiences. "When she walked she was forever vigilant, nervous if people were walking behind her, constantly looking back wanting to return home..." said Chris.
Let me tell you the truth. These so-called “scary” dogs are often the gentlest, most affectionate souls you’ll ever meet. The rescue organisations know these dogs before placing them. They won’t recommend a dog that’s a risk. What they’re asking is for someone to take a chance—not blindly, but with open eyes and an open heart.
Because if you’re willing to look past the label, you might just discover what we discovered: a love that transforms not just a dog’s life—but your own.
If we had judged Lucy by her appearance or background, we would’ve missed out on the most beautiful chapter of our retirement.
Oh My Woof's Commitment to Adoption
Promoting National Mutt Day is deeply ingrained in Oh My Woof's mission.
"We’re not about status or show dogs. We’re about community, love, and fun" Juan explains.
 |
| Oh My Woof's regular guests: Cosi (top) & Sunshine (bottom) |
Beyond the beloved Sunshine and Cosi, several mixed-breed dogs have profoundly impacted Juan.
Buddy, for instance, not only changed his life as a dog but also led him to meet his partner. Then there's Bonny, a rescue who transformed from a fearful dog into one who "runs around like she owns the park."
These personal connections reinforce the importance of Juan's work.
Transforming Australian Dog Ownership
Transforming Australian Dog Ownership
Oh My Woof's goal for National Mutt Day is simple yet impactful: to facilitate fostering and adoption for as many dogs as possible.
"We know that during the pandemic, adoption spiked but when routines changed, many dogs were left behind. That broke our hearts, and it overwhelmed shelters," Juan shares.
Through social media, videos, and articles, he aims to highlight the immense value of adoption.
Beyond adoption, Oh My Woof advocates for responsible dog ownership. Juan urges prospective owners to consider: "Do you have the time, resources, and love to give a dog for its entire life? Are you willing to not just 'own' a dog but care for one?"
He also stresses the importance of providing dogs with sufficient stimulation and social interaction, rather than leaving them alone for extended periods.
"Our dream is for more people to adopt, and for every dog to live a happy, balanced life."
Tips for Successful Dog Ownership
For those considering bringing a dog into their lives, Juan offers practical advice:
✔️ Suitability: Assess if the dog's needs align with your living situation and capacity for exercise and training. High-energy breeds require significant mental and physical stimulation.
✔️ Time and Resources: Consider if you have the necessary time and resources. Fostering or pet sitting can be great ways to test if a dog fits your lifestyle. Happy dogs need constant care and attention.
✔️ Socialisation: If you work long hours, consider a dog walker or doggy day care to ensure your dog remains stimulated and socialised. Unstimulated dogs can develop reactivity, destructive behaviours, and separation anxiety.
Oh My Woof's message is clear: open your heart and home to a mixed-breed dog this Mutt Day. You'll not only save thousands of dollars* but also gain a loving, unique, and truly unforgettable family member.
For more dog tips and content, follow Oh My Woof on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.ohmywoof.com.au
For those considering bringing a dog into their lives, Juan offers practical advice:
✔️ Suitability: Assess if the dog's needs align with your living situation and capacity for exercise and training. High-energy breeds require significant mental and physical stimulation.
✔️ Time and Resources: Consider if you have the necessary time and resources. Fostering or pet sitting can be great ways to test if a dog fits your lifestyle. Happy dogs need constant care and attention.
✔️ Socialisation: If you work long hours, consider a dog walker or doggy day care to ensure your dog remains stimulated and socialised. Unstimulated dogs can develop reactivity, destructive behaviours, and separation anxiety.
Oh My Woof's message is clear: open your heart and home to a mixed-breed dog this Mutt Day. You'll not only save thousands of dollars* but also gain a loving, unique, and truly unforgettable family member.
For more dog tips and content, follow Oh My Woof on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.ohmywoof.com.au
Become a Foster Hero This National Mutt Day!
While purebreds often get the spotlight, organisations like Paws and Recover work tirelessly to ensure every dog, especially the often-overlooked mutts, finds a loving home. Their story is one of profound compassion, understanding the deep human-animal bond, particularly during life's most challenging moments.
While purebreds often get the spotlight, organisations like Paws and Recover work tirelessly to ensure every dog, especially the often-overlooked mutts, finds a loving home. Their story is one of profound compassion, understanding the deep human-animal bond, particularly during life's most challenging moments.
Not-for-profit organisation Paws and Recover was founded in 2011 by police officer, Jacki Largo.
 |
| Jacki Largo runs the volunteer-based Paws and Recover to provide people in hospital, temporary accommodation or in respite with pet care. |
Witnessing pets left unattended during mental health or domestic violence incidents, she realised the urgent need for support. This led to an initiative to care for these vulnerable animals, offering a lifeline to both pets and their devoted humans.
When Life Happens: Paws and Recover's Vital Role
Life can bring unexpected crises, and for many, pets are their only source of comfort. Paws and Recover steps in when individuals lack the support system to care for their beloved animals during significant life-changing events:
- Mental Health Crises: When owners require hospitalisation for conditions like anxiety or depression, Paws and Recover finds volunteers to foster or provide daily in-home care.
- Physical Health Emergencies: For those facing sudden illness or injury, particularly the elderly without local family, Paws and Recover ensures their pets are cared for, often contacted directly by paramedics witnessing these situations.
- Personal Trauma: Traumatic events can leave owners unable to provide pet care, needing respite to stabilize their lives or seek treatment. Paws and Recover offers crucial short-term pet respite.
Unmasking Misconceptions: The Plight of Overlooked Breeds
While Paws and Recover helps many breeds, some face adoption barriers. Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixes are frequently overlooked due to the misconception that they are aggressive. In reality, Staffies possess loving, affectionate personalities and are surprisingly low-maintenance with their short coats. Their negative image often stems from a lack of socialisation, leading to fear-based behaviours mistaken for aggression, which Paws and Recover helps to remedy.
Beyond Staffie mixes, larger breeds like Dobermans, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, along with high-maintenance Shar Peis, also experience lower adoption rates.
Funding a Future: Keeping Hope Alive
Receiving no government funding, they depend on loyal ongoing supporters and donations from those they've helped. Their main campaign, "Donate $1 per week (or more!) to Paws and Recover" directly funds essential vet care and sustains the organisation.
The Power of Fostering: Expanding Their Reach
Paws and Recover operates without a central shelter, utilising a network of dedicated volunteer foster carers across a wide area, from Melbourne to Cairns. They currently have around 50 pets in foster care, mostly dogs.
Foster carers undergo a thorough vetting process, including questionnaires, identification checks, and conversations to ensure a suitable home environment. Carers receive comprehensive support, including a dedicated chat group, a case manager, and all necessary supplies (beds, bowls, leads, toys). Paws and Recover covers all vet bills, flea and tick treatments, and even engages trainers for animals exhibiting behavioural challenges.
A Call to Action: Boosting Adoptions for Overlooked Friends
Current financial and housing issues are tragically increasing dog surrenders in Australia. Paws and Recover urges everyone to "adopt, don't shop." Fostering is also vital, effectively saving two dogs: the one fostered and the space opened in a shelter for another in need.
To increase adoption rates, they highlight the need for:
✔️ Professional video creation to showcase dogs' true personalities online.
✔️ High-quality photos where animals look directly at the camera.
✔️ Meet and Greet events at dog-friendly venues, allowing potential adopters to interact with dogs in person.
Unmasking Misconceptions: The Love of Overlooked Mutts
Many mixed-breed dogs, especially Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixes and larger breeds like Mastiff crosses, face unfair stigmas, often perceived as aggressive. But as we've seen countless times, these dogs are often the most loving and loyal companions.
Lucy's Journey: From Terrified to Trusting
Take Lucy, a Mastiff cross who arrived terrified, having been locked in a bathroom for days. Our experienced foster carer slowly gained her trust. She couldn't walk on a lead, but with patience, celebrated the milestone of walking to the letterbox.
Over time she gained her confidence.
We moved her over to another foster carer, Chris, to broaden her experiences. "When she walked she was forever vigilant, nervous if people were walking behind her, constantly looking back wanting to return home..." said Chris.
She has since evolved to an amazingly friendly dog who greets all dogs big and small with joy and confidence.
"Twelve years ago, my wife Amy and I adopted two beautiful dogs: one a Staffy cross Pitbull, the other a Ridgeback mix." recalls Lucy's new owner, Chris Burdett.
"Twelve years ago, my wife Amy and I adopted two beautiful dogs: one a Staffy cross Pitbull, the other a Ridgeback mix." recalls Lucy's new owner, Chris Burdett.
"Both had come from heart-breaking backgrounds of neglect and abuse. For nine and a half unforgettable years, they filled our lives with love, loyalty, and joy. When we lost them — only months apart — we were heartbroken, and we decided not to take on any more dogs for a while. We had just retired and planned to travel, and the grief was still too raw.
But our love for dogs didn’t go away. We followed several rescue organisations on Facebook, and one in particular, Paws and Recover, stood out. They do remarkable work—not only helping dogs in crisis but also offering short-term fostering for pet owners who need a helping hand.
One day, we saw a post asking for a foster carer. We said yes. Then we said yes again. And again. Over the next year, we fostered many dogs, each with their own story, personality, and needs. But one dog, Lucy, changed everything.
Lucy is a Mastiff cross (with who knows what!). She came from a traumatic situation and was full of anxiety. She flinched at sudden movements, avoided eye contact, and seemed unsure how to trust. But we took things slow. We gave her space. We let her find her own rhythm.
And what emerged was the most gentle, soulful dog we’ve ever known.
She never barks. She walks like a dream. She plays daily—off leash — with dozens of dogs at the park. She is adored by everyone who meets her.
But our love for dogs didn’t go away. We followed several rescue organisations on Facebook, and one in particular, Paws and Recover, stood out. They do remarkable work—not only helping dogs in crisis but also offering short-term fostering for pet owners who need a helping hand.
One day, we saw a post asking for a foster carer. We said yes. Then we said yes again. And again. Over the next year, we fostered many dogs, each with their own story, personality, and needs. But one dog, Lucy, changed everything.
And what emerged was the most gentle, soulful dog we’ve ever known.
She never barks. She walks like a dream. She plays daily—off leash — with dozens of dogs at the park. She is adored by everyone who meets her.
Lucy has brought warmth, laughter, and new energy into our home. She is, quite simply, the second love of my life.So when Jacki from Paws and Recover recently rang and told me that Staffy-type dogs are being passed over again and again—because of a stigma that’s as outdated as it is unfair—I knew I had to say something.
Let me tell you the truth. These so-called “scary” dogs are often the gentlest, most affectionate souls you’ll ever meet. The rescue organisations know these dogs before placing them. They won’t recommend a dog that’s a risk. What they’re asking is for someone to take a chance—not blindly, but with open eyes and an open heart.
"Visit the dog. Walk the dog. Foster the dog if you’re not sure. Just meet the dog." pleads Chris
If we had judged Lucy by her appearance or background, we would’ve missed out on the most beautiful chapter of our retirement.
So please — if you’re thinking about adopting—don’t overlook the Staffies, the Mastiffs, the crossbreeds with tough-sounding names."
Similarly, Kobe, the Staffie whose owner was experiencing homelessness, quickly bonded with his foster family, proving intelligent and trainable, despite his street habits like trying to sleep under park benches.
Later rehomed due to his owner's circumstances, Kobe found a wonderful new owner with a disability. His affectionate and loyal nature helped this gentleman get out more, showing the profound bond Staffies can form.
Kobe was afraid of carrots and getting his paws wet. All he wanted is affection and to have someone by his side to love.Are you ready to open your heart and home to a mixed-breed dog in need this National Mutt Day?
Visit Paws & Recover and have a look at some of the ways you can get involved to help.
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