Labradoodles. Puggles. Chiweenies. Yorkipoos.
You've probably heard of them. Worse yet, you've probably seen them marketed on dozens of online stores where willing buyers shop for designer "breed" of their choice and pay hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars to order a mixed breed puppy that, until recently, would have been called, simply, a "mutt."
Two rescue organizations in Jackson Hole have come up with an innovative way to promote their shelter dogs by featuring them as "designer" mixes. To see their innovative flier/prind ad, click here:
http://network.bestfriends.org/Library/Download.aspx?d=6045PAWS of Jackson Hole, a non-profit group that advocates for animals and promotes responsible pet ownership in the community through local outreach programs, has partnered with the Jackson/Teton County Animal Shelter on this bold and innovative promotion.
The ad headline announces:
"New arrivals at the Jackson/Teton County Shelter -- Designer Breeds! Did you think you had to spend hundreds of dollars to get a designer breed dog? Well think again!"
The ad features full-color photos of three adoptable mixed-breed dogs and gives them "designer" names, such as Sandy (pictured) a "Span-yollie." The ad also depicts a litter of puppies called "Border-Bulls," a mix of Border Collie and Pitbull.
The groups are posting the fliers around town and submitting it to the local media. Since the ad was released, all of the "Border-Bull" pups have gone to new homes, and Sandy the Span-yollie has been adopted along with numerous other dogs at the shelter, reducing the population from 30-something a few weeks ago down to 14.
"It was a way to draw attention to the idea that these designer "breeds" are readily available in many combinations at every shelter in the country," said Amy Romaine, executive director of PAWS. "We hope it will bring attention to the many wonderful dogs looking for homes."
Story written and posted by Ellen Gilmore, Best Friends staff Photo and flier courtesy of PAWS