Goldendoodles, cockapoos, cockadoodledoos, and whatever else they're called, "hybrid" dogs fetch—a pretty penny, that is. And breeders and puppy mills are cashing in on the craze. It's really silly that some folks are shelling out as much as $1,600 for one of these dogs when animal shelters and rescue groups are overflowing with dogs in every combination of breeds imaginable, often without the costly health problems of dogs who are purebred or close to it. Perhaps rescuers could convince people to adopt if we started touting our dogs as "designer," too, like my lovely "German Huskweiler."
 

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Insisting on designer sunglasses is one thing, but buying a designer dog is deadly to a dog in an animal shelter.  If you know someone considering a hybrid dog, please encourage him or her to visit the local animal shelter (and note that an estimated 25 percent of shelter dogs are purebred) or look at Petfinder.com and see the hundreds of stunning mixed-breed pups with great personalities who are waiting for a family to love.
 

Written by Michelle Sherrow

USA Today is going to have a hard time convincing me to contribute to the new online photo album that Paw Print Post blogger Janice Lloyd is setting up to feature animals who were adopted from shelters. After all, anybody who knows me knows that there is nothing I hate more than singing the praises of my own former shelter dog, Keeley.

Oh, well, if you insist. Keeley, aka The Best Dog in the Universe, has come a long way from being the pathetic bag of bones who spent nearly a week curled up in the corner of a kennel at a shelter in rural Virginia. He was so filthy when he was brought to the shelter that the workers thought his fur was brown. After I spotted his handsome mug on Petfinder.com, I knew that he was the dog for me. What can I say? It was love at first sight. As you can see from his photo, he has blossomed. No more hiding in corners—unless there's a fly in the house, of course (flies are his sworn enemies).

How about you? Do you have a shelter dog or cat (or two or three) you're just dying to brag about? Send a photo and a description of your furry bundle of joy to Janice Lloyd (and be sure to include the animal's name in the subject line). All the cool kids are doing it.

Speaking of incurable adorableness, don't forget to visit PETAPrime.org on August 2—that's when the judging begins for PETA Prime's Cutest Cat Contest. Ready, set, purr!

Written by Alisa Mullins