National Mutt’s Day
July 31
Mixed breed dogs are generally considered healthier than purebreds because they draw from a broader gene pool. Producing a mixed breed, in other words, is the opposite of inbreeding. Illnesses and conditions that are prevalent in certain breeds can be eliminated or reduced. Mixed breeds are often the ultimate family dog. Mutts draw from a broader, more diverse gene pool. They are thought to adjust more easily to a variety of households and living conditions, whereas purebreds tend to be bred with a specific skill set in mind, like herding or hunting. About 75 percent of the dogs in shelters are mixed breeds and choosing a mutt usually means giving a home to a dog who really needs one.
National Avocado Day
July 31
While avocados are grown in California and Florida, the majority sold in grocery stores come from south central Mexico. The main reason for the abundance of “south of the border” avocados is that Mexico is blessed with a year-round growing climate. The avocado is believed to have originated in the state of Puebla, Mexico, as far back as 10,000 B.C. Irishman Sir Hans Sloane called it an avocado in 1696 in a Jamaican-plants catalog. He also dubbed the avocado tree the “alligator pear tree.”
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Mark Cuban – Owner Dallas Mavericks & Entrepreneur – born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
J.K. Rowling – Author, Harry Potter – born in Yate, United Kingdom
