<p class="source"><span>Tumblr/Paige Leskin</span></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/tumblr">Tumblr</a> banned <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tumblr-bans-nfsw-content-and-users-say-the-platform-will-suffer-2018-12">the posting of "adult content,"</a> including nudity and pornography, one year ago on December 17, 2018.</li><li><strong style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000;">In the year since the "porn ban," traffic to Tumblr and app downloads have dropped drastically. </strong>To top it all off, Tumblr <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tumblr-3-million-valuation-cheaper-than-san-francisco-empty-lot-2019-8">was bought this year for less than $3 million</a>, compared with its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/yahoos-board-approves-11-billion-purchase-of-tumblr-2013-5">once-$1.1 billion price tag</a>.</li><li>For many, Tumblr was once considered a home for NSFW content not allowed on other social platforms, and a place for non-judgmental exploration of sexuality. In its wake, users are still struggling to find alternatives with the same sense of community.</li><li>Further, Tumblr's algorithm for identifying NSFW content is having issues, and has flagged everything from <a href="https://twitter.com/Twarda8/status/1069718711630745600">Pokémon</a>, to <a href="https://twitter.com/Arden68247747/status/1069718842203627520">dinosaur art</a>, to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=tumblr&amp;src=typd">TV show screengrabs</a>.</li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></strong></li></ul><p>Earlier this year, a freelance artist named Vitrove took to the blogging website Tumblr to try out an experiment. He posted a photo of a spool of thread to Tumblr. Later, he posted it again. Then again. </p><p>All four of Vitrove's posts were flagged by Tumblr as "sensitive" content, meaning the platform's algorithm had decided his posts were in violation of its "porn ban" <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tumblr-bans-nfsw-content-and-users-say-the-platform-will-suffer-2018-12">enacted one year ago</a>, on December 17, 2018, days after the app was removed from the App Store <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/20/18104366/tumblr-ios-app-child-pornography-removed-from-app-store">after child porn was discovered</a>.</p><p>Under <a href="https://tumblr.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/231885248-Adult-content">Tumblr's new policy</a>, users are not allowed to post any not-safe-for-work (NSFW) content: that includes nudity, pornography, and media showing "real-life human genitals or female-presenting nipples." In each subsequent re-post of the photo, Vitrove included the notification from Tumblr alerting him to the NSFW policy violation.</p><p>The flagging of Vitrove's posts is only one of the many examples that demonstrate the state of Tumblr's controversial porn ban a year after its implementation. Pictures of <a href="https://twitter.com/gothick/status/1085323401533812737">breakfast</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SparkleFountain/status/1069693571568156672">anime</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/robochihaya/status/1126226945572777985">memes</a> have been flagged under the new policy. Even <a href="https://twitter.com/lucycamui/status/1069714283817132032">Tumblr's announcement</a> about the porn ban was marked as NSFW.</p><p class="source"><span>Vintrove</span></p><p class="caption">This post from Tumblr shows how the "porn ban" policy has a long way to go.</p><p>But Tumblr's imperfect machine-learning algorithm only poses a problem for those still active on the platform. Since the ban, Tumblr has been bleeding users. <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2019/12/tumblr-year-review-2019-nsfw-ban-memes/602911/">According to data provided to The Atlantic</a>, Tumblr's number of unique monthly visitors decreased by more than 20% in 2019. The number of users visiting the site, and the amount of time they spend on it, also declined from 2018 to 2019.</p><p>Several users who were active in some of Tumblr's largest communities told Business Insider their once-beloved platform has since become irrelevant, and has faded from their lives in the last year. Freelance artist Robin Harper, once a frequent Tumblr user, said the porn ban led to Tumblr's "almost immediate fade into obscurity."</p><p>"I'd spent so much time and energy accumulating my own fun little community of a few thousand people. I was frustrated and sad," Harper told Business Insider. "The only time you ever hear about Tumblr anymore is when people talk about the day it 'died' due to the NSFW ban. Very few people I know still use it the way we all used to."</p><p>It's no coincidence that Tumblr acted as a haven to marginalized group whose content wasn't accepted in the mainstream sections of the internet: <a href="https://medium.com/@vexashley/porn-on-tumblr-a-eulogy-love-letter-6d45e70fefff">sex workers</a> needing to make a sustainable income; erotica writers and artists looking for their work to be appreciated; LGBTQ+ people searching for others like them; people into BDSM and kink wanting an open place to talk about their desires. Tumblr was one of the few mainstream social networks where porn and NSFW content was allowed, and so those communities found shelter there.</p><p>"This sharing was so desperately vital for women and other marginalized people whose sexualities are often overlooked or infantilised in media about sex in preference for the tastes of the traditional porn consumer - the straight white guy," porn actress Vex Ashley <a href="https://medium.com/@vexashley/porn-on-tumblr-a-eulogy-love-letter-6d45e70fefff">wrote in a blog post on Medium last year</a>. "[Tumblr] allowed you to become a collector of your own desires, displaying them and celebrating them proudly, rather than having them spoon fed by a tube site algorithm."</p><p>But because Tumblr doesn't exist on separate private servers on Discord, these communities intersect and interconnect. Even Tumblr users not part of these NSFW-centric communities, like those participating in fandoms or selling their art and graphics, told Business Insider their own sects of Tumblr were heavily impacted by the porn ban. </p><p>When the porn disappeared, so did Tumblr's sense of community, a German student named Sophia told Business Insider. The art community she found on Tumblr has packed up fully and left for greener pastures: sites like DeviantArt, where there are still strict limits on NSFW art, and Twitter, where NSFW content is still allowed (<a href="https://reclaimthenet.org/twitter-nsfw-creators-2020/">for now</a>).</p><p class="source"><span>Michael Seto/Business Insider</span></p><p>However, that's not to say that the "porn ban" was the only impetus for Tumblr's fall from grace. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/yahoo-announces-11-billion-tumblr-buy-2013-5">Yahoo purchased Tumblr back in 2013</a> for $1.1 billion when the blogging site's userbase <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/jwherrman/is-tumblr-shrinking">was already starting to shrink</a>. Yet Yahoo's <a href="https://digiday.com/marketing/tumblr-is-neglected-by-marketers/">attempt to revitalize the platform failed</a> spectacularly, with the addition of ads and a lack on innovation driving away even more users. In 2017, Verizon acquired Yahoo - including Tumblr - and Tumblr founder and CEO David Karp <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tumblr-founder-david-karp-resigns-after-yahoo-merges-with-verizon-to-create-oath-2017-11">left the company</a>. </p><p>"Tumblr had many problems with being considered a 'broken website' for years, and for months had been in the ownership of a company that I think everyone knew we couldn't trust," Harper, the freelance artist, said. </p><p>Following the 2018 porn ban, Tumblr fielded offers from those ardent to keep NSFW content alive there, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pornhub-wants-to-buy-tumblr-after-it-was-put-up-for-sale-by-verizon-2019-5">including PornHub</a> and the singer Halsey.</p><p>But nothing represented just how hard Tumblr had fallen than the announcement in August 2019 that Verizon had sold Tumblr to Automattic, the parent company of website builder WordPress, for a price <a href="https://twitter.com/danprimack/status/1161038705295089664">reported to be under $3 million</a>. That's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tumblr-3-million-valuation-cheaper-than-san-francisco-empty-lot-2019-8">less than an empty lot in San Francisco</a>, and many celebrity engagement rings.</p><p>While some Tumblr users hoped that perhaps the site's new owner would bring back NSFW content, Automattic's CEO quickly dispelled those rumors.</p><p>"Adult content is not our forte either, and it creates a huge number of potential issues with app stores, payment providers, trust and safety," CEO Matt Mullenweg <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20679894">wrote online</a> shortly after the purchase. "It's a problem area best suited for companies fully dedicated to creating a great experience there."</p><p>What Mullenweg is hinting at are the tricky policies around <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/12/apple-porn-gambling-apps/">what content Apple and Android allow on apps</a> in their app stores. Right around the time the porn ban was enacted, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tumblr-app-returns-to-iphone-apple-app-store-following-a-month-long-ban-2018-12">Tumblr briefly disappeared from the iOS App Store</a> because of a failure to police child porn on its site. The porn ban was likely a direct response to that incident.</p><p>But not only is Tumblr having issues retaining users, but it's also having trouble getting new people to its site. The Atlantic's data showed that traffic to Tumblr's login page page in the US has been cut nearly in half sine 2018. In the year since the porn ban, first-time downloads of the Tumblr app declined 32%, according to data provided to mobile analytics service Sensor Tower to Business Insider.</p><p>Nevertheless, Tumblr <a href="https://fandom.tumblr.com/post/189431755739/2019-year-in-review">published its annual year-in-review</a> in December, highlighting the most popular fandoms and trending topics in categories ranging from K-pop, to Pokémon, to <a href="https://fandom.tumblr.com/post/189431747929/2019-ships">the best "ships"</a> (fictionalized relationships that Tumblr users love to speculate about).</p><p>"Nowadays, I see only a handful of people I used to follow post on Tumblr, and it's just funny or political reblogs," Tumblr user Matthew Marquez told Business Insider. "Many of my friends and followers have completely abandoned it."</p>   <p class="tagline"><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/stories-slide-deck?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_leadgen&amp;itm_content=socialmedia&amp;itm_campaign=stories-slide-deck"></a></p>            <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ford-mcdonalds-coffee-bean-chaff-car-parts-2019-12">How Ford makes car parts from used McDonald's coffee beans</a></h3>

A year after Tumblr's porn ban, some users are still struggling to rebuild their communities and sense of belonging

<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Dogs are the best.</span></p>
<p><span>Incredibly loyal, they comfort, protect, and love their humans unconditionally, making dogs superior to any other pet out there.</span></p>
<p>But not all dogs are created equal. <a href="http://www.nationaldogday.com/">In celebration of National Dog Day</a>, we ranked the 11 best dog breeds, based on factors including health, personality, and overall popularity.</p>
<h3>11. Portuguese Water Dogs</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>Portuguese water dogs were originally bred to herd fish, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and act as couriers from ship to shore.</p>
<p><span>They're good for people with allergies and make excellent companions since they are loving, independent, intelligent, and easy to train.</span></p>
<p><span>Portuguese water dogs also enjoy being petted and are friendly with strangers. Just be warned that like many larger dogs, boredom can cause them to become destructive.</span></p>
<h3>10. Newfoundland Dogs</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>Known as "nature's babysitter," Newfoundland Dogs are the absolute sweetest. Perhaps the best-known Newfoundland is the fictional Nana from "Peter Pan," who was so wonderful with children.</p>
<p><span>These gentle giants are highly loyal and easy to train, and are legendary for their docile temper.</span></p>
<p><span>Newfoundland dogs are also strong swimmers, and the breed was trained to rescue people from drowning - one dog even famously saved Napoleon Bonaparte.</span></p>
<h3>9. Maltese</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>One of the most ancient of the toy breeds, Maltese dogs were bred to be sweet and adoring of their owners. The Greeks even erected tombs for their Maltese dogs, and in Elizabethan times, they were called "The Comforter" because it was believed they could relieve pain and cure illness.</p>
<p><span>Maltese dogs are also extremely hypoallergenic, with silky coats that don't shed.</span></p>
<p><span>And because of their size, these dogs are good for apartment living, too.</span></p>
<h3>8. Golden Retrievers</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>Goldens are sweet, loyal, and incredible companion dogs. They'd rather be sleeping at your feet then running around outside without you.</p>
<p><span>They're also very even-tempered, especially with small children. Goldens make great service and comfort dogs because of their friendly and tolerant attitudes.</span></p>
<p><span>Plus they were bred to retrieve ducks and other fowl for hunters, so if you like playing fetch, this is the dog for you.</span></p>
<h3>7. Huskies</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>Siberian huskies are stunning animals, with their thick fur coat and piercing eyes. Most people who choose a Husky do so for their extraordinary beauty.</p>
<p><span>Huskies are good natured dogs who are affectionate with children. They shed minimally, except for twice a year when they blow out their coat, and don't have the typical "dog odor" that bigger breeds tend to have.</span></p>
<p><span>Huskies are not considered a great breed for first-time dog owners, since they need a lot of attention, exercise, and are very good as escaping and running away.</span></p>
<h3>6. Poodles</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>Poodles get a bad rap. But they're easy to train since they're so intelligent, and are lively, fun-loving, and loyal family dogs. </p>
<p><span>Poodles can be attention seekers, so don't be surprised if this people-oriented breed is constantly with you.</span></p>
<p><span>They're also protective of their families and homes, and can become aggressive with people outside the family or with other dogs.</span></p>
<h3>5. Beagles</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>Because of their intelligence, Beagles are used by law enforcement at airports to sniff baggage for items that are not permitted. Due to their friendly nature and appearance, Beagles don't worry passengers.</p>
<p><span>This breed also has a lack of inherited health problems, and an even temper which is good for families and small children.</span></p>
<p><span>The most common reason Beagles are abandoned or turned over to the pound is because their owners couldn't stand their howling. This can be controlled by training your dog early to avoid excessive barking.</span></p>
<h3>4. German Shepherds</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>A relatively new breed (they date back to 1899), German Shepherds are exceptional animals: Courageous, obedient, incredibly loyal, and eager to learn.</p>
<p><span>German Shepherds are very intelligent too, and excel at most anything they're trained to do. They're usually used as service dogs and police dogs to protect officers and locate drugs or human remains.</span></p>
<p><span>German Shepherds love their humans so much that they will suffer from separation anxiety, and can become destructive when bored alone at home.</span></p>
<h3>3. Pembroke Welsh Corgis</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>Corgis have a cult-like following mainly due to their playful and sweet personalities. According to Welsh mythology, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was even the transportation mode of choice for fairies.</p>
<p><span>Though they can be shy with strangers, Corgis are good with children and have a strong desire to please their owners.</span></p>
<p><span>They're also one of the silliest-looking dogs, with huge ears, a long torso, and a big butt. Just monitor their food intake closely since this breed is prone to overeating.</span></p>
<h3>2. Labrador Retrievers</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>There's a reason why Labs are the most popular breed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, as well as here in the U.S. They are devoted and obedient and have even temperaments that make them good with both children and other animals.<span> </span></p>
<p>Bred to be eager to please and playful companions, Labs are smart and commonly chosen as guide dogs and service dogs for blind or autistic individuals.</p>
<p><span>They also make understanding therapy dogs, and can be trained to aid law enforcement and other official agencies by screening and detection work.</span></p>
<h3>1. Mixed Breeds</h3>
<p><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"></div><p></p></div></strong>No matter what mix of breeds, mutts are awesome. Mixed-breeds are believed to have less genetically inherited health problems than purebreds, according to veterinarian Dr. Sarah Ward Fatula.</p>
<p><span>Plus, if you adopt your mixed-breed from the shelter, not only will they already be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date with vaccines, but you'll also be helping with the pet overpopulation problem.</span></p>
<p><span>To find a shelter near you, visit the <a href="http://www.aspca.org/adopt/shelters" target="_blank">ASPCA's website</a>. <br /></span></p>

The 11 Best Dog Breeds

<p><em>Editor's note: Due to some technical difficulties yesterday, we were unable to post this list on August 26, National Dog Day. But we couldn't resist posting it today. Enjoy!</em></p>
<p><span><keyword id="32596" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Dogs">Dogs</keyword> are the best.</span></p>
<p><span>Incredibly loyal, they comfort, protect, and love their humans unconditionally, making dogs superior to any other pet out there.</span></p>
<p><span>But not all dogs are created equal. These are the 11 best dog breeds, based on factors including health, personality, and overall popularity.</span></p>
<p><strong>11. Portuguese Water Dog</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source">Pete Souza/White House</p><p class="caption">POTUS is a big fan.</p></div></div></strong>Portuguese water dogs were originally bred to herd fish, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and act as couriers from ship to shore.</p>
<p><span>They’re good for people with allergies and make excellent companions since they are loving, independent, intelligent, and easy to train.</span></p>
<p><span>Portuguese water dogs also enjoy being petted and are friendly with strangers. Just be warned that like many larger dogs, boredom can cause them to become destructive.</span></p>
<p><strong>10. Newfoundland Dog</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alicjap/4771302434/sizes/o/">Flickr/alicjap</a></p></div></div></strong>Known as “nature’s babysitter,” Newfoundland Dogs are the absolute sweetest. Perhaps the best-known Newfoundland is the fictional Nana from “Peter Pan,” who was so wonderful with children.</p>
<p><span>These gentle giants are highly loyal and easy to train, and are legendary for their docile temper.</span></p>
<p><span>Newfoundland dogs are also strong swimmers, and the breed was trained to rescue people from drowning — one dog even famously saved Napoleon Bonaparte.</span></p>
<p><strong>9. Maltese</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source">Shutterstock</p></div></div></strong>One of the most ancient of the toy breeds, Maltese dogs were bred to be sweet and adoring of their owners. The Greeks even erected tombs for their Maltese dogs, and in Elizabethan times, they were called “The Comforter” because it was believed they could relieve pain and cure illness.</p>
<p><span>Maltese dogs are also extremely hypoallergenic, with silky coats that don’t shed.</span></p>
<p><span>And because of their size, these dogs are good for apartment living, too.</span></p>
<p><strong>8. Golden Retrievers</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golden_Retriever_with_tennis_ball.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a></p></div></div></strong>Goldens are sweet, loyal, and incredible companion dogs. They’d rather be sleeping at your feet then running around outside without you.</p>
<p><span>They’re also very even-tempered, especially with small children. Goldens make great service and comfort dogs because of their friendly and tolerant attitudes.</span></p>
<p><span>Plus they were bred to retrieve ducks and other fowl for hunters, so if you like playing fetch, this is the dog for you.</span></p>
<p><strong>7. Huskies</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgoman/4568210045/sizes/o/">Flickr/dgoman</a></p></div></div></strong>Siberian huskies are stunning animals, with their thick fur coat and piercing eyes. Most people who choose a Husky do so for their extraordinary beauty.</p>
<p><span>Huskies are good natured dogs who are affectionate with children. They shed minimally, except for twice a year when they blow out their coat, and don’t have the typical “dog odor” that bigger breeds tend to have.</span></p>
<p><span>Huskies are not considered a great breed for first-time dog owners, since they need a lot of attention, exercise, and are very good as escaping and running away.</span></p>
<p><strong>6. Poodles</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39412838@N05/6251817586/sizes/o/">Flickr/black and blue spoos</a></p></div></div></strong>Poodles get a bad rap. But they’re easy to train since they’re so intelligent, and are lively, fun-loving, and loyal family dogs. </p>
<p><span>Poodles can be attention seekers, so don’t be surprised if this people-oriented breed is constantly with you.</span></p>
<p><span>They’re also protective of their families and homes, and can become aggressive with people outside the family or with other dogs.</span></p>
<p><strong>5. Beagles</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beagle_portrait_Camry.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a></p></div></div></strong>Because of their intelligence, Beagles are used by law enforcement at airports to sniff baggage for items that are not permitted. Due to their friendly nature and appearance, Beagles don’t worry passengers.</p>
<p><span>This breed also has a lack of inherited health problems, and an even temper which is good for families and small children.</span></p>
<p><span>The most common reason Beagles are abandoned or turned over to the pound is because their owners couldn’t stand their howling. This can be controlled by training your dog early to avoid excessive barking.</span></p>
<p><strong>4. German Shepherds</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20110425_German_Shepherd_Dog_8473.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a></p></div></div></strong>A relatively new breed (they date back to 1899), German Shepherds are exceptional animals: Courageous, obedient, incredibly loyal, and eager to learn.</p>
<p><span>German Shepherds are very intelligent too, and excel at most anything they’re trained to do. They’re usually used as service dogs and police dogs to protect officers and locate drugs or human remains.</span></p>
<p><span>German Shepherds love their humans so much that they will suffer from separation anxiety, and can become destructive when bored alone at home.</span></p>
<p><strong>3. Pembroke Welsh Corgis</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krispykrumb/1383874474/sizes/o/">Flickr/Krispy Krumb</a></p><p class="caption">Queen Elizabeth loves these guys.</p></div></div></strong>Corgis have a cult-like following mainly due to their playful and sweet personalities. According to Welsh mythology, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was even the transportation mode of choice for fairies.</p>
<p><span>Though they can be shy with strangers, Corgis are good with children and have a strong desire to please their owners.</span></p>
<p><span>They’re also one of the silliest-looking dogs, with huge ears, a long torso, and a big butt. Just monitor their food intake closely since this breed is prone to overeating.</span></p>
<p><strong>2. Labrador Retrievers</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Labradors_about_to_be_taken_home_%282422658403%29.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a></p></div></div></strong>There’s a reason why Labs are the most popular breed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, as well as here in the U.S. They are devoted and obedient and have even temperaments that make them good with both children and other animals.<span> </span></p>
<p>Bred to be eager to please and playful companions, Labs are smart and commonly chosen as guide dogs and service dogs for blind or autistic individuals.</p>
<p><span>They also make understanding therapy dogs, and can be trained to aid law enforcement and other official agencies by screening and detection work.</span></p>
<p><strong>1. Mixed Breeds</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><a href="http://www.adoptny.org/browse/page/8/">Courtesy of Adopt NY</a></p></div></div></strong>No matter what mix of breeds, mutts are awesome. Mixed-breeds are believed to have less genetically inherited health problems than purebreds, according to veterinarian Dr. Sarah Ward Fatula.</p>
<p><span>Plus, if you adopt your mixed-breed from the shelter, not only will they already be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date with vaccines, but you’ll also be helping with the pet overpopulation problem.</span></p>
<p><span>To find a shelter near you, visit the <a href="http://www.aspca.org/adopt/shelters" target="_blank">ASPCA’s website</a>. <br /></span></p>

RANKED: The 11 Best Dog Breeds

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right click-to-enlarge"><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Arben Celi/Reuters" title_caption="A competitive paraglider sails over Vlorë, Albania." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53becff76da811ae0257fd86-960/paragliding-1.jpg"><span class="sprites click-to-enlarge-icon" title="Click to enlarge"></span></a><p class="source"><span>Arben Celi/Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">A competitive paraglider sails over Vlorë, Albania.</p></div><p></p></div>It can be easy to get caught up in the routine of life, doing whatever it takes to get from one point to the next, without doing much that's exciting or enriching.</p>
<p>Some Quora users offer a few ideas to break the routine in their responses to the thread: "<a href="http://www.quora.com/Life/What-is-something-every-person-should-experience-at-least-once-in-a-lifetime">What is something every person should experience at least once in a lifetime?</a>" </p>
<p>The responses range from trying an extreme sport to discovering something life-changing about yourself.</p>
<p>We've summarized some of the best answers below. </p>
<h3>1. Live somewhere vastly different from your hometown.</h3>
<p>Living in an unfamiliar setting among people with a different worldview from yours can help you become more self-reliant. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YB8R9"><em>Deepthi Amarasuriya</em></a></p>
<h3>2. Go out of your way to help a stranger.</h3>
<p>Put in time and effort to help someone you have "absolutely no social, moral, or legal obligation to help," and don't expect anything in return. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YBIYy"><em>Kent Fung</em></a></p>
<h3>3. Learn how to appreciate being alone.</h3>
<p>Avoid feeling lonely on your own by truly becoming comfortable with yourself. -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YBIES">Barbara Rose</a></em></p>
<h3>4. Travel without being a tourist.</h3>
<p>Go on a trip without feeling the need to take nonstop photos of the biggest tourist attractions. Instead of being a "tourist," be a "traveler" and try to get an idea of how the locals live. -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YBNon">Arya Raje</a></em></p>
<h3>5. Take a trip without making any plans.</h3>
<p>A "serendipitous adventure" free of the restrictions of an itinerary can be both thrilling and relaxing. -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YBNJh">Julian Keith Loren</a></em></p>
<h3>6. Go paragliding/parasailing/skydiving - anything where you're flying through the air.</h3>
<p>The feeling of weightlessness you get is a joy unmatched by anything else in life. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YBGLk"><em>Sainyam Kapoor</em></a></p>
<h3>7. Learn how to get by on the bare minimum.</h3>
<p>If you're just starting out professionally and fortunate enough to not know a life of poverty, it is worth struggling to make it on your own without the safety net of your family. You'll learn to appreciate what you earn. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YBKsf"><em>Anonymous</em></a></p>
<h3>8. Work a service job.</h3>
<p>If you've never had a difficult job like being a waiter, courier, or janitor, then try volunteering somewhere like a shelter. You'll learn patience, humbleness, and dependability. -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YBK3x">Diego Noriega Mendoza</a></em></p>
<h3>9. Become comfortable speaking in public.</h3>
<p>Public speaking is consistently ranked among people's top fears, but developing the skill can advance your career and boost your confidence. -<a href="http://www.quora.com/Mark-Savchuk"><em>Mark Savchuk</em></a></p>
<h3>10. Participate in an endurance trial like a marathon.</h3>
<p>Athletic events like marathons and long cycling races are essentially "voluntary suffering" that can teach you that with enough determination, you can get through anything and appreciate the journey. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YBY1R"><em>Denis Oakley</em></a></p>
<h3>11. Go scuba diving.</h3>
<p>"It is like exploring a completely new world." -<a href="http://qr.ae/YBYan"><em>Rajneesh Mitharwal</em></a></p>
<h3>12. Learn to dance.</h3>
<p>Most people are embarrassed to dance at events without the help of some alcohol, but instead of making a fool of yourself at every wedding, learn some real techniques! -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YBYdR">Meenakshhi Mishra</a></em></p>
<h3>13. Run or volunteer for some position of leadership.</h3>
<p>You don't necessarily need to quit your day job and start a senatorial campaign, but you can take a risk and put yourself out there, even if it's just to become head of your company's intramural softball team. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YBAlP"><em>Warren Myers</em></a></p>
<h3>14. Learn to appreciate failure.</h3>
<p>Life is filled with defeats and setbacks. You can choose to suffer through each of them until your fortune improves, or you can learn to appreciate the opportunities for learning every failure provides. "It will help you to know yourself - what motivates you, what you did wrong, what makes you happy, and so on." -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YBC4i">Shikhar Argawal<br /></a></em></p>
<h3>15. Witness the birth of a child.</h3>
<p>Seeing the birth of another human being, especially your own child, of course, is something you'll never forget. -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YQjAe">Jack Martin</a></em></p>
<h3>16. Develop a bond with an animal.</h3>
<p>Anyone who has a pet can tell you that the unconditional love you receive from an animal you care for is powerful and increases your overall happiness. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YQjp1"><em>Simon Brown</em></a></p>
<h3>17. Ride an elephant.</h3>
<p>"There's something incredible about being on top of a majestic animal." -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YQEpP">Ridwa Mousa</a></em></p>
<h3>18. Drive as fast as you can down an empty road.</h3>
<p>Don't drive recklessly, of course. But if you're a good enough driver and get a chance to drive down the speed-limit-free German Autobahn, go for it. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YQj9F"><em>Cyndi Perlman Fink</em></a></p>
<h3>19. Become as good as you can at one sport.</h3>
<p>If you make a lifelong hobby of practicing your favorite sport, you will make leading a healthier life fun, challenging, and goal-driven. -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YQjqf">Shiva Suri</a></em></p>
<h3>20. Take a sabbatical from work.</h3>
<p>At least once, step away from your professional life to pursue a passion or travel extensively. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YQ01l"><em>Asmita Singh</em></a></p>
<h3>21. Meditate in a redwood forest.</h3>
<p>The massive, ancient trees in California's redwood forests give you a chance to reflect in untouched nature. "It's a spiritual and cleansing experience." -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YQfKV">Krystle Smart</a></em></p>
<h3>22. Fly down a mountain on skis or a snowboard.</h3>
<p>Entering a state of extreme focus as you soar down a snowy path can be a euphoric experience. -<em><a href="http://qr.ae/YdXy6">Pete Ashly</a></em></p>
<h3>23. Camp in the wilderness hundreds of miles from civilization.</h3>
<p>Experiencing what it's like to live without the luxuries of society will make you appreciate the beauty of nature as well as everything that makes your life easier. -<a href="http://qr.ae/Yd7y7"><em>Justin Jessup</em></a></p>
<h3>24. Perform on stage.</h3>
<p>"No matter how stage shy you are and if you don't know how to sing or dance or act, just get on that stage once. Do your thing and own it. After this, I guarantee you will feel like a whole new person." -<a href="http://qr.ae/Yd7ib"><em>Pritika Gulliani Jain</em></a></p>
<h3>25. Swim in the "Devil's Pool" above Victoria Falls in Zambia.</h3>
<p>And if you're a big risk-taker, at certain times of the year you can wade in a slow-moving pool that forms at the lip of the world's largest waterfall. -<a href="http://qr.ae/YBFsE"><em>Liz Dugas</em></a></p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><p class="source"><span>Ian Restall/Wikimedia Commons</span></p></div><p></p></div></p>

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