why do people say this?

[Tonya]

Originally posted by ParNone
Personally I don't make life decisions based on what
other people think. I consider adding a dog to my
family as a very serious lifelong commitment, akin
to marriage or having kids. So I don't really care
if somebody looks down on me for getting a dog from
a breeder. They're not the ones who have to live
with that decision. I am. And considering how harmonious
my lil' family is, I think I'm more than capable of
making good decisions where that's concerned.

Since Maddie passed away, I have been looking for
a puppy at a shelter for the last couple of mos, but
so far the couple that have called out to me as being
right, were snatched up before I could even inquire
about them. So if I ultimately end up getting one from
a breeder, that'll be what's right for me and Murph and
Oz.

I personally do not think the emphasis should be put on
where you get your dog, so much as on, how much
love you give them, how well you treat them and the
unwavering commitment you make to them. That's what
should really count.

Par...

AMEN

[Tonya]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to require breeders to be licensed first. In California, manicurists and hair stylists have strict licensing rules, yet childcare and pet breeding doesn't???

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Because they are STUPID and having nothing else to do with their money except line the pockets of the breeders instead of offering a home to a pet that is on death row.

I resent that statement. I got my dog from a breeder, and she is the best dog I've ever had. Yes, she was $700. If it was my choice, I would have gotten a homeless dog. But I think it's the same for breeder's pups. If they don't get bought... where do they go? Shelters, maybe. But all that matters is how much you love your dog, not where you got it from.

[Cincy'sMom]

To answer why people say one thing and do another is impossible...maybe it is because they know it is what "you" ( whoever you might be) want to hear; Perhaps it is the thought at the moment, or maybe it realy was the intention and things changed.


No matter how we feel about breeders, shelters, or pet stores, look at all the pets on PT. They all came from different backgrounds, different situations, whether purebred or mixed breed, adopted as puppies or kittens or adults. Think of the bond their owner has formed with them, and ask yourself, how could they have NOT gotten that pet? Maybe we wouldn't all get our pets from the same place we did this time, but that doesn't make anyone's pet less special or less valuable or any person here stupid. JMO

[wolf_Q]

Originally posted by Cincy'sMom


No matter how we feel about breeders, shelters, or pet stores, look at all the pets on PT. They all came from different backgrounds, different situations, whether purebred or mixed breed, adopted as puppies or kittens or adults. Think of the bond their owner has formed with them, and ask yourself, how could they have NOT gotten that pet? Maybe we wouldn't all get our pets from the same place we did this time, but that doesn't make anyone's pet less special or less valuable or any person here stupid. JMO

Good post! I completely agree with you.

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by Tonya
It wouldn't be a bad idea to require breeders to be licensed first.

I agree; I think that there should be a license allowing you to breed, as well as a license that allows you to have unaltered pets (for breeding or show purposes). I think that, otherwise, any breeding should be illegal, and that there should be fines placed on anyone who disobeys that law. I also think there should be higher consequenses for puppy mills. I remember the mill that was here a while back --- about 50 dogs and tons of puppies, and the guy got charged a $600 fine, and was given back his main breeding stud, one mother dog, and all of her puppies, and then he moved to Ontario where he has undoubtedly started another breeding program. What a great penalty. There's also another puppy mill here that the Spca has known about for ten years -- Think they'll do anything about it? Nope. Of course this is the Kelowna Spca, and I am not fond of their beliefs or practices as it is.

[Logan]

Originally posted by Cincy'sMom
To answer why people say one thing and do another is impossible...maybe it is because they know it is what "you" ( whoever you might be) want to hear; Perhaps it is the thought at the moment, or maybe it realy was the intention and things changed.


No matter how we feel about breeders, shelters, or pet stores, look at all the pets on PT. They all came from different backgrounds, different situations, whether purebred or mixed breed, adopted as puppies or kittens or adults. Think of the bond their owner has formed with them, and ask yourself, how could they have NOT gotten that pet? Maybe we wouldn't all get our pets from the same place we did this time, but that doesn't make anyone's pet less special or less valuable or any person here stupid. JMO

Thank you, Amy. You said what was on my heart. Do any of you wish me bad luck because I "bought" my first two Goldens, Honey and Lilly? I don't think so (at least I hope not). Would I be more careful next time? You had better believe it! But I wouldn't take anything for those two precious girls who fill our lives with so much good. After I became more knowledgable about rescue (didn't even know it existed when I got my first two Goldens), I became their greatest enthusiast! That's why Zipper is with us today. I'm sure somewhere back in my history at Pet Talk, I've said more than once that "my next dog will be one that needs me more than I need him/her". Zipper is that dog!!! He might be a purebred Golden Retriever, but all I know is that he is my special boy and so precious to me, just as my two cats of unknown origin are.

[aly]

Originally posted by Tonya
...if you've researched a breed, and you know that it is exactly what will fit into your home, you can't always find it at the shelter.

Thats not true at all - you can find any breed in shelters! I've seen sooo many purebreds in the shelters and rescues that I work with. If someone is determined enough, they can find what they want as a rescue. I know some are more rare than others, but still...

We've had the great breeder debate a lot on here so I don't really want to add anything else other than I am not trying to offend those of you who go to breeders.

I prefer to rescue. I always have and I always will - until there are no more little lost homeless dogs (or cats) getting killed every day.

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by aly
Thats not true at all - you can find any breed in shelters! I've seen sooo many purebreds in the shelters and rescues that I work with. If someone is determined enough, they can find what they want as a rescue. I know some are more rare than others, but still...

I have to respectfully disagree...More often than not, any "rare breeds" that you find in a shelter aren't a rare breed at all, but a mix that just looks like the breed. I was on a rare breed forum a while back, and the number of people wanting or owning cane corsos and fila brasilieros was astounding, and I don't think that any of those people will find one or have bought one in a shelter..

[aly]

Originally posted by wolfsoul
I have to respectfully disagree...More often than not, any "rare breeds" that you find in a shelter aren't a rare breed at all, but a mix that just looks like the breed. I was on a rare breed forum a while back, and the number of people wanting or owning cane corsos and fila brasilieros was astounding, and I don't think that any of those people will find one or have bought one in a shelter..

There are some breeds that are just plain RARE. When I say you can find any breed in a shelter, I'm not talking about the few very rare ones that are hard to even find a breeder for. But those are dogs that the everage pet owner doesn't seek out in the first place.

~~~

As far as the child analogy, I think that is a totally different issue. I mean, there aren't children sitting in cages getting euthanized every day.

[mahayana]

I just read through this thread, and I think it touches on lots of interesting and important things. And a lot of it is "hot button" because we all feel bad or mad about the way animals get mistreated and the sad fact of landfills being the graveyards of countless collected strays.

I once made the outrageous suggestion that Koreans be allowed to collect the animals we kill at pounds and shetlers, and ship the meat back to Korea to feed starving children. Hope you all know that buddhists don't approve of this (every life is holy), I was just trying to make people think.

The overpopulation of pets, and the overpopulation of humans, are related topics, IMHO. One thing that shelters are doing right is spaying/neutering most of their charges. I will refrain from expounding on the human problem, except to say that China's "one child per couple" idea makes sense.

Blessings to all who adopt, all who ease the suffering of other sentient creatures.

[Pam]

Originally posted by wolf_Q
Honestly I'm glad that I raised my first siberian husky from a puppy. They are not always an easy breed to handle, I'm not sure if I would have been ready for an adult dog, especially one who may have had some issues to deal with. I feel NOW that I would be able to handle an adult dog and work through any issues.

What a responsible thing to say and I couldn't agree more. Not everyone is ready or suited to take on an adult dog with "issues." Five of my dogs came from breeders and all as puppies. Although Ripley (bless his little heart) came from the shelter I didn't have too many concerns about him and his ability to fit in with Bella. Also his size was another key factor because I knew that, at my age, I wouldn't be a good match with a large dog with baggage.

I have loved all of my dogs equally and do feel quite blessed to have found and rescued Ripley though as he is such a precious little guy.

Would I ever use a breeder again? Hard to say. I still have my "love affair from afar" going on when I see pugs. I have seen the pug rescues on the internet but unfortunately many are seniors or ill. When and if the time comes, I would check the shelters first but would not be opposed to going to a good breeder. The most important thing to me is the commitment that is made to the dog - whether from a breeder or a shelter - it's for life.

[Tonya]

Ok, a person can probably find any breed at a shelter. I'll admit that. And odds are high that they'll find a great match for their home.

But, let's say I run a daycare from my home. I really want a rottweiler. I've loved them all my life and wanted one since I was a little girl. I go to the shelters and all the rotts I see are to old to deal with the children, are aggressive, have excessive health problems, etc... I'd be a great pet owner, but I'm just really not in the condition to deal with a troubled animal with all these kids.

Would you rather see me take a chance and adopt a pet that I may wind up having to rehome because it didn't work out? Or would you rather see me research rott breeders and find a guaranteed match of exactly what I always wanted?

I know, it's a poor example. Give me a break, it's early in the morning and I haven't had my coffee. But I hope you get my drift. I'm all for rescues. That is always the first place I look and I've always found exactly what I wanted there. But some people are particular. I'd much rather see them get a wanted dog from a reputable breeder then wind up with a dog they don't want.

[Kfamr]

That's why you wait.
There's always one that comes along.

[Tonya]

I'm running out of arguments, darn it. lol.