We're Buying from a Breeder

[Vela]

Vela, (and Pam, if I remember correctly),
I think ALL breeding should stop. All. My bone of contention is that there are some people (even on this board ) that get some special pass when it comes to breeding, and I have never quite understood it. Sure there are BYB that are just unspeakable, and then, there are some BYB that make sure their puppies go to good loving homes. It is still the same, to me. There are too many pets- whether they come from Mr. X or Mrs. Y. The term 'responsible' that we banter about is so completely subjective. Just because so and so says, "oh, I do all sorts of tests, blah, blah, I don't do it for money, blah, blah" doesn't do anything about decreasing the pet population. These people that breed, without a recongnizable kennel name, or some strong affiliation with show (or agility, field, or whatever the goal they are seeking might be), are BYBs. The AKC doesn't spend much time (if any, as they are regulatory in nature) weeding out, admonishing, halting, ceasing, etc., when it comes to registration, the very thing that people cry out, "I am not BYB, I am breeding dogs/cats registered with the AKC"! That

SO
is a tragedy. Yes, I do think they **should** do something.

I don't think we need anymore animals-pure, mixed-period, born into this world. When we start to lose some of this "gotta have a purebred" mentality, we can really get back to humanity- saving those that are already here, through no fault of their own.

I think, for me, it comes down to realizing that while I can't affect the world at large with my personal decision (in this case to adopt from a shelter, rather than go to a breeder), I can work towards eliminating the pet overpopulation. It is about supply and demand. If people would stop buying from BYB, pet stores, eventually- shoot, maybe not in my lifetime- it will come down to what you claim-only the responsible breeders are left to breed-
It truly saddens my heart to know that people really interested in a PET (as many, many of us are), would overlook adoption for, IMO, no real reason.

Johanna

PS- don't pick on my mispellings...I think I got the difference between two, too, and to all ironed out.

PSS- and, don't claim anything is a joke! That isn't allowed anymore....you must be 100% PC at all times less your fragile ego is shattered.

PSS- I don't really mean any of this towards you! Truly. No joke.

Responsible breeders, and yes they are out there, don't cause the problem and should not be held accountable for the rest. And being repsonsible doesn't just mean saying you have done the testing, they have paperwork to back it up.

BTW, your no breeding of any kind thing would eventually cause dogs to disappear since they do grow old and die and I'm really not up on the whole cloning thing being a good idea...If responsible breeders stopped breeding until the unhomed pets all found homes, then by the time that happened there would be no dogs for them to breed resposibly with because their dogs would all be dead from old age and the only dogs left would be ill bred or mixed breed dogs...I think it would be a shame to lose all of the wonderful breeds out there.

[Vela]

BTW I do understand WHY you feel that way, and that all dogs deserve a good home and not to die in a shelter, but i just don't agree with the method of going about it because then the other breeds would be lost to us as well.

[Pam]

Responsible breeders, and yes they are out there, don't cause the problem and should not be held accountable for the rest.

You have done it again Vela and stolen the words right out of my mouth. The responsibility lies in EDUCATING people about spaying and neutering and the responsibilities of pet ownership once they get a dog, whether from a breeder or shelter or anywhere they might find him/her.

I am in the unique situation of having had purebred poodles for over 30 years and three years ago adopted a shelter poodle. Do I consider love Ripley any less or think of him as a "lesser" dog because his lineage is uncertain. Of course not. And, honestly, any future dog I get will be a rescue, but I certainly do understand why people go to breeders and do see a need for them. I happen to be a *hopelessly poodle person* and love the breed and the traits, etc. I would hate it if they disappeared into ....oodles and apoos, etc., etc.

[lv4dogs]

Responsible breeders, and yes they are out there, don't cause the problem and should not be held accountable for the rest. And being repsonsible doesn't just mean saying you have done the testing, they have paperwork to back it up.

BTW, your no breeding of any kind thing would eventually cause dogs to disappear since they do grow old and die and I'm really not up on the whole cloning thing being a good idea...If responsible breeders stopped breeding until the unhomed pets all found homes, then by the time that happened there would be no dogs for them to breed resposibly with because their dogs would all be dead from old age and the only dogs left would be ill bred or mixed breed dogs...I think it would be a shame to lose all of the wonderful breeds out there.

Ditto!
Vela, you are awesome!



Anyways, Tasha I am glad you decided on a shelter dog.
Would it be possible for you to tell your shelter what you are looking for in a dog (size, good w/ kids, grooming needs etc...) and they can keep an eye out for you & let you know when they have a possible match for you? I know the shelters arund me do that!

I wish you the best of luck!

[Roxyluvsme13]

Cool! Glad you're going to save some lucky pups life! Honestly I would get something like a toy breed. They're fragile and stuff, but Im sure you already knew this! Anyways I hope you find the perfect dog for your family

[Pam]

I am sorry you reacted so hotly Johanna. It was not my intention to rile you up. You must realize, though, that you and I were "breeders" and we chose to be. We had/have that right. I am not disputing the fact that you are giving your son a loving home and caring for him. What I am disputing is your narrow view that any breeding of dogs (and I assume cats) is wrong, thus my comment regarding human breeding. If we were as righteous as we should be I guess we should all be adopting and all running out to get our tubes tied. I imagine somewhere out there is a forum as narrow minded as you seem to be, only it is on the subject where people are criticized for having their own genetic children. Geesh!

[Cataholic]

Wow, Pam, thanks for making it so personal. That is just the hypocrisy I am speaking of. I am entitled to my opinion without being called narrow minded. To hear another woman call me a breeder is really, really sad. You have personally attacked me, and my opinions. I am not riled up, I am emphatically speaking my opinion, without labelling you, or anyone else, for theirs. And, just for the record, I wasn't imagining that you were somehow faulting my child rearing skills. I have a wee bit more self esteem than that. You are a total stranger to me. Your opinion cannot have that sort of impact on my life, nor should mine on anyone else's.

If you calmly go back and read my posts, you will see that I did not attack people for breeding their dogs (and cats, you are right, I feel the same way there). I just don't think it is right. I guess I should look at it this way, it always gives me a chance to push rescue.

[Pam]

I am entitled to my opinion without being called narrow minded.

To say that all breeding must stop is pretty darned narrow minded if you ask me or the umpti-thousands of good breeders all over the world who are trying to better their respective breeds. You have your opinion. I absolutely disagree with it. I have mine. End of discussion.

[Cataholic]

To say that all breeding must stop is pretty darned narrow minded if you ask me or the umpti-thousands of good breeders all over the world who are trying to better their respective breeds. You have your opinion. I absolutely disagree with it. I have mine. End of discussion.

Rightly so, if you hadn't personally attacked me. Rightly so.

[BC_MoM]

You know, I used to be 110% against any breeding, reputable or not.

But that's just not reality.

All NON reputable breeding NEEDS to be stopped as soon as we all can do so. THEY are the reasons there are not enough homes, as are people who refuse/can't afford to have their animals neutered/spayed.

As long as Crazy-Cat-Lover buys from a REPUTABLE breeder and can return the pup if it turns out being too much, then I have changed my mind and am saying go ahead. We can't force her to adopt an older dog who is homeless. She wants a cute little puppy that she will have to wait and see what it will be like as an adult. That is the mistake many pet owners make.