Oprah to investigate abuse at puppy mills REAIR May 29

[Powerlounger]

Many years ago, on this site, I caused a huge ruckus with a post asking why would someone go anywhere other than a shelter to get an animal. I never could understand the logic of going to a breeder or a pet store. I was skewered. By so-called animal lovers. But I feel, and very strongly, you want an animal, go to a shelter. Save a life. People don't like to be told that. Let's see how they feel about these puppy mills. Which, no doubt, many on this board have knowingly or unknowingly purchased from. And they will rationalize their purchase with the most imbecilic logic. So, I'm curious to see how they will handle this show.

[caseysmom]

Many years ago, on this site, I caused a huge ruckus with a post asking why would someone go anywhere other than a shelter to get an animal. I never could understand the logic of going to a breeder or a pet store. I was skewered. By so-called animal lovers. But I feel, and very strongly, you want an animal, go to a shelter. Save a life. People don't like to be told that. Let's see how they feel about these puppy mills. Which, no doubt, many on this board have knowingly or unknowingly purchased from. And they will rationalize their purchase with the most imbecilic logic. So, I'm curious to see how they will handle this show.

Thats wierd this is the most pro rescue bunch of folks I have ever seen. I can't imagine this site being pro puppy mill in any way shape or form.

[RobiLee]

Thats wierd this is the most pro rescue bunch of folks I have ever seen. I can't imagine this site being pro puppy mill in any way shape or form.

I was thinking the same thing. I wouldn't think there would be too much of a fuss about that subject unless the person was extremely rude or sarcastic.

[Pam]

Many years ago, on this site, I caused a huge ruckus with a post asking why would someone go anywhere other than a shelter to get an animal. I never could understand the logic of going to a breeder or a pet store. I was skewered. By so-called animal lovers.

I just went through your posts and saw nothing that indicates you were skewered. To the contrary....

Back to the subject, I saw Oprah's promo today and it brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine the effect that the show is going to have on me.

[Twisterdog]

Good for her!

The more press this issue gets, the better.

You know, Oprah has made a few regretable decisions. Is there one of us that has not?? But overall, I think she tries very hard and for the most part, does the right thing. I commend her efforts.

[elizabethann]

When is the show going to air?

[Cinder & Smoke]

When is the Oprah Show on Puppy Mills going to air?

The Puppy Mill show will air for most folks on Friday, April 4th, 2008.

Here's a Station Finder Link for the Oprah Show >>>

http://www.oprah.com/tows/program/to...henwhere.jhtml

Click on it, pull down your State, then find a nearby City from the list.

[Jaycee]

Hi everyone, this is my very first post! I just wanted to come into this thread and say that I'm glad some of you have spoken up about people's choice to purchase their dog from a "reputable" breeder - one that has excellent standing, and one who would ask you all the questions and make the decision if they think "you" are the right one for one of their pups. I would never, ever, EVER buy a poor unfortunate soul from a pet store, no matter how sad they look - I know where they come from and I loathe the vermin who put all their stock to work heat after heat to create these little pups

Regarding the shelters, I have scoured the internet websites from all over Canada for the kind of dog I could offer a home to....unfortunately, they seem to be 85% rotti-X, shepherd-X, pitt-X, etc. I'm not against these dogs...heck, we had a beautiful German Shepherd named Bonnie for 13 wonderful years, but I also know that they are a powerful breed, can be temperamental and shed like crazy! I've also had positive experiences with rottweilers....my brother-in-law had a sweetheart called Palace, but again, she did not like everyone. Pitts (and I don't want to offend anyone) but I just couldn't put myself out there and give one a go - sorry!

So I just want to clear my name and say that I do not consider myself irresponsible or "scum of the earth" for buying our future dog from the "best of breeders" - BYB, puppy-mill operators and those who rake in big bucks for creating so called "hybrids" make me sick to my stomach

[Shelteez2]

Hi everyone, this is my very first post! I just wanted to come into this thread and say that I'm glad some of you have spoken up about people's choice to purchase their dog from a "reputable" breeder - one that has excellent standing, and one who would ask you all the questions and make the decision if they think "you" are the right one for one of their pups. I would never, ever, EVER buy a poor unfortunate soul from a pet store, no matter how sad they look - I know where they come from and I loathe the vermin who put all their stock to work heat after heat to create these little pups

Regarding the shelters, I have scoured the internet websites from all over Canada for the kind of dog I could offer a home to....unfortunately, they seem to be 85% rotti-X, shepherd-X, pitt-X, etc. I'm not against these dogs...heck, we had a beautiful German Shepherd named Bonnie for 13 wonderful years, but I also know that they are a powerful breed, can be temperamental and shed like crazy! I've also had positive experiences with rottweilers....my brother-in-law had a sweetheart called Palace, but again, she did not like everyone. Pitts (and I don't want to offend anyone) but I just couldn't put myself out there and give one a go - sorry!

So I just want to clear my name and say that I do not consider myself irresponsible or "scum of the earth" for buying our future dog from the "best of breeders" - BYB, puppy-mill operators and those who rake in big bucks for creating so called "hybrids" make me sick to my stomach

I'm not sure where in Alberta you are, but there are regularily small breeds in the spca and animal services here in Calgary. My grandma adopted a little havanese. Previously she has adopted a pomeranian from there as well. I often see pugs in the pound. Many chi mixes and of course the ever popular bichon shih tzu. Now don't get me wrong I have absoloutely nothing against going to a responsible breeder. I don't think you are scum of the earth for doing so (I too would be scum then), but I just wanted to correct your statement that all the dogs in the shelters here are rottiex shepherd mixes. I will give you one thing.... any dog that is black and tan is usually listed as a rottie cross...even when it's quite obvious that there is no rottie in there.

Now back to the original topic. I too agree that Oprah has the power to reach a lot of people. I am worried though that the show is going to take a completely anti breeder twist. Her goldens came from a byb. If she lumps them in with COE breeders then I will be sorely disappointed. Also I hear the president of the HSUS was invited to be on the show. She might as well have invited PETA to be on there. I am waiting until I see the show to make up my mind on it.

[lizbud]

Good for her!

The more press this issue gets, the better.

You know, Oprah has made a few regretable decisions. Is there one of us that has not?? But overall, I think she tries very hard and for the most part, does the right thing. I commend her efforts.

I agree. I didn't know that her Sophie had died. She was crazy about that dog.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure to watch the show Friday. The awful
truth about puppy mills can't get to much media coverage as far as I'm
concerned. If Oprah is able to shine a light on this horror, more power to
her.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

My mom and I were just watching Oprah, and I saw the preview. I can't wait to see it.... I'll probably cry a lot though.

[chocolatepuppy]

I don't watch much tv, but will try to catch this show. Good for Oprah! She will reach so many people. We here on the forum, on the internet, are so aware of what's going on, yet so many have no clue.

[lizbud]

My mom and I were just watching Oprah, and I saw the preview. I can't wait to see it.... I'll probably cry a lot though.

Well, I just saw the actual preview this afternoon. I so hope many
many people will be "enlightened" by this story.

[Powerlounger]

I just went through your posts and saw nothing that indicates you were skewered. To the contrary....

The reason you didn't see it was because the powers that be shut that particular thread down. Believe me, it caused a ruckus. I just wanted to know why people would go to a breeder or pet store as opposed to going to a shelter, and that I couldn't understand why. I never got what I thought was a good explanation. I got: 'I don't know what I'll get at a shelter', 'I go to a reputable breeder', 'it's none of your business', 'are you saying a purebred has no value??', that's what I got. It was all quite strange...

[Karen]

I do think that, because Oprah has a huge impact on pop culture, it is a good thing that she is doing the show. Anything that can bring awareness to the public about the evils of puppy mills is a good thing.