Oprah to investigate abuse at puppy mills REAIR May 29

[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.

[Sparklecoon]

I'm very glad that she is doing something for the ones who can't speak up for themselves.

This is the same woman that bought three pure bred "White" Golden Retriever puppies at the same time and than wondered why she couldn't train them. I believe one just passed recently as well. I don't have a whole lot of respect for her and I think it's nuts that she has so much pull.

[3muttsandaboston]

She is oprah winfrey she can have a caretaker for each one of her dogs. I'm glad though she is talking about puppymills. I hope they also tell people about how all petstore puppies come from puppy mills and not to buy a pet store puppy and support them. Oprah has alot of pull with alot of people so hopefully she can help.

[Spiritwind]

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...

I too am glad she is doing this show!!... I'm totally against puppy mills or pet stores and think they should all be shut down... however I wouldn't judge people for wanting to go to a reputable breeder, over a shelter either. I wouldn't buy a dog from a breeder whos parents died at age 3 of cancer, or bloat, or or heart problems..etc..etc..etc... but I don't want one from a rescue/shelter with a background like that either...

I'm all for people going to shelters and rescues for their pets... its great!! I'm glad people do it!... but I am also all for people being able to go to REPUTABLE breeders for their pets as well...

the first few dogs I had when I was younger (when I was a kid) were cute little mutts rescued from shelters.. great dogs!!..... my first dog was a little mutt that looked just exactly like Benji!! smart dog, I showed her in 4-H, starting when I was 9yrs old (I'm 25 now)! she hated every second of it, but she did it for me.... just a little shaggy mutt... though she died young of lymphoma...

[Ramble On Rose]

I'm going to DVR the show.
I don't think good breeders should be lumped into the same catagory as puppy mills and pet stores when it comes to telling people where they shouldn't aquire a dog.

[Ginger's Mom]

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...

Although I prefer to get my dogs from a rescue or a shelter, I do believe in supporting GOOD, RESPONSIBLE breeders. If everyone only got mutts and badly bred dogs from shelters, there would be no one taking responsibility for actually making the health, form and function of dogs the their responsibility. Keeping healthy, well-bred, well trained dogs is as important to an animal lover as doing away with backyard breeders and puppy mills. I find it "quite strange" that you think the only dogs that should be owned, adopted, cared for, are those that are bred irresponsibly.

I am not a fan of Oprah Winfrey, however, I do believe she has the power to get the message out there. And I am in favor of anything that will make people more aware of the horrors of puppy mills. I plan on telling as many people as I can about the show. I will have to record it myself.

[RedMenace]

I find it "quite strange" that you think the only dogs that should be owned, adopted, cared for, are those that are bred irresponsibly.

Geez, I didn't think the poster said that at all. I think it's 'strange' that you said that. He/she was just posing a question. Which I actually find interesting. My personal opinion: if you do go to a breeder, that's fine. But know this. When you do it, you have chosen not to save a life. And that's certainly your choice. Also, are you going to blame the shelter dog for being bred irresponsibly? Do they deserve a death sentence because of it?

[Ginger's Mom]

Geez, I didn't think the poster said that at all. I think it's 'strange' that you said that.

Oops, he/she did say that. I will post the quote again.

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'

Those weren't good enough reasons. I have no idea why they wouldn't be, unless you thought well bred dogs that are reliable in form and temperament isn't a good reason.

Also, are you going to blame the shelter dog for being bred irresponsibly? Do they deserve a death sentence because of it?

Oops again, you must have missed this part of my post

Although I prefer to get my dogs from a rescue or a shelter,

I do not think any dog deserves to die because of the way it was bred.

Welcome to the forum and I hope you look around and come to enjoy the many dogs here. Most of them came from shelters and rescues with some coming from reputable breeders who feel that dogs were developed for specific purposes and we should love them for it. I hope you enjoy reading about them and seeing their acheivements as much as we like sharing them.