Oprah to investigate abuse at puppy mills REAIR May 29

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Spiritwind]

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.

I agree.. and this is what a lot of reputable breeders are worried about with this show... having all breeders (puppy mill/BYB and Reputable breeders) all being lumped together into one group with the showing going totally anti breeder..

[MoonandBean]

All my life, I've wanted a golden retriever or yellow lab...but other cute mutts kept sneaking into my life and I have yet to have one. The time is finally right for a new dog and while I would love to go buy a purebred golden or yellow, I just can't do it. I have to rescue one. From what I've read, hundreds of puppies are killed every day in the south due to overbreeding and irresponsible pet owners. The pet rescues here in the northeast are loaded with puppies from the south (so many yellows and goldies to choose from) and so that is where I will get my next puppy.

[elizabethann]

Did anybody watch Oprah? It's on right now, but I'm at work. Let me know if you watched it and what you thought of it. I'm going to the Oprah message board right now to see what people are talking about.

[Spiritwind]

I watched the whole show and I thought overall she did a great job of explaining and showing why you should not go to a pet store for your puppy... and how reputable breeders are not the problem... its the puppy mills that are the problem!..

Good show.. thought she did well.... especially suggesting going to a shelter for your pet, but if you decide to go to a breeder make sure you go to a responsible breeder....

[lizbud]

The show just ended here about 1/2 hr ago. I thought it was a very
good show.I'm glad they kept the "touring puppy mills" down to 30 mins,
as a whole hour of seeing this horror would make people sick to their
stomachs.

I did like that the Animal Control Shelters & private Shelters were included
in the tour. Showing folks that 30% of all the dogs are pure breed. I also
liked how they showed people the great need to spay & neuter our pets.

It was a great show & it so neat that Oprah shared the film tribute to
her RB Sophie. Gave me LES, big time.

[Powerlounger]

All my life, I've wanted a golden retriever or yellow lab...but other cute mutts kept sneaking into my life and I have yet to have one. The time is finally right for a new dog and while I would love to go buy a purebred golden or yellow, I just can't do it. I have to rescue one. From what I've read, hundreds of puppies are killed every day in the south due to overbreeding and irresponsible pet owners. The pet rescues here in the northeast are loaded with puppies from the south (so many yellows and goldies to choose from) and so that is where I will get my next puppy.

Thank you MoonandBean, that's it in a nutshell. I cannot in good conscience go to even a reputable breeder and get a dog, when that very action will condemn another dog to death.

[Grace]

We watched the show. Thought it was very well done.

Too bad more places around the country aren't like the county we live in. Here, it is illegal to sell pets in a pet store. Can't be done - no way, no how.

Yes, there are cats at the local Pet Smart - cats from the local Humane Society - for adoption.

And it has been this way for many years.