Hi Carrie, I am really sorry for people with farm animals going through this awful situation. I can imagine how worried you are for friends.
I agree with you on the cropping of the ears. When we got Perry his ears were already cropped. We got Daisy as a puppie and had the choice and chose not to have her ears cropped. She has lovely big ears and we love her all the more for it. I could not put her through that just because someone else thought it was cute.
Remember I have only had dogs as pets so I'm not much of a professional on how they should look. When I was young I had a cocker spaniel and she didn't look anything like the one in Westminister who had long flowing hair down to the ground. I think some of the
poodles look ridiculous the way they are clipped. I don't want to make anyone angry, but it seems a Dog should look like a dog.
They should be showing dogs that look natural and not live in crates their whole life. Perry was bred to be a show dog and now we just about cannot get a leash on him, he hates them. I'm doing better making him sit while I put it on. We got him from the breeder who couldn't believe we didn't intend to breed him for money. I said no way, he is our babie now and he went to the Vet to get neutered as soon as we could get an appointment. Anyway I will get off my soapbox now! Thanks Carrie.