why do people say this?

**lovemyshiba** · 03-23-2004, 09:55 AM

Interesting that you use a rottie as an example......
I know we are lucky--we got Jada at the SPCA, and she is just about the sweetest thing on 4 legs. When we got her, our neighbors were not happy, but we brought her out to meet the kids, and all she could do was lick all of them. I know this is not always the case though, and we are fortunate to have such a sweet girl.

I like Amy's point about getting the experience of raising the dog from a puppy first (in her case, a husky). We had beagles all my life growing up, so I knew what to expect with Abbey. Riley was just a tiny pup when we got him, and he doesn't have a mean bone in his body. As for Jada, my husband raised 2 rotties before--and they are sweethearts too! I hadn't had the experience with a big dog like her in the past, but he has, and he just knew she was a great dog--and he was right!!!
Kito was 8 months when we got him. Shibas are a handful--I wish we had gotten him as a younger pup, so he could have been socialized better, BUT I wouldnt' trade him for the world.

As far as what the original post was about, maybe the person has good intentions, but cannot find what he or she wants at your local shelter. Maybe they knew that was what you wanted to hear. Everyone can't be convinced to adopt and rescue dogs.
I work with a guy who wanted a golden retriever pup. I gave him the number of the Golden rescue here, and at the time I know they had a litter of pups. Guess what? He drove an hour away and got a pup from a breeder. That doesn't make his dog any less of a beautiful wonderful pup, and it was his decision.

This argument could go on and on (and I have a feeling it might). The bottom line is, no matter how much we all advocate rescuing, unfortunately we can't control everyone to do the same.

**Corinna** · 03-23-2004, 10:07 AM

All of you have very valid points and I do very much advocate adoptions from shelters .I have rescued so many dogs in Fact Lady is the latest in a LONG line . What I got upset about was being called stupid becouse I took so long to find Merlin and bought him from a breeder. I waited and looked at shelters and different breeders you have NO idea how it killed me to leave each place knowing some of those dogs would end up in bad places, but I have a super high standard if I'm going to spend my money.Merlins human mom was a very nice and smart lady. 1 litter every 2-3 years and a list of buyers(both parents have earned lots of awards both in ring and in the feild) she uses the same male and he is the only female he breeds to. that is just one thing I was inpressed with. as I said before she went beyond my standard (hard to beleive my hubby thought we'd never get a dog) . But Merlin was the perfect little boy for us.

**pitbullmommy** · 03-23-2004, 10:55 AM

i understand that there are millions of dogs that need homes that are in shelters. but I still dont think that anyone should be degraded because of where they got there dog. I respect every persons opinion in here but dont think ANYONE is stupid. or any one that changes there mind. and you have to relize that it dose offend people even if you were not talking abot "that person".

I get offended if people talk bad about pitts. It is just a common reaction. Just like if someone told you you are stupid of haveing a child and not adopting one. I dont know it just really upset me.

and not all breeders are bad breeders. I know there are alot that are but not all of them.

**aly** · 03-23-2004, 11:41 AM

Originally posted by Tonya

But, let's say I run a daycare from my home. I really want a rottweiler. I've loved them all my life and wanted one since I was a little girl. I go to the shelters and all the rotts I see are to old to deal with the children, are aggressive, have excessive health problems, etc... I'd be a great pet owner, but I'm just really not in the condition to deal with a troubled animal with all these kids.

Would you rather see me take a chance and adopt a pet that I may wind up having to rehome because it didn't work out? Or would you rather see me research rott breeders and find a guaranteed match of exactly what I always wanted?

I would absolutely not want you to take a chance! I would want you to be patient and wait, because Rottie pups in shelters and rescues are not rare

(The rest of this post is not directed towards you, Tonya)
Why is everyone assuming that all adult shelter dogs must have issues. Its not like every shelter dog is vicious or will turn on you out of the blue. MANY, MANY, MANY of them are perfectly wonderful, loyal companions who have been thrown in there by their so-called "families" for stupid reasons like moving. Just as people who go to breeders should go to a responsible one, people who go to shelters should go to a responsible shelter who will tell you as much as they know about the dog's background info, etc.

And also, just because a puppy comes from a breeder does not mean it is guaranteed to be what you expected.

KayAnn, I LOVE THE PICTURE IN YOUR SIG!!!!!!

**mugsy** · 03-23-2004, 12:13 PM

Too true that the human and pet overpopulation are related. Too bad we can't spay and neuter some people.

This is not a good time for me to be posting on this since I am now working with a small shelter in northern Indiana with 3 dogs that are rotting in there because people won't adopt them.

You know, everyone has their opinions are entitled to them and people shouldn't be offended by people's opinions....they don't have to agree, just respect them. If you have a pure breed dog and someone says something about it....deal with it and ignore it. If you have shelter dogs and people say something about it....deal with it and ignore it. I know that I have a VERY difficult time keeping my mouth shut, but, I'm trying!!!! (Yes, I know....I'm VERY trying lol).

Like my friend Jackie said....until we spay and neuter our animals, the problem of stray dogs and cats will continue. The basis of the entire problem is that irresponsible people won't spay and neuter their pets.

I think the AKC contributes to the problem also by not checking the animals they register and more importantly, not allowing a spayed or neutered animal to be in the show ring....doesn't do much to further educating the public....

**Cataholic** · 03-23-2004, 12:26 PM

Originally posted by WolfChan
OK then....Why do people choose to have their OWN kids when there are THOUSANDS who desperately need homes up for adoption?! .

Well, DUH, Wolfchan, how would you ever get someone else's already born baby up inside your womb? (sad effort at a joke, I promise...)

**Pam** · 03-23-2004, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by Cataholic
Well, DUH, Wolfchan, how would you ever get someone else's already born baby up inside your womb? (sad effort at a joke, I promise...)

That went right over my head.

**Pam** · 03-23-2004, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by aly
Why is everyone assuming that all adult shelter dogs must have issues. Its not like every shelter dog is vicious or will turn on you out of the blue. MANY, MANY, MANY of them are perfectly wonderful, loyal companions who have been thrown in there by their so-called "families" for stupid reasons like moving.

Aly you are so right. I am sorry if my post was one that sounded like that. All I was trying to say is that, at my age, it was much easier for me to choose a breed that I was familiar with and also a size that was manageable for me. I know that the shelters are filled with lovable pupsters. I chose Ripley (or should I say that Ripley chose me) because of his loving little personality that was evident even inside that cage. I know there were many others there too that would make wonderful pets. I stand corrected!

**aly** · 03-23-2004, 01:08 PM

Oh no, I wasn't directing that at you, Pam. I don't really think I was directing it at anyone in particular even. Maybe I was talking to myself again

I am so glad Ripley has you. Your love has turned him from a scared little tumbleweed into a beautiful, happy, pampered doggie! And Bella and all your past Poodles are just as lucky!

As a side note, I've been trying to find you something that is really cute, but I can't find sizes big enough

So maybe I'll just tell you about it and you can see if you have them there. Amy told me about this cute little dog shirt that Walmart has that says 'Attack Poodle'. I finally found one for Reece, but it is quite the snug fit (and its extra large

). I wasn't sure how much Ripely and Reece differ in size. And I doubt I'd ever find one big enough for beautiful Bella. Anyway, maybe your Walmart will have bigger sizes!

**lizbud** · 03-23-2004, 01:18 PM

riginally posted by aly

Why is everyone assuming that all adult shelter dogs must have issues. Its not like every shelter dog is vicious or will turn on you out of the blue. MANY, MANY, MANY of them are perfectly wonderful, loyal companions who have been thrown in there by their so-called "families" for stupid reasons like moving. Just as people who go to breeders should go to a responsible one, people who go to shelters should go to a responsible shelter who will tell you as much as they know about the dog's background info, etc.

And also, just because a puppy comes from a breeder does not mean it is guaranteed to be what you expected.

Aly, Thank you for emphasizing that shelter dogs for adoption
are not neurotic misfits and have not been abused. Neglected
& ignored surely, but entirely loveable & trainable.

All shelter dogs need is what any other dog needs to be a good
human companion, food, love & training and a chance.

**micki76** · 03-23-2004, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by aly
(The rest of this post is not directed towards you, Tonya)
Why is everyone assuming that all adult shelter dogs must have issues. Its not like every shelter dog is vicious or will turn on you out of the blue. MANY, MANY, MANY of them are perfectly wonderful, loyal companions who have been thrown in there by their so-called "families" for stupid reasons like moving. Just as people who go to breeders should go to a responsible one, people who go to shelters should go to a responsible shelter who will tell you as much as they know about the dog's background info, etc.

Not to mention the many, many puppies that are in the shelters. If you must have a puppy for whatever reason, why not go to a shelter for him/her?

I guess those of us who see the dogs day in and day out in the shelters and at the adopt a pets that we work, just don't understand your desire to buy from a breeder. I certainly don't mean to insult anyone, but the number of pets dying everyday is sickening, and to go out and buy from a breeder, a good one or a bad one, is just sad to me.

There is no specific breed that I want or need so badly that I would buy.

**lovemyshiba** · 03-23-2004, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by aly

Why is everyone assuming that all adult shelter dogs must have issues. Its not like every shelter dog is vicious or will turn on you out of the blue. MANY, MANY, MANY of them are perfectly wonderful, loyal companions who have been thrown in there by their so-called "families" for stupid reasons like moving.

I agree with you completely Aly. I have 2 perfect examples of wonderful "thrown away" dogs. Abbey was rescued from a shelter in Ohio and transported here to the beagle rescue, where we found her and gave her a home. The only "problem" I can imagine anyone having with her is her barking at nothing--she is a dog though, and it can be controlled.
As far as Jada is concerned, she is still a mystery. The SPCA had only had her for a day when we visited, and knew nothing about her, in fact, they thought she may be mean, because she growled at them. She was in heat at the time, and scared, and that may have been why. She's also a very vocal dog, and lets out lots of grumbles when she's getting petted or brushed--anything she loves!!!!!!
When I adopted Jada, I had a few people at work very concerned. One guy actually said, "Why would you get a rottie? I heard they can turn on their owners?"

Sure, but couldn't any dog if he or she was pushed far enough?
Again, I don't think we would have gotten a rottie had my husband not had them in the past, just because I didn't know much about them.

**Pam** · 03-23-2004, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by aly

Amy told me about this cute little dog shirt that Walmart has that says 'Attack Poodle'. I finally found one for Reece, but it is quite the snug fit (and its extra large ). I wasn't sure how much Ripely and Reece differ in size. And I doubt I'd ever find one big enough for beautiful Bella. Anyway, maybe your Walmart will have bigger sizes!

I remember when Amy posted a picture of Smokey (may he play happily ever after at the RB) wearing his. I think this shirt would only be appropriate for Ripley and only when Dale is around.

If Ripley is on my lap and Dale gets too close he shows Dale every single one of his pearly whites! LOL! Unfortunately Dale couldn't read the shirt, but he would still get the message from the teeth!

Strange, but when they are on the floor together Ripley is OK. He just thinks that his 15 lb. little self should protect me from 90+ lb. Dale when he gets too close.

**wolf_Q** · 03-23-2004, 01:27 PM

I'm sorry if my post made it sound like I think every dog in a shelter has issues. I really don't think that at all. I was meaning that for some people it may be easier to raise a dog that is difficult to handle from a pup. Then once you are familiar with the breed, you'd be prepared to get an adult dog. I'd had dogs all my life of course, but having two family dogs that are small (that I didn't feed or train) vs having your own dog that is large (to care for completely by yourself) is totally different! I was pretty overwhelmed by just a puppy! And I don't think getting a dog from a breeder is a necessary guarantee either. Nebo was a little *monster* as a puppy! And he's still a monster brat sometimes!