I agree that we need to embrace the nuance and complexity of this topic. I will admit that I do find it difficult to have positive feelings about people who get puppies from breeders that aren't ethical, but at the same time, I know someone who tried to adopt from various shelters in their area and were turned down because they have kids (not even young kids either). I adopted my own dog from a friend who bought her up from a backyard breeder / "my dog is so cute that she simply must have puppies" kind of person. One final thought: I wish there was more education around the idea that if someone adopts a pure bred dog, they'll know exactly what kind of behaviours/traits the dog will have. I think that does a disservice to dogs because they are all unique individuals, and if we are to be good guardians, we need to work/play with the dog in front of us, instead of the dog we think they are supposed to be based on their breed. I think if more people had that mentality going in to the process of getting a dog, they would be more open to adopting one from a shelter.
Wholeheartedly agree. I especially like “adopt or shop responsibly.” I say this as someone who expends a ton of energy, time, and money on my rescue dog. He is worth it, but also, it’s been extremely hard at times, and I wouldn’t wish this experience on those without the tools or desire to make it work.
What a cruel attitude! A million dogs are euthanized in the U.S. every year. There is NO justification for breeders to continue bringing more dogs into the world, many of which may undoubtedly end up in shelters as well.
Hi Kim! If you're open to a polite and respectful conversation, I'm happy to have one. Can I ask what specifically in this post you found cruel? I repeatedly acknowledge the importance of rescue and my own efforts to support local shelters/programs.
In regards to breeders bringing dogs into the world who end up in shelters, a key difference between ethical and unethical breeders is that ones truly in it for the good of the species we love will take full responsibility for their dogs at any point during their lives. The dogs they breed will never end up in shelters—but dogs bred unethically (or accidental litters, etc) certainly might. Together, shelters, rescues, and ethical breeders can work toward education and resource accessibility to mitigate that.
I agree that we need to embrace the nuance and complexity of this topic. I will admit that I do find it difficult to have positive feelings about people who get puppies from breeders that aren't ethical, but at the same time, I know someone who tried to adopt from various shelters in their area and were turned down because they have kids (not even young kids either). I adopted my own dog from a friend who bought her up from a backyard breeder / "my dog is so cute that she simply must have puppies" kind of person. One final thought: I wish there was more education around the idea that if someone adopts a pure bred dog, they'll know exactly what kind of behaviours/traits the dog will have. I think that does a disservice to dogs because they are all unique individuals, and if we are to be good guardians, we need to work/play with the dog in front of us, instead of the dog we think they are supposed to be based on their breed. I think if more people had that mentality going in to the process of getting a dog, they would be more open to adopting one from a shelter.
Wholeheartedly agree. I especially like “adopt or shop responsibly.” I say this as someone who expends a ton of energy, time, and money on my rescue dog. He is worth it, but also, it’s been extremely hard at times, and I wouldn’t wish this experience on those without the tools or desire to make it work.
What a cruel attitude! A million dogs are euthanized in the U.S. every year. There is NO justification for breeders to continue bringing more dogs into the world, many of which may undoubtedly end up in shelters as well.
Hi Kim! If you're open to a polite and respectful conversation, I'm happy to have one. Can I ask what specifically in this post you found cruel? I repeatedly acknowledge the importance of rescue and my own efforts to support local shelters/programs.
In regards to breeders bringing dogs into the world who end up in shelters, a key difference between ethical and unethical breeders is that ones truly in it for the good of the species we love will take full responsibility for their dogs at any point during their lives. The dogs they breed will never end up in shelters—but dogs bred unethically (or accidental litters, etc) certainly might. Together, shelters, rescues, and ethical breeders can work toward education and resource accessibility to mitigate that.