The best reason to adopt a shelter pet.

[draper]

The picture below is not meant to upset anyone, just to give someone something to think about before they adopt a cute puppy in some pet store window, or adopt from some breeder that doesn't give a damn about the breed only the $$$$.

You have been warned.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/draper33/OVERPOPULATION.jpg

[Kalisandra]

Mon Dieu, I feel so bad for those animals! I'm so happy right now that I adopted my two cats. If I had a bigger home I would go out right now, and adopt dozens more. But I don't have the room! :(

Maybe I should start donating money to the local spay & neuter programs?

Kali

[Magnum]

Another pic of why I can't stand BYB'ers, Puppy Mills, Pet Stores, irresponsible pet owners, etc..... :mad: I think anyone that wants to buy a puppy or a kitty (even from a responsible breeder) should look at this pic first before handing over the money. Good post Draper!!

[draper]

BYB?? What does that stand for?

I just found this site - where they list various links for animal rescues.

Click Here (http://lairds.org/Kyler/old_Purdue/animal_rescue/breed_rescue_organizations)

[riana]

I am so glad that we addopted our pets. It's just Hawk-Eye we got from a breeder, but I would never ever do that again. I love him with all my heart but I know there are so many out there in need of a loving and caring home. We would love to adopt some more. Thanks Draper for sharing this!!

[Magnum]

BYB?? What does that stand for?



Back Yard Breeder

These are the people that breed their pet quality dogs/cats. They think that just because their pup has papers they can breed them to make money. Or, they will say "We are just going to let her have ONE LITTER". Their breeding practices are simply to stick the male and female dogs in the same area and let Mom Nature take course. The local newspaper is jam packed with BYB'ers!!

Responsible Breeder: Limited list

• Only sell their pups with a spay/neuter contract
• Have a waiting list up to a year or more in advance of breeding
• They breed because they love the breed and want to help maintain, or improve the breed line
• Are active in showing/working/competing with their dogs and other organizations
• Do not advertise in the local news paper
• Do not sell to pet stores
• Guarantee their pups are free of genetic disease
• Will take the pup back for ANY reason
• Are registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• Will not let a puppy leave it’s mother earlier than 8 weeks
• Will require a application be submitted from the buyer
• Will ask many questions to ensure the health and safety of the pup
• Willing to train and educate anyone about their breed
• May require a home visit
• They WILL scrutinize a potential buyer and make them prove they are qualified to own one of their pups.
• “Rarely” have more than one breed
• Will want to keep in touch with you and your pup for the dogs life

Responsible breeders breed for the love of the breed, not as a business. Most responsible breeders do not make a profit on their pups. Their expenses for just one litter are far from just sticking a male and female in the same yard and then getting the puppies their shots. They have the expense of OFA screening and evaluations, yearly screening with the Canine Eye Registry Foundation to ensure the dogs are free of genetic diseases, thyroid testing, cardiac exam, brucellosis screening and pre-breed exam, stud fees, transportation and boarding fees for the female, pre-whelp vet visits, whelping supplies, post-whelping vet visits, premium feed for mother and pups, puppy check ups, shots, and worming, and AKC registering.
I am sure there are several things I have missed above.

[JustJo]

First I have to admit that whenever I come to this post I have to speed down past the photo. I long ago learned that I am too emotional to look at photos or videos like this. They just out and out make me cry. Which is why I can't personally volunteer at the shelters but instead donate food, crates, and whatever money I can give. It is just so sad and upsetting.

Anyway, I am pleased to say Magnum that Bullwinkle's breeder makes every item on your list except (partially) the waiting list. She did have a waiting list for his litter but two pups extra were born, Bullwinkle and his sister. His sister was Harlequin but not of show quality and obviously Bullwinkle, being a :eek: merle, was not acceptable for show. I just lucked out with my timing. None of the breeders I was contacting advertised. If I didn't have Halfheimers I would remember the name of the Breeders Club (I think it was Virginia Great Dane Breeders Association) where I got the names of reputable breeders in my area because none of them advertise and pretty much just sell to other show people and breeders. I had to sign a contract that Bullwinkle would NEVER be bred and would be neutered as soon as he reached the age for it. I also signed that if, for any reason, I needed to give him up that he would be returned to her. The breeder keeps in contact with all of her pups and pup's families. To this day (six years later) she still sends Bullwinkle a Bday card. I know that if I have any questions I can call her at any time and sometimes we end up on the phone for over an hour just chatting about her Great Danes and the rest of Bullwinkle's littermates. She attends all shows that his littermates participate in and genuinely feels that these are all still her babies. She only breeds to improve the line her father started, which is noted for their temperments and strong German bloodlines. I seriously doubt she is making any money on these dogs. The upkeep alone at her haven in the mountains must be daunting! I also respect her for her work in helping white Great Danes who have so many problems with deafness.

Thanks for posting the list Magnum and I wholeheartingly agree with every one of them.

Jo

[bisquik]

I don't believe there is one culprit at the heart of this problem. I don't think it's fair to shove all the responsibility and guilt onto the shoulders of the *evil* people who buy purebred dogs from breeders. I have two purebred dogs, bought from a responsible breeder. What have I done to increase the population of shelters? Nothing. Why does my desire for a purebred, whose parents I know, whose temperament is predictable, and whom I wanted because of the functions they perform, make me automatically culpable, instead of the people who have given their animals up to shelters?

I think the problem is far more complex. Backyard breeders are a part of it. No one should be breeding but for the improvement of the breed. People's own irresonsibility is a HUGE part of it. The breed I love is one of the most high-maintenance ones out there. But they're also beautiful, intelligent, biddable....and one won the Westminster. Now everyone is gonna want a GSP!!!! But they are not ideal for everyone. Yet people decide to get these dogs, then realize they don't have an hour a day to donate to the dogs' exercise and pup becomes destructive. Or they've never had to train a smart dog before, and pup outwits them. Boom! He's in a shelter or rescue organization.

Can someone please just clarify why it is a mortal sin to buy a purebred from a breeder? Something one poster claims she'd never ever do again? It's not my fault there are so many dogs in shelters, so why am I (and others who get their purebreds from breeders) being held responsible for it?

Until we can change people's fundamental greediness, this problem won't go away. As far as I am concerned, my role in this unfortunate circumstance is to care for my dogs as best I can and to never turn them in to a shelter, no matter what the circumstances.

[JustJo]

I agree with Bisquik that there is not anything wrong with buying purebred dogs from reputable breeders. I have done it and will do it again, but will also adopt when I can. The next Great Dane I get will come from rescue since I am no longer a newbie to the breed and know of all their inherent problems. At some point I will also buy another great Dane from the same breeder I got Bullwinkle from. Of course this is (hopefully) many years down the road after Bullwinkle has passed.

Jo

['too crazy]

What a sad picture. And yet it speaks volumes. Multiply that picture times every shelter that kills and the number of animals killed for no reason other than being born would probably shock all of us.

Bisquik and JustJo, please don't be offended at how strongly some of us feel. Bisquik you asked what you have done to increase the population in the shelters. You bought 2 dogs from a breeder and that could have meant 2 less dogs in a shelter had you got them from there. Please understand I'm not blaming you or saying you shouldn't have gotten your dogs. I feel first and foremost there needs to be better rules and regulations for pet owners, especially cats, and stiffer penilties for abuse and neglect. Have either of you rescued an animal? I have 5 cats and everyone of them were rescued by me or a member in my family. We have rescued, vetted and rehomed many others. The last kitten was almost dead when my daughter brought it home. The vet did a feline lukiema test and said the kittens blood was the worse she'd ever seen so he was put on vitimans. And for every cat I save, hundreds more or going to the pound and being put to sleep. You also said you wanted a perticular breed for the function it performs. What does your dog do that other dogs don't? Again, I'm not trying to start something here. I feel very strongly about adoption and spaying/nutering but this is only my opinion and does not make me right and you wrong. It's just my opinion.

[Magnum]

I don't think it's fair to shove all the responsibility and guilt onto the shoulders of the *evil* people who buy purebred dogs from breeders.
It is the irresponsible breeders and owners that I think are "evil". If someone is fully aware of the millions being euthanized each year and still choose to buy from someone irresponsible, then I think that is a shame.

It's a double edged sword with responsible breeding. They are fully aware of the vast overpopulation of dogs and cats in shelters, but they also know the importance of maintaining the breed standard that is vital to the survival of the breed. There is a HUGE difference between caring for the breed and raking in the $ from the breed. A responsible breeder will not knowingly breed bad genetics, will not breed a dog until it is on deaths door, would be appauled to learn that one of their pups ended up in a shelter, and detest BYB and Puppy Mill activity.

In order for any breed to survive, there are going to be pet quality pups that need forever homes. This is where a person makes their choice as to buying or adopting. Adopting is very rewarding for many, but can also be hard because the pet has either been abused, abandoned, starved, bred to near death, an unwanted "accidental" breeding, causes allergies, sheds, requires too much time, costs too much, or they just plan lost interest. A responsible breeder will weed out these potential buyers so their pups won't end up in a shelter or abusive homes.

Can someone please just clarify why it is a mortal sin to buy a purebred from a breeder?
If someone was to buy a pup from a BYB'er or Puppy Mill. Just as Jo has said, Bullwinkle's breeder was responsible, took the right measures in making sure the pet quality pups are in forever homes, and will take the pup back. That is taking responsibility in breeding for the love of the breed.

Something one poster claims she'd never ever do again?
That is her choice. Maybe instead of buying a pup from anyone she would rather save one from being euthanized.

I hope my post is not taken as rude. I have nothing negative to say when it comes to buying from a responsible breeder because they too need forever homes. I just get so flustered from all the ads in the paper for "purebred" dogs, knowing these are puppy mill & BYB'er creeps. :rolleyes:

[JustJo]

Have either of you rescued an animal?


Yes I have! :) I currently have a rescue, Rockie, that was in such bad shape no one wanted her because of her shattered pelvis. The rescue group had her for six months before anyone (me) even wanted to meet her. Last January I adopted a dog for my folks (Keepher) from the San Diego shelter. In my lifetime I have rescued or adopted 7 cats, and not including the two dogs mentioned above, I have adopted 3 other dogs from shelters.

I am a huge advocate of adoption and rescue and support these groups with donations all the time. All I was saying is that I will still purchase another Great Dane from the same breeder I got Bullwinkle from because of their wonderful temperment and general good health and long life.

Jo

['too crazy]

That's great JustJo! I give you alot of credit for taking in an animal with a shattered pelvis as I'm sure that adoption cost alot in medical bills. Again, I don't mean to offend anyone, I was just stating my opinion. I love persian cats and I went and got one from a rescue. Why couldn't you get a great dane from a rescue? You'd get the dog you want and you'd be helping the over population of dogs at the same time.

[JustJo]

Too Crazy,

I will definitely get a Great Dane from rescue for my next Great Dane. I didn't want to rescue a Great Dane as my first because they have SO many health and feeding issues. They are extremely needy dogs, which is why there are hundreds of Danes in rescue. When I get closer to retiring or when I don't have to travel so much I hope to have at least 3 Danes in my house, but one of those will be from the same breeder that bred Bullwinkle, and the other two will be rescues. I'm even considering and wanting to adopt one of the many deaf Danes out there. I wish I could do it right now. I love Bullwinkle's bloodlines and the breeder also does rescue for the deaf white Danes in her area. The problem with Great Danes is their very short lifespan and her bloodlines are averaging 11 years which is outstanding since the regular average is only 8 years. I just cannot even think of life without Bullwinkle and hope he becomes one of her 14 year old Dane puppies. :o

['too crazy]

Gotcha. Do danes have problems with deafness? I know dalmations do but I was unaware of health problems with great danes. There so doggone big you'd think they'd be healthy as a horse! :)

[JustJo]

Deafness is a serious problem in white Great Danes. Unfortunately in the breeding of Harlequin Danes, white Danes are a by-product of that particular color gene. While not all of them are deaf, a huge amount of white Danes are.

The number one killer of Great Danes is bloat, which is why it is so important to know what you're doing as far as feeding and exercise. Bloat is the #1 cause of death for Great Danes - it kills 1/4 of them. They also are very prone to cancer. They get numerous joint and bone growth problems because of their size. They MUST be house pets because they cannot take the cold and they cannot take the heat and most important of all they are very needy and need lots of attention. They are basically huge babies and lapdogs. I was too afraid to have my first one be a rescue because I was a total virgin when it came to Great Danes. I am much more confident now and know I could take in a rescue Dane and not be totally paranoid that I am messing everything up - LOL! I just need to be able to be home more. Traveling with one Great Dane is hard enough! I'd also have to get a bigger SUV first.

Hugs,

Jo

[Sasami]

Although we looked into adoption first, both our dogs came from breeders (very good breeders, not BYBs). I would certainly adopt a dog but around here there aren't very many dogs needing rescuing, quite frankly. We don't have a fenced in yard so we can't have a large dog. In the local shelters the only dogs they have are pitbulls and rottweilers and the bigger dogs. Also, all the dogs we looked into wouldn't adopt to us because we have smaller children in the family. We searched a year trying to find a dog for adoption that we could actually take...and with no luck. However, we have adopted/rescued other pets...rabbits, hamsters, etc....even betta fish! I don't understand people who can buy from pet stores and the like...but yes, I bought my dogs from breeders, but I don't feel that I'm evil.

['too crazy]

Thanks JustJo for explaining the other side of the coin. I think you need a motor home instead of an SUV :D

Sasami I don't think people who buy from breeders are evil. No one who loves animals can possibly be evil. :)

[JustJo]

Most of you remember FinCat. She has been really busy and hasn't posted in awhile but she has rescued and adoted a deaf white Great Dane and named him Hush. He is absolutely gorgeous! You can see his pictures at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79188227@N00/

I LOVE his collar which says I Am Deaf.

[Magnum]

Thanks Jo for the link! I thought the Dog Couch was a crack up! :D

[princessnmi]

Jo - I know what you mean about worrying that you do everything wrong with your first great dane especially one being a rescue. I guess you can say Tonka was a rescue and I am ALWAYS worried I'm doing something wrong with him. I love him to death. Would hate to see something happen to him because I didn't have the great dane knowledge. I told my husband my next car is going to be a HUGE bus...Im going to take half the seats out and put carpet and a couch and bean bag chairs in the back half of the bus...that way I can have all my foster kids in the front half of the bus and all my dogs in the back end of the bus. We are getting ready to move to Arizona around the middle of May...and we are looking to buy a house...we're going the begining of April to look at several but the least amount of land we're looking at is 5 acres...my husband and I are going to get our kennel license so that we can take in unwanted dogs :D hopefully SEVERAL more danes

[bisquik]

too crazy,

No, by getting dogs from a breeder, I did nothing to contribute to the population of shelters. I did nothing to decrease it either, but as I said earlier, I don't feel I need to take responsibility for others' mistakes. What do my dogs do that other dogs don't? They hunt. I know most of you are anti-hunting, but my significant other is a lifelong hunter. Additionally, by getting dogs from a responsible breeder, my dogs' temperaments and possibility of health problems is predictable to a certain degree. I knew what I was getting into with a GSP, in terms of activity level, biddability, intelligence, potential health problems, etc. It's a dice roll with a shelter pet. Not that there's anything wrong with that -- I'd just prefer to know what I am getting into beforehand, and I did a lot of research to choose the breed that's right for my active lifestyle. If I were to consider adopting a dog, I would only consider adopting one from a GSP or Viszla rescue. For some people, any old dog will do. Maybe I'm cold-hearted, but that's not me. I want a pointer, preferably a German or Hungarian one.

Have I ever resuced an animal? No. I am 22, and for only the last year and a half have I been able to find places to rent that allow animals. But my long-term plan is to be involved in GSP rescue when I retire, albeit a long time from now. Rescue dogs are not my cup of tea as far as ownership, but they are someone's. So eventually, I'd like to be a foster and facilitate the adoption process, even though I have no desire to adopt one myself.

['too crazy]

Good enough. As I said, I meant no offense. I am twice your age :eek: and as I got older and started rescuing, that's when I became passionate about it. I think someday when you foster, you'll get a better idea of where I'm coming from. Thanks to you and JustJo for explaining why you's get dogs from a breeder.

[John Olexa]

too crazy,

No, by getting dogs from a breeder, I did nothing to contribute to the population of shelters. I did nothing to decrease it either, but as I said earlier, I don't feel I need to take responsibility for others' mistakes. What do my dogs do that other dogs don't? They hunt. I know most of you are anti-hunting, but my significant other is a lifelong hunter. Additionally, by getting dogs from a responsible breeder, my dogs' temperaments and possibility of health problems is predictable to a certain degree. I knew what I was getting into with a GSP, in terms of activity level, biddability, intelligence, potential health problems, etc. It's a dice roll with a shelter pet. Not that there's anything wrong with that -- I'd just prefer to know what I am getting into beforehand, and I did a lot of research to choose the breed that's right for my active lifestyle. If I were to consider adopting a dog, I would only consider adopting one from a GSP or Viszla rescue. For some people, any old dog will do. Maybe I'm cold-hearted, but that's not me. I want a pointer, preferably a German or Hungarian one.

Have I ever resuced an animal? No. I am 22, and for only the last year and a half have I been able to find places to rent that allow animals. But my long-term plan is to be involved in GSP rescue when I retire, albeit a long time from now. Rescue dogs are not my cup of tea as far as ownership, but they are someone's. So eventually, I'd like to be a foster and facilitate the adoption process, even though I have no desire to adopt one myself.

Did you consider looking for a hunting dog at your local shelter? that would have solved to things. you getting your hunting dog & saving a life.
They may not have had what you were looking for I know but at least worth the try.

LOL. To each there own, of course....but I don't think me and you could be any more different . My first "rescue" was when I was 11, I chased off some punks tomenting a kitten. I have rescued animals from dogs to horses to snakes .Either kept them or relocated them like snakes........ heheheh I have even turned around driving to go back and take a turtle off the street and into the woods. :rolleyes: my motto: "If it's an animal I'll rescue it" ;)

['too crazy]

LOL John, I'm so glad to know I'm not the only nut in the middle of the road saving turtles! ;)

[JustJo]

I think we are all "crazy" here. My first rescue was when I was 7 and I found an injured horned toad in the desert. He was really chewed up by something. My dad told me there was NO WAY I was going to save that horned toad. Well, I brought him home, fed him worms and other stuff (can't remember exactly) that a local pet store sold for reptiles. Put peroxide and ointment on his wounds. Maybe I went about it all wrong but for a 7 year old I think I did pretty good since I made my Dad drive me out to the desert about 3 weeks later to release that healthy horned toad.

As a matter of fact, my Mom got to the point where she FORBID me to drag home any more hurt snakes, lizards, birds, you name it. I did anyway and hide them in the garage and nurse them. Some I lost but some I saved and it still makes me feel good. Once I brought home a commorant that had a broken wing. My Dad contacted the zoo and someone came and got it, but not before it bit the heck out of my Dad. It never bit me though - wonder why? :)

[John Olexa]

ahhh, 2 ladies after my own heart!

[Kalisandra]

Did you consider looking for a hunting dog at your local shelter? that would have solved to things. you getting your hunting dog & saving a life. John, I've always admired you for rescuing, but if you know about hunting dogs you understand that not every dog in the breed will hunt. Just because you go out and adopt a Lab doesn't mean it will jump in the water, and go after the duck you just shot. Sometimes even dogs from a hunting breeding line don't turn out to be very good at hunting.

While I admire anybody who goes out, and adopts a dog, some people prefer to buy from a breeder. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that. Whatever a loving person does to take in an animal(s) should be all right with everybody.

A few friends of mine combine both: They go out and adopt an older dog from an animal shelter, and buy a puppy from a breeder. If a person has the space in their house, then that is a wonderful thing, but not everybody has room for more than one dog.

Kali

[Magnum]

Well, you can add me to the "nut case" list because there is no animal out there that is not worth saving in my eyes. Been this way all my life, my parents were the same way (I am so thankful to them), and don't plan on changing.

[bisquik]

Whatever a loving person does to take in an animal(s) should be all right with everybody.

Thanks, Kali. I suppose yet another way to look at it is that perhaps my getting these dogs from a breeder means they came with me, not someone else, and therefore will never end up in the shelter population.

And John, yes I did try both Weimaraner and GSP rescue. Quickly decided the Weim was not for me. But regardless, resuce would not allow me to have one of their dogs because I am young, a student and don't have a fenced yard. Also, Kalisandra hit the nail on the head -- especially in my area, hunting dogs in shelters and from resuces often don't hunt, as the majority have been turned gun-shy by their idiot first owners. Out west, sure, there are more than enough hunting dogs in rescues and shelters that will hunt, but there are many more of them period.

[bisquik]

LOL. To each there own, of course....but I don't think me and you could be any more different .

John,
What exactly was so funny, by the way? And don't worry, I'm just as glad I'm different from you as you are glad you're different from me.

And you know, usually when I see a turtle in the road, I just gun it and run it over. Give me a break. Just because I don't run out to the shelter and buy 6 dogs because I think I'm 'saving lives', doesn't mean I've never done anything to help an animal in danger. For pete's sake.

[d_broncochic]

it takes all different types to be animal lovers,

I have both bred and shelter.
my bred, well, imported specifically because this breed is still being bred for hunting quality standards and not just for a beauty contest.

My pound pups and kitties....
Yes, this is the first place i look for new friends, however....
when i saw the pic, it saddened not because of the animals i couldnt take home for a rescue, but of the beautiful rott i didnt have the money to pay for euthanization, now i know how he landed up. :-(

My tears for you, Max, my beloved friend , babysitter, guard and support during our divorce, will never stop, I pray that you are in a better place and i'm sorry that i had to send you there in this condition. I pray that you understand our circumstances at the time and that it in now way undermined the love and appreciation we had for you my dear friend....i really didnt know.

[JustJo]

Good enough. As I said, I meant no offense. I am twice your age :eek: and as I got older and started rescuing, that's when I became passionate about it. I think someday when you foster, you'll get a better idea of where I'm coming from. Thanks to you and JustJo for explaining why you's get dogs from a breeder.


I just wanted to let you know that I was never offended by what you wrote :) I was glad to have the opportunity to explain why, as yet, do not have a rescue Dane. I don't think you have EVER written anything offensive!!

Hugs,

Jo