 Barked: Wed Feb 6, '13 2:23am PST |
 | |  | | I can actually link the past two posts together on this topic. I think S/R on one hand embraces the utopia of good breeders and what an answer to everything they are, and yet at the same time, in a bit of a paradox, would obviously prefer people rescue than support breeders in which there is that answer. And I do think in parts in that frame, they have somewhat contributed to these more current trends of designer breeds and the slew of BYBs and mills they resent, be it from some rescue extremists talking about all the genetic problems of purebreds and "overbred temperaments" (aka mutts live longer and aren't neurotic), rescues themselves often using (and thereby promoting) the same cutesey somethin'Poo mix names, too restrictive adoption policies, or gilding the lily in trying to place a dog with some issues, all of these things contribute to driving people towards the mills and BYBs. Particularly when you end up with some element in rescue that seems to think it is better to shame someone out of considering going to a breeder, rather than embracing that decision enough to educate them on how to do things the right way as an assurance that through such education no harm will come to S/R itself. That's what I think results in what you were talking about, Cobain. They want a breeder puppy but feel guilted (or perhaps even inspired) by those who have rescued, so they'll just kill two birds with one stone and "rescue" a puppy from a bad situation.
Just as an example of how breeders can learn to work this, there was that breeder I put up last week here who stressed that she only bred to support her no kill shelter, and that by buying one of her puppies you would be helping fund a place for displaced dogs! Someone who wants a breeder pup but feels guilty may well be drawn to this "option," however fake it may be.
How tight adoption and sales should be gets on the chopping block, for the ease of purchase from an indiscriminate breeder will always steal the share of the market that doesn't want the drama. That's a huge problem. Responsible breeders don't want to rival that. Commercial breeding venues know how to market, say all the right things, make purchase instant with no fifth degree, and always have on hand whatever it is you are looking for. They make it easy, which good breeders and rescues do not do. Not to say they should. Just saying it is a reality that adds to the problem and reminds us that impulse buying contributes highly to both shelter stats and the commercial breeding market alike.
I do think it is getting worse. I thought so a while back and there is not a thing that has changed my mind. This is definitely a strong era for the internet based BYBs and mills. Every puppy store that closes we applaud, but IMO it is a little naive to think those who would have gone there now instantly turn into rescuers or take up the process of research and study as to how to find a good match and a good breeder. They just go to the internet, where in less than ten minutes....less time than it would have taken them to go to the pet store....they can click and buy. That seems to me far the more probable response. |  |  | |  |
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One of them mentioned being the 500 dogs kept on three acres guy? Some gentleman!
but it does seem to be helping with the puppy mills:
). They usually have done some research, strongly want to try a goldendoodle due to their personal preferences but have heard about health issues, puppy mills etc. We educate on what they should look for visiting, etc but a program like the one started here or something like it could help.
