Commentary: I Will Judge You for Buying a Dog From a Breeder
In this day and age, most people have some familiarity with animal rescue. At the minimum, they have a Facebook friend (like me) who shares animal rescue information or a neighbor who rescued a dog. Or they’ve seen billboards promoting adoptions from the local shelter.
A mural at Oregon Humane Society. Photography by Kezia Willingham.
With all the attention the rescue movement has received in recent years, you’d think 100 percent of people would choose to rescue over buying a dog from a breeder, right?
Apparently not.
The other day, when a FB friend asked where to find a certain breed of puppy, which I know is easily found in local shelters, I shared some resources. By the end of the comment thread, however, she appeared to have found a puppy from a breeder. It was then that I realized I’m not as open-minded as I like to think: I immediately thought less of the person for buying a dog instead of rescuing one.
Cute little adoptable puppy. Photography by Kezia Willingham.
Ever since I learned about animal rescue, I’ve been passionate about supporting the cause. In fact, I think animal rescue is one of the best acts of goodwill a person can perform in her lifetime. Rescuing just one dog or cat and saving a life feels good; it’s a tangible act of service that benefits all involved.
If you’re a parent, this also is a profound way to teach your children the value of saving a life and what it means to care for an animal. Character development is best done through demonstration.
My son Justin visiting with a puppy at Oregon Humane Society. Photography by Kezia Willingham.
My opinion on rescue vs. buying from a breeder is clear: Adopt, don’t shop.
I’d like to think that I don’t judge other people. It’s petty and immature. It’s a waste of time and energy. It does no good. And yet, here I am judging someone for choosing to purchase a puppy from a breeder as opposed to adopting one. What kind of hypocrite am I?
I guess I’m the kind of hypocrite who could pretend not to care when friends who have the intellectual ability to adopt choose to buy — but I do care, and I’ll judge them for it.
My first dog ever, May Belle, adopted from Seattle Humane Society. Photography by Kezia Willingham.
Maybe I shouldn’t subscribe to as many rescue pages on Facebook, because every single day I see cute, adorable dogs and cats in desperate need of homes. Many have limited time in overwhelmed shelters that will kill them if they aren’t adopted, and this profoundly affects me.
I think I’ve done my part by adopting five rescue dogs (two of which are foster fails). In fact, none of the dogs we have living with us are my “dream breeds,” but I love them all for their personalities and the joy they bring into the life I share with my children. They are treasured gems who miraculously found their way into our lives.
My son Justin with our dog Magnum at the dog park. Photography by Kezia Wilingham.
I like Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs, and think they are delightfully cute. I confess that I’d like to have one of them eventually. I’ve gone so far as looking up breeder information online (and learned that buying a puppy from a breeder can be very expensive, depending on the source, gender, and age of the dog). I wholeheartedly agree that the Bostons and Frenchies I’ve met are about as charming as can be.
And yet, almost every shelter has many equally adorable dogs and cats for a fraction of the cost. Adoption compels me more than finding the “perfect” looking puppy from a breeder. And, since you can often find adoptable dogs from breed-specific rescue groups such as Bulldog Haven Northwest, I don’t see why I would ever go the breeder route.
Even though I think it’s morally wrong and a waste of energy to judge others, I have to be real and admit that I think less of a person who buys a dog from a breeder when so many precious lives perilously wait for their forever homes in shelters and rescue groups. These animals are everywhere, across the country. Take Villalobos Rescue Center of Pit Bulls & Parolees fame — at any given time it has close to 400 adorable, adoptable dogs looking for homes.
May Belle and me at the dog park. Photography by Zinnia Willingham.
To me, saving a life is a more noble choice than purchasing a dog from a breeder. I wish everyone felt the same way.
Do you agree with me? Or do you still give a pass to people why buy dogs? Tell me your reasons in the comments.
Read more about buying a dog from a breeder on Dogster.com:
- Can We Shut Down Puppy Mills Without Running Responsible Breeders Out of Business?
- Yes, We CAN Shut Down Puppy Mills Without Ruining Responsible Breeders
- If You Call Yourself an Ethical Breeder, You Better Back It Up
About Kezia Willingham: Also known as the Breadwinning Laundry Queen, Kezia works as the Health Coordinator for an urban Head Start program and lives with her family, which includes a pack of rescued animals, in Seattle. She is a regular contributor to Catster & Dogster. You can find her on Twitter @KeziaWillingham.
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67 comments on “Commentary: I Will Judge You for Buying a Dog From a Breeder”
Silliness.
I suppose you also believe everyone should drive a Prius. Although driving a newer Prius is far worse for the environment than continuing to operate an old Gremlin.
I’m planning on purchasing from a breeder after trying very hard to find a shelter dog and even fostered one for a night. The judgement is ridiculous and if anyone dares I’ll proudly respond adopt child and go get fixed. There are millions of children in the system yet you’re judged for needing a companion that doesn’t come from a shelter. It is better to buy from a shelter but it’s not the best option for everyone. My depression is getting worse and the shelter dog experience did not help at all. When i had to give the dog back because he was so depressed and sick I cried for hours. I definitely need a sure thing because my emotional health is very weak. I wish people would stop judging and just mind their own business. A better article would be about the cost and expectations of owning an animal so people really think about the responsibility they are about to take on.
I wanted to be able to take care of my dog the best way I could. I don’t have a house or a yard. I have severe depression and my therapist recommended a companion animal. After careful research for what is the best option for me and the animal, I decided to go with a breeder. I was a little more that disappointed with myself at the time because I believe as you did, that adopting should always be the answer. But, I wanted to give my dog the best life I could. With my apartment, my lifestyle and my mental wellbeing, I chose a predictable “easy” breed.
I would not change my decision for anything now. My Cavalier is worth everything to me and he had done more than any medication or therapy ever could. I could not in absolutes say that an adopted dog would have been a bad choice. But I was and am more confident in my abilities to provide and be a good pet parent when I know exactly what to expect. I feel like this was the right choice for my pet and I.
I don’t judge people for having their own kids, buying minivans that aren’t environment friendly or living with their family to save money. Everyone needs different things. I think it’s a mistake to judge others harshly when you don’t even know their circumstances. But, do what you want. Who knows?Maybe you’ll be eating these words yourself one day.
Once the puppy is born, even from a Breeder, does that puppy not deserve a welcoming home? If nobody adopts that puppy will it most likely end up in a shelter? Are puppies now victims of “Breeder privilege”? Let people get the dogs they fall in love with, regardless of Breeder or shelter.
I too lost a friendship over the friend buying versus adopting. And I surprised myself even. When the friend told me I didn’t lecture or talk down to them, I guess I was just so surprised and disappointed that here I thought I knew this person and it turned out I really did not. I realize that I kind of just let the friendship fade away after that. I didn’t contact her and she didn’t contact me. And actually I wasn’t even that sad about losing this friend which also surprised me! I’m not a judge person and I’m not narrow minded ….and I for sure do not drive a Prius! I drive a giant gas guzzling SUV! But it was just something about this persons actions of buying vs rescuing that really hit my heart to the core and it just wasn’t negotiable. And yes, I absolutely agree that ever cat or dog that is born thru breeding also deserves the same love and compassion. I feel awful for that and wish I could take them all. And it’s a simple answer stop the greediness of breeder and save these animals!
I too was committed to finding a rescue to adopt- and then I tried. I spent over a year looking every day for a non- shedding dog (my son has allergies). After being turned down more than once for ridiculous reasons (my large, beautiful suburban yard isn’t fenced- although we are considering electric fenced, one family member has allergies- that’s why I was applying for a non- shedding dog, my husband and I both work- although i work 90% from home, my son is under age 10-although he is almost nine, large for his age, and mature for his age, etc). I will also add that several of these “non-profit” rescue organizations wanted nearly as much in fees as a breeder. I was appalled that these groups who are attempting to re-home animals treated me like a criminal. In the end we carefully chose a breeder and have had a wonderful experience adding a deeply loved pet to our family. The pup is loved, and extremely well cared for, and happy.
I had a similar experience with a rescue organization. Although we are a retired couple who owned bichons frises for 17 years until losing both at ages 15 1/2 and 16 during the same year. We decided to rescue a bichon from a small dog rescue organization but were turned down because the condo we own does not have a fenced yard. I explained that we had always walked our dogs multiple times daily and in all weather, that we never left our dogs off leash unless in a dog park. To say that my suggestion that such a restriction may just drive rejected adopters to pet stores and unscrupulous breeders wasn’t appreciation is an understatement. In our case, we bought an older pup from a responsible breeder.
I got a dog from a breeder. I wanted a dog for a very specific purpose, hunting. You can’t tell what a shelter dog will be able to hunt. It may, and it may be very good at it, but you don’t know what you’re going to get. By getting a dog from a reputable breeder, I know I have a dog that will be a great gun dog and by getting from a RESPONSIBLE breeder, they should be healthy and well cared for dogs (I don’t support puppy mill breeders). If you are not in need of dog for a specific purpose and just want a pet, absolutely adopt. I adopted my cat. 🙂
For those that say “doesn’t the puppy from the breeder also deserve a home” , you are part of the problem. That is like saying, go ahead and buy that fur coat because the animal has already been killed for it anyways. Stop buying and they will stop breeding!!
Excellent comment! Supply and demand folks. If it makes you feel better about yourself to have a “purebreed” dog, it is YOUR choice. But please do not call yourselves dog lovers. You probably believe it is okay to cage your dog too…oh, I mean crate.
There are really three issues at hand here.
1- People looking to add a pet to their family as companion should work with a shelter or rescue, and let’s be honest, puppies are hard work.
2- Puppy Mills should be closed, period. A majority of the worst offenders are actually the Amish, they don’t see them as individual beings needing love and attention, they see them as livestock.
3- I have purchased from a very specialized breeder, before my accident my dogs were working dogs. Hundreds of years breeding the right kind of traits for a specific job has given me an extremely intelligent dog and the absolute best companion.
I’m sorry if you can’t see the value of a truly dedicated breeder trying to improve the breed and ensure it’s continued existence for generations to come.
Tara P.
Narrow-minded thinking. Shelter dogs are without a home for a variety of reasons. The primary problem are people who are either too poor or too ignorant to neuter or spay their dogs and cats. That’s where the main blame should rest. Another reason are those cultures which raise dogs for fighting or racing, and discard or abandon them when they’re not useful for these inhumane purposes. Serious breeders have fostered the AKC registered breeds, and many have worked hard to eliminate genetic disease from the gene pool. My first German shepherd came from a “backyard” breeder, when I didn’t know better. She needed to have both hips replaced which was very expensive. Dogs bought from serious careful breeders have been bred from breeding Champion dogs, which have been selected to minimize genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia and early cataracts, deafness and blindness. The majority of breeders do so for the love of the dogs; as it is only for a few a money-making enterprise. The hours of work put into selecting breeding dogs, showing them to obtain their championships and breeding selectively costs a lot of money. Feeding a kennel of dogs, keeping them up to date on their shots, caring for them, are all very time-consuming and no one would choose to be a breeder unless he or she truly loved the breed. I now have two rescue dogs, from an Aussie rescue organization. For the past two years, I’ve tried to get another rescue Australian shepherd, but haven’t been able to. For personal reasons, I really was more than ready to bring home another younger Aussie, and as my efforts to adopt one had not worked out, I was overjoyed to be able to buy one from a good breeder. I refuse to believe this makes me a bad person. The second of my rescue dogs was a two year old Aussie/heeler mix who had clearly been physically abused. I chose her over another dog without problems, so she would have a good home. I resolved I would work with her and never give up on her, and adopted her because I knew her issues would take years of kindness and consistence to overcome, and most people would not commit to giving her a forever home, or even know how to do it. It has been hard work, but I don’t regret it. But who are you to judge me for buying my new puppy from a breeder? That SHOULD be the norm. No one should have to suffer the heartache of genetic diseases which can and should be avoided through selective breeding. Because many people don’t know this, and many people are too poor to afford spaying and neutering their pets, we would all be better off by promoting public policies which educate the public about these issues. Free clinics should be available, so that those who can’t afford it, can get their dogs spayed and neutered, and get needed shots for public health reasons. That’s where I would put my emphasis.
Im with the lady wbo asks if your children are also adopted. Judge not.
I definitely need a sure thing because my emotional health is very weak
Tori
There is no sure thing.
IMHO, “adopt don’t shop” was originally directed at pet stores the likes of Petland, etc. Well, at least that’s what the movement founders have said.
There was a time when I was a hardcore rescuer, now with the advent of “retail rescue” I’m now stuck looking for dogs elsewhere. So now I’ve taken to purchasing older (2 years and older) from reputable breeders. I guess what the rescue scene is like now vs 10 years ago has really turned me off. Some of these so called “rescues” never complete home visits and expect you to take the dog on first introduction to resident dogs. How ridiculous! How unsafe! How irresponsible! There are also genetic health concerns. Yup, its happened to us with a dog we got from a rescue. Mixed breeders being superior health wise is an urban legend, go ask your vet and I’ll wait here. And then is then there is the potential for behavior problems. It’s happened too. Have you ever had to train a dog to accept social interaction? Having to hover over them, watching for the slightest bit of muscle tension? Finally, there are the morally self righteous and sanctimonious judgy judgersons. Make no mistake, I’m still involved in rescue… I just won’t have anything to do with retail rescuers. Have you any idea how difficult it is to find?! So many are crooked, warehousing dogs at kennels until a purchaser can be found. Ugh. And only IF you know their game, do you find out there not legit until AFTER you’ve dragged yourself and references through the adoption process a dozen times. Recently I bought a 2 year old dog from a breeder who’s primary focus is on temperament, for the express purpose of giving any rescues I bring into my home a greater feeling of stability. My purebred dog has been socialized to the nth degree, nothing ruffles her feathers. To judge anyone less than for buying from a reputable breeder is the very sanctimonious stuff that’s driven me from keeping rescues myself. Sorry, not sorry for getting fed up with the rescue scene. It’s become the same sick thing breeders were 20 years ago. Breeders have cleaned up their acts, now it’s rescues turn.
I won’t apologize or put my dog’s breeder down, by claiming I rescued my dog from her. And I won’t apologize for buying a health tested and well socialized dog. I will however distance myself from anyone with the above moral superiority complex mentioned above. Not you, or anybody else is better or less than for getting their pet from a rescue or breeder. On the other hand, I will have a hard time not judging people who don’t take care of their pets…
I volunteer for a local animal rescue and therefore understand your passion for helping these homeless pets. I guarantee that everyone ” in the trenches” helping find homes for unwanted dogs and cats in the shelter feels the same as you. I feel the same as you. It’s a slap in the face when my neighbors and friends go to a breeder! I just don’t understand why?? It’s heartbreaking really. I am sorry there are a bunch of people on here giving you crap for judging but they obviously have no idea the magnitude of the problem and how many pets are euthanized because they went to a breeder instead of looking at a shelter or online. I feel your pain.
Do you judge the act or the person? If you’re making a judgement about the whole person based on one action than of course that’s lame. However, everybody judges actions, it’s impossible not to. I would think most people just feel better about themselves when they save a dogs life rather than pay a lot of money for a dog. I sure do. I adopted my son for the same reason, it’s a win-win situation.
I have adopted two St. Bernard’s. My first experience I was told the dog was spayed. Well that was not true and wound up taking her for emergency surgery for pyometra. She could have died. I was then lucky to have her for 5 more years. The second rescue was an awesome dog. The most beautiful and perfect dog. I instantly fell in love. Well, about 2 weeks in my dog became very sick. So sick she spent over a week and a half in the pet ER. After about 1 month and 3 days of having her, I had to put her down. Never found out what was wrong with her. My heart was ripped from my chest and stomped on.
I do believe in adopting, but with my situations I needed a dog that would stick with me for awhile. I did get another St. Bernard from a breeder this time. I need some time before I rescue again. I can’t emotionally take another loss.
I have two dogs, both of which were rescues. The 2nd was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and after falling in love with the breed, we wanted another one (esp since our one dog is very elderly and I wanted to get a 3rd so the 2nd would have his friend when that inevitable day comes for Dog #1)
I tried going to a variety of animal rescue routes . The local shelters are all full of big dogs (mostly pits, but other bigger breeds. ) I don’t want a big dog. I tried various Cavalier groups and every time we found one we might be interested in, either 59 other people beat me to it 0r on two occasions, I was told “I wasn’t qualified” – one because I already had two dogs and apparently three is too many, and the other because our oldest dog has cherry eye which we did not have operated on to correct. My vet had told us that it was ok, that obviously he could have dry eye at some point but otherwise I was never led to believe that not surgically correcting it made me a bad pet mom. Quite frankly, a home visit would show anyone our dogs are incredibly loved and spoiled, so I’m NOT neglectful but this person acted as if I was. After trying and trying, I gave up. We currently have our third dog (a cavalier) that I got from a breeder.
Would I have preferred to get him from a rescue? Yes. I would have. But some times they’ve made it so impossible – and the competition so great – that unless I was willing to adopt a pit, I had no real other choice. I did what I finally felt what was best. People can judge all they want – my first two were rescues, and #3 would have been as well if I wasn’t judged by others already.
I went to two different shelter before buying my dog from a reputable, trustworthy breeder; there were no dogs at the shelter.
Also last time I went to America, I was shocked to see dogs in shops! It’s illegal where I live; in Canada. I’m not used to seeing them in such small spaces, I can clearly see how wrong it is… But I only saw young puppies? Do shops just not sell adults?
Then you should also be against surrogacy, because it is human trafficking similar to puppy trafficking.
I am a breeder! A proud breeder of Shorthaired Pointers. My dogs are bred mainly for Show, Obedience, Tracking, agility and SEARCH and RESCUE. A lot of my dogs have excelled in these pursuits and are highly sort after for these ‘canine professions’ . Because of centuries of breeding to a Standard, my GSP’s have kind, reliable temperaments, excellent ‘noses’ for tracking and hunting, wonderful Agility for difficult terrain and the endurance to work all day. This breed is rapidly becoming the preferred breed for Search and Rescue especially, because of their tracking ability and love of people, especially children (human puppies)! The breed is also becoming the preferred breed for airport security/drug/bomb/ contraband etc detection for the same reasons. So yes! I am a proud BREEDER/OWNER of purebred dogs! (shock, horror, dismay!!!). As for selling my precious pups to PET homes …. I don’t, except on the rarest of occasions – 4 times in approx. 35 years I have sold a puppy to a ‘pet’ home. On the whole, a ‘pet’ home is the worst life that you could ever sentence your working Gundogs or Sheep/Cattle dogs etc to!! Almost always, I tell people enquiring about a ‘pet’ to go to their local pound and get themselves a nice little mongrel or preferably an older one that might be a perfect, ready-made house pet that would probably end up PTS because almost no-one wants the middle aged or older dogs! Otherwise I advise trying one of the breed rescues or contact a breeder of a breed like Cavalier Spaniels that have been carefully refined over countless centuries ….. purely as a Lady’s Lapdog or the perfect Pet Breed.
It takes a very narrow mind to make that statement. We are not all the same, our needs are not all the same, so those who think differently are wrong. Maybe more should be done to spay and neuter the strays and back yard dogs. Should be mandatory along with the mandatory rabies and license. This business of it’s my way or no way is is an intolerant person. I will continue to buy pure bred from a professional breeder when the time comes because I know something about their health. To each his own.
I do understand where you’re coming from, but maybe you should consider the other factors people buy from a breeder. Not all people buy dogs just as pets. For situations where someone is searching for a dog to be trained as a service dog or therapy dog, that person needs to know what to expect. The dog needs to have the right temperament for the job, has to be reasonably healthy and have a good chance to stay that way, and has to be able to learn whatever commands are needed for the job. I am speaking from personal experience, as my family has trained a service dog for my sister. I’m not saying that training a service or therapy dog is the only reason to buy from a breeder; there are plenty of other reasons to, whether it be for a need or want. Yes, adopted animals from shelters is awesome; I have two cats I’ve adopted. It’s just that everyone has their own reasons for what they do, so please don’t judge when those reasons aren’t apparent.
A dear friend with a great job, doesn’t travel, with fenced back yard, 5 y/o boy, stay at home mom in nice neighborhood was deemed unworthy of adopting. Didn’t pass the stringent rules. If he can’t adopt who can? My husband even asked him if he had some skeleton we didn’t know about??
This might be a reason for Breeder dog.
I have owned a dog or cat (or multiples of either or both) for 49 years. We own our home in a village, the yard is fenced, we have a dog door from an insulated mud room out the fenced yard – though our pets mostly prefer being inside with us, sitting on the furniture. All are UTD and well love, neutered and well loved.
People may be turning from ‘rescues’ for the same reasons that I am suspicious of them. Caesar, the Pomeranian laying next to me was offered as an 18 month old. When I met them in the parking lot of a hotel, the rescuer had a car full of cats and dogs, and was primarily concerned with handing over a clearly more mature un-neutered male and collecting her $250. Nine years later we have over come the fears, lack of socialization, and food aggression of a dog who is at least 14. I love him, but nothing they told me was true but his breed.
Since then, trying to be part of the solution, I have tried to adopt from rescues. I have been turned down four times. I am too far away for a home visit -Offering gas money didn’t help. I already have a dog, or a cat. Yes, many animal lovers do, and I feel that animals are happiest when they have a species companion. I am too old. I have a grandchild. I don’t meet their ‘standards’ – standards they didn’t share with me. My half acre yard, almost entirely fenced with 5 foot fencing is inadequate. and on top of being a a little preachy and a lot judgmental, they want $400-$500 dollars. But not from me, because I am an unsuitable owner.
I went to a local humane society and adopted a dog they insisted was 15, calm and well socialized with cats and dogs. I think maybe she was just depressed – because in our home, she bullied both of the dogs she had already met, chased the cats, and was very destructive….when she tried to attack one of the other dogs, who was sleeping at the time, I took her back and let them keep the fee. Our vet was also of the opinion that she was 10 or 11 at best.
Throughout my life I have adopted from shelters or rescued strays. I have 2 rescued bully mixes in my home right now, whom I love dearly. And yet, my heart dog was a miniature schnauzer who I bought from a breeder – one who tries hard to improve the breed and breeds for good health – 14 years ago. Last month, after a year of crying every day, missing my beloved Lexi who went everywhere – even work – with me, I bought another miniature schnauzer from another excellent breeder, to join our pack. If no one tried to continue in a responsible way to keep these breeds going, all that would be left are mixed breeds. Maybe that’s ok, but maybe not. I feel the ideal is not to put responsible breeders out of business, but to enact and enforce spay/neuter laws with free options. Moving dogs from high dog population areas to shelters and homes in lower dog population areas is being successfully done. I have done and am still doing my part to rescue the hard to place mixes, so please don’t judge me for loving a particular breed and wanting a better chance at having a healthy puppy of that breed.
I am not going to lie. This article absolutely resonated with me! I agree with you 100%! I too know that judgement is unfair at times, but if we’re being real, it’s natural. It is ok to discuss our real feelings and thoughts in a public forum because I was beginning to think that I was the anomaly based on all the people in my life I know who seek out breeders. I follow and volunteer at shelters near me and see first hand all the hopeless creatures who will eventually perish due to other human beings’ failure to maintain and care for them. So the least we can do is adopt, spay/neuter, and give a soul a good life. That truly is a great purpose in this life.
Well, judge me then, you smug self-righteous busybody. Because everyone who sees things differently from you is wrong! People like you, judging others choices because they don’t agree with you, is at the root of what’s wrong in our society. What you folks do, is really, bullying, and it’s the bigger wrong.
I have free will and choose not to adopt or rescue. I have 3 dogs that I paid for from a Breeder. My local shelter has nothing but pits, labs and other big dogs that I won’t bring in my house. I am interested in what I am interested in. I won’t be putting in applications from rescues to only be denied because I live in an apartment and work. So as long as I work and make my own money I can do as a please. I rather pay for a Breeder that does testing and I know what I’m paying for. Don’t like it too bad. I refuse to adopt or rescue.
First let me say that I think its wonderful that so many people Choose to adopt their dogs. It is also wonderful to Choose to buy a pure breed dog from a reputable breeder.
I really wish that all the judgemental shelter dog people would just shut up!!
My reply to anyone who says anything to me about my 2 purebred old fashioned straight back German Shepherds is
Did you breed your own children or did you adopt them ?
You know, there are so many abandoned children. You really should adopt rather than breed your own.
Stop being a hypocrite and get out of my face !!!!
I care about how dog owners treat their dogs — not where the dogs come from. Every day, I see people who are lousy dog owners, and I’m sure a lot of them came from shelters.
A more thoughtful approach is to recognize that both can exist in our world. I’ve adopted cats and also bought dogs from reputable breeders who I know personally. So, let me ask: in your moral universe, does that just make me only partly bad? Half-bad, maybe? Is there an equation?
Rescue or adoption is not the right path for many people.
So, here’s my suggestion: spend more time worrying about what’s in your own orbit, and not what other people are doing. You don’t know anything about that pure breed dog, or the owner or where it came from. Mind your own business and spend less energy judging others.
You’re honestly really annoying because in this article you say you judge people for buying dogs from a breeder, and then admit to looking up breeders to buy a dog yourself.
You’re not any better than anyone else if you’re willing to do the exact same thing you chastise them for.
I am a breeder. I also have rescued and fixed animals. I would like to make it clear that I am NOT in it for the money. I have never been in it for money. People always think breeders are out to make a bunch of money without any regard to the health of their dogs. Well that’s not true AT ALL. Even though our puppies “cost a lot”, EVERY time I have a litter I end up in the negative dollar amount. I have never earned profit off a puppy. The reason I chose to breed is ethical and completely responsible. I breed my dogs because I am bettering the breed and ony breeding top of the line genetics. I do not breed my dogs to just any dog, there is a thorough scan of pedigree, health, etc. Different people and families have different needs for a dog and sometimes a rescue dog does not fit those needs. Think before you judge others, especially if you do not know the whole story.
I bought my English Cocker Spaniel from a breeder and it was absolutely the right choice for me and my family. The breeder I chose is passionate about the breed. Her dogs are all confirmation champions, have been health tested for generations, and have wonderful personalities. There is nothing wrong with buying a puppy from a reputable breeder- you will have a well-socialized, healthy dog who has had the best start in life possible.
16 1/2 years ago, I bought a cute little Chihuahua from a pet store. It was a spur of the moment thing while out with my daughter one day. We didn’t plan on coming home with a dog, but you know what???????? Niko loved us, and lived with us for 16 1/2 years and I do not regret my decision one bit. We had to put him down the past May and my heart is broken. I feel like we “rescued” him just like he rescued us!
I am sure that once the sadness and the sting of losing Niko eases a little bit (because it will never go away) we may consider another furbaby, I don’t know if I will buy from a breeder, or adopt. Nobody has the right to tell me what to do, or what kind of dog to love.
I feel the exact same way! Anyone with a heart would feel that way too. Put them in the rescue groups, see the sweet, scared faces facing death through no fault of their own, just ignorant owners and greedy breeders overwhelming the shelters. I would hope they would see it our way, if not then they can truly not be dog lovers.
You guys here desperately wanna feel good about buying a dog rather than rescuing, huh?
“I couldn’t find the breed I needed! / I’m allergic/etc!” For actual working dogs (recreational purposes not included), maybe valid, for the rest… tough. Short of service animals you do not NEED an animal and are not entitled to one. Keep looking, find another breed or mix, or move on. Pets are, essentially, luxuries, and you’re not going to die if you don’t get your Pomeranian. It is beyond selfish to put your desires before the very literal life-or-death needs of millions of animals.
“The rescues were too strict!” I’m sure some are! There are poorly run organizations in every possible field. Rather than taking the small child route and throwing your hands up at discouragement, FIND ANOTHER. Increase your search radius, try shelters and humane societies which tend to be easy as pie adoption processes, even check Craigslist for people who need to rehome their often perfectly well dog before moving or etc.
There is NO shortage of rescue groups and most of them are reasonably run. And what’s a few hour drive out of state if it gets you your perfect match for many years of love and saves a life, too?
Again, if after a long process of BS you’re done, fine, *move on*. Pick up a new hobby, volunteer somewhere, check out other pet species. Come back and try again in some time if you want, new rescues spring up all the time and “stock” is constantly changing.
You are not entitled to a dog.
“I bought from an ultra responsible ethical hobby breeder!” In this country, at this point in time, there is no such thing as an ethical dog or cat breeder (short of strictly for service animals). It’s unfortunate, I love ribbon-winning Finnish Lapphunds as much as the next guy, but it’s the hard, factual truth. If there are millions of animals without homes, most perfectly adoptable, many in concrete boxes 24/7 losing their minds until they are killed scared and alone, purposely producing more of these animals is, by definition, unethical and irresponsible.
That is, of course, if you have a solid concept of ethics, human responsibility to animals, and large-scale cause-and-effect. Give it some harder thought and rethink where you’re really coming from. We all want to believe the bad isn’t our fault, and sometimes that blinds us.
“It’s not my fault / it’s the fault of ignorant people who don’t fix their pets!” Maybe so! But then is it really the right response to ignore or contribute to the suffering? This is about the animals, not you. They have no concept of who did anything. All they want is help and love. Will you really leave them to suffer because it’s not your fault? Surely the owners who directly put them into their situations aren’t going to help them now.
And you, buying from the breeder, are a good person and fix your pets and won’t abandon and whatever, okay — remember, the whole litter’s not for you, so how about the rest of the pups? Will they be handled so well? Some 30% of dogs going into govt shelters are purebred and the number is higher for rescue group surrenders.
The breeder had good luck homing the pups this year, so they’ll have another litter next year! (But of course, not you responsible breeders who go by magical ethical algorithm or something, and surely represent the actions of all/most breeders)
So you see why you buying that one puppy is a problem? If a puppy hadn’t been so quickly homed, they might reconsider their numbers of litters. Etc. “Does the breeder puppy not deserve a home?” Of course he does, and chances are, he will be bought even if you don’t buy him. There is a whole lot of demand for purebred puppies. And I don’t know many breeders who would drop their puppies at the shelter if not sold either.
Remember, by adopting, you save two lives: the life of that dog, and the dog that can then take his place in the shelter rather than be euthed for overcrowding. For rescue groups, when you adopt one of their dogs, they can then nab another shelter dog when that foster space frees up.
Interesting article. While I can easily agree that rescuing shelter animals is an admirable cause, I can not agree with your unnecessarily strident and judgemental approach. Emotionally mature people do not think in absolutes. While you seem to want to approach this issue with an open heart, it does not seem that you have yet arrived. You share that you want your kids to learn from your example – you sound like a good mom! But “character development is best done through demonstration” does not jive with “friends who have the intellectual ability (buy instead of shelter rescue.) Really. Judging people does not define them. It defines YOU. Perhaps you are saying you are conflicted with how to share your passion for rescue with how to handle it when others choose what you would not? Realizing that you, just like the rest of us, have something in your life (that was your choice and yours alone to make) that others will judge. Serve in the military or not, someone will disagree with your choice. You have biological kids? Good for you. Someone will judge you for not adopting. You are vegetarian? Someone will criticize YOU for not being a meat eater, in spite of having the intellectual ability to make another (read: their) choice. Why would you insist that others apologize for living their lives and making their choices? There are two larger questions to be answered here – why you think you are morally superior to those who make a choice different from theirs, and why you would think that this attitude will bring anyone over to your side.
Hello, I own a pure bred oeb, and a pure bred cane coral. Both of which are fixed, and both are very well cared for and great with my family, and I have three. 2 yo, 5yo, and 8to that the dogs are absolutely nuts about. Now we admitted these dogs into our family for no other reason than we wanted dogs. We wanted big, strong protective dogs, great with family and children. I must say, that we tried shelter dogs, we truly honestly did. The shelter here is quite dirty, and on more than one occasion they have had parvo outbreaks amongst the animals. The animals often have ticks as well. I know this because I have volunteered there, as a dutiful citizen trying to better my small town. Dogs with open sores are a BIG problem. The dogs scratch themselves because of the fleas and bugs. And about 85% come in with behavior problems that I would never expose my kids to. I HAD to get dogs from outside the shelter. And I’ve never thought it was the wrong choice. I blame people. Not breeders. Often times breeders have a waiting list for the pups, ensurring that all or most of them have homes before they are bred. Backyard breeders are the ones to blame! They sell these “pure bred” animals for “cheap” and profit from them. Most of which they breed for looks, not temperament, not health, not even consistency of the breed! Those 30% pure breeds in shelters are back yard mutts. Now I’m sure that there are several that are “adoptable” but for me and my kids, trial and error seems too irresponsible to risk. I feel awful for these poor animals, but its the people that put them there you should judge. The animals don’t deserve to suffer. But judging me for buying instead of adopting is like saying that Wal-Mart meat is better than organic, simply because there is more of it… I want to be able to trust what I get than guess and get sick later.
I have taken in several dogs that were headed to shelters if I didn’t take them….I have rescued dogs directly from shelters…..I have also purchased adults and puppies from breeders…..I currently have a happy pack of 4 purebreds….I really don’t care if others judge me or not…..I have no regrets….
I completely agree with what Judy Judy says.
There’s no reason to be so definite about your judgement. I have a rescue dog and a purebred dog. The rescue dog has lots and lots of behavioral problems towards people and other dogs. I’m so sure that if we didn’t own him in our loving family, he would be euthanized at the shelter. We also have a new corgi puppy that we adopted from a responsible breeder. We had to go with a puppy so that our current dog would grow fond of her, and in fact, everything is working out beautifully. He has a dog companion for the rest of his life, and we have two wonderful dogs that are happily living with our family. And may I say–inside only dogs (even though we have a big yard!)
It’s immature to judge anyone for these decisions. Just like others have said; because I have one rescue and one purebred, does that make me half bad? Half good? It’s ridiculous. Because to both of my dogs, I’m sure that we are their world. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To all those people supporting breeders, I encourage you to watch Earthlings. Have you ever seen or heard of dog gas chambers?, if not, do your own research, it’s too painful for me to explain it. Do you think it’s ok to euthanize all the shelter dogs because nobody adopted them and they don’t have any more space for them?.
What do you think would happen if all the breeders where shut down and people only had the option of adopting, well first, there would be way less dogs that would have to die because of human selfishness and ignorance. Two: people would start shifting their perception of dogs, they are not in this world to “fit your lifestyle” and to “make you feel better if you’re depressed”, they’re here to coexist with us and that can be a hard thing sometimes.
Like humans, some dogs also have complicated personalities, special needs and neurological disorders. If you adopted a kid that turned out to have a mental disorder and made your life much harder, would you return it to an orphanage?, no, you would adapt and learn from this and give this kid the best life possible, why can’t the same be done with dogs?.
Also, question yourself: what is breeder?. It’s a person that PROFITS from breeding animals in a world that is full of homeless street dogs and homeless shelter dogs that get killed by the millions each year.
Some breeders even have the guts to say that they do it because they love having puppies around. This to me is pure selfishness, you just want to be “entertained” and “loved”, this is not real love and compassion.
Real compassion starts with what you put on your plate and into your body, is your belly a morgue or a garden?. What impact do your decisions have in the world?, are you helping control the population or are you contributing to overpopulation?. The moment we step out of our comfort bubble, which is isolated from landfills (which are overfilled due to overpopulation), a lot of this waste also ends up in the bodies of water since there is no more space to house so many living beings generating all this waste multiple times a day.
It’s up to each person to dig deep in and decide what they want to support and how they decisions impact the world we live in………
And this is exactly why I will NOT go to an Animal Rescue! The people who support them are admittedly the most hateful, judgemental people. If there was a kind bone in their body towards humans, if they had any redeeming social qualities, I could deal with them. But it’s just “take ours only or incur our wrath”. Well, frankly, your “wrath” is creating more homeless animals. It’s not them…it’s YOU!
Start respecting others who don’t have your opinion. You don’t have to agree, but the senseless hatred makes every normal person want to stay away from you and your animals.
This is what you don’t see, you don’t see why someone like me at this moment cant adopt a shelter dog. Little background- at 16 my mother told me we could get a puppy. She took me to a pet store (big no, no!) now that i realize where most of these puppies come from but he was bought and i couldn’t change anything. Live&Learn. 6 years later i bought my husband a dog from a responsible breeder who has loads of information on her lines and has even worked with wolfs on their behaviors/nutrition/etc. She even wants them back at any age if someone can’t take care of them anymore. Anywho. . . Threw out those years my pet store dog had kennel cough (right when we brought him home), worms ( again right when he brought him home), heart murmor, phenomia, a skin infection that wouldnt heal without special soap(and always came back), a tumor on his lumber spine, in his golden years an open wound infection that wouldn’t heal because he torn his acl. Talk about roller coaster of emotions from worrie, sadness, heart break, panic. . .That dog was the last of my childhood, my pride, my joy, my responsibility and we had to put him down at age 12. He was on medication perminatly for 3 years and spent thousands just to make sure he wasn’t in pain and lived a happy life (and he did). My whole point is that right now i can’t go threw that again. I can’t purchase a dog that i have no medical history on. I can’t go threw the heart ache of what he went threw from very poor breeding. I tried my best and he outlived his 4 month death sentance and gave us 3 more precious years. I’m not under a rock and know very well that you can’t control what health problem will pop up with any human or animal but i do know that when we purchase our future puppy from our breeder, he’s got a good chance of being healthy from careful breeding. Please be open minded to other peoples choices and emotions. I can’t say that ill never adopt a shelter dog but i know for me personally i can’t do it right now.
I’m all for adopting from a reputable organization if all you want is a pet and companion. I say reputable, because the rise of retail rescue is degrading this while introducing foreign infectious diseases to domestic pet populations – multiple canine influenza outbreaks, which have killed hundreds if not thousands of dogs, have been traced back to fly by night “rescues”. But reputable, responsible breeders are also a great choice for many who are interested in specific activities with their dogs – showing, obedience, agility, herding, therapy, and other sports and dog “jobs” require a dog with a fairly predictable set of traits (physical, mental and emotional). Those dogs, from responsible breeders, will never legitimately end up requiring rescue – those breeders take responsibility for every puppy they bring into the world. If we could get rid of the irresponsible ones, we wouldn’t have any dogs in shelters. If we look to the Scandinavian countries we will see what strict ownership laws and a culture of responsibility can do – they do not even allow neutering or spaying without valid medical justification, but they don’t have an overpopulation problem…
I don’t really care if you judge me for having three beautiful purebred English Setters, who are everything an English Setter is supposed to be, because I am a responsible owner, and that is really the root of the issue – responsibility – but I don’t think you have reached that realization yet. Shelters will continue being filled with dogs as long as irresponsible owners and breeders exist. Let’s tackle that problem first…
I volunteered at an animal shelter but bought my dog from a breeder. My dog is a Cavalier, and this breed is usually not available in shelters. I don’t believe this makes me a bad person, and I wouldn’t change a thing because my dog is a great companion and in good health. Responsible breeders keep certain breeds from dying out, and buying from a breeder is definitely better than from a pet shop.
Wow, this thread was a rollercoaster. I’ve always been partial to shelter dogs, for much of the same reasons listed here – there’s so many nice homeless dogs, why make more when some are already needy – but then, I used to feel the same way about people having their own children rather than adopting someone else’s. Needless to say, I’ve done a complete 180 on the latter, but hadn’t really thought much about the former in years.
After reading the hate, vitriol, and frankly obscenely poor understanding of the longer term consequences of what they advocate, I have to say I’ve changed my mind. I will definitely be purchasing dogs exclusively from a breeder in the future. Diminishing the market for healthy dogs bred deliberately in order to subsidize “rescue” operations that thrive on unhealthy dogs bred indiscriminately is something I can no longer ethically support.
Anti-breeders, you accuse others of being short-sighted, but you need to truly think about the long term effects of the position you’re advocating. If you want to permanently reduce suffering across the entire species, we MUST breed them for better health, and above all, better temperament. Many, many dogs are abandoned at shelters because of temperamental problems, and these same problems are a huge barrier to find them homes. Additionally, the “There are no guarantees (about health)” argument makes zero sense. Not all purebred puppies are disease-free, therefore we shouldn’t bother breeding for greater health! Let’s rephrase that about human children. Not smoking during pregnancy won’t guarantee my child is born without lung problems – therefore I shouldn’t bother quitting! Just because something isn’t 100% guaranteed is no reason not to try. If you care about the well-being of the next generation, you should put some effort into trying to better their conditions.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with judging someone for performing a morally reprehensible act. In fact, you *must* judge people based on their behavior.
This is not at all the same as judging someone based on how much money they have, how pretty or skinny they are or how arbitrarily attractive you think they are. These have nothing to do with a person’s character. However, taking part in the immensely cruel, life-and-death, profit-driven industry of pet breeding is exactly the type of behavior that shows a person true character (or lack thereof).
Judgement based on behavior is how our species determines right from wrong. Buying a pet for whatever selfish reason a person comes up with (my spoiled child really wants this; this one is cuter; I swear I’ve spent some time looking at shelters and haven’t found *exactly* what I want yet so it’s really not my fault; etc) while knowing you are condemning an innocent shelter animal to death is *exactly* the reprehensible behavior for which you *should* be harshly judged.
If you are offended that you are being judged then you clearly see something wrong with your behavior. If you weren’t ashamed of what you are doing this judgement wouldn’t bother you in the slightest. Use that shame to learn, change, grow & of course never, ever, ever, ever, ever breed or buy while homeless animals die.
I wonder if the author is aware that, by condemning breeders, she is effectively advocating for the elimination of all purebred dogs within about 20 years. Personally, I love the amazing diversity of dog breeds. I appreciate the fact that different breeds excel at different things, from herding sheep, to aiding a disabled person, to finding an avalanche victim. I love that people can exercise their freedom to select a dog breed that is known to possess the qualities that will fit with that person’s family, living situation, budget, and personality. How sad it will be if breeders give up and, in a very short time, we no longer have beautiful, diverse breeds like Collies, Huskies, Corgis, Dalmatians, etc. What a loss! And, yes, I judge the author for pushing us in that direction!
This kind of makes me laugh. Judge away. We have 2 rescue dogs and a beautiful corgi that I picked out after I met both the sire and dam at the breeder’s home. We have a rescue kitty from the local shelter and 2 black kitties we rescued from a sanctuary in Mexico. Love them all. You do you; I’ll do me.
I’m with the woman who asks if your children are adopted. If they aren’t then YOU are the cruel, cold hearted person who puts animals above human beings.
Please stop with this argument; it’s a logical fallacy. Women are genetically wired to (most of the time) want to mother their own children. Our species would not have survived without this strong maternal desire. The decision to carry or adopt a child is not equivalent to the decision to rescue or buy a dog. Furthermore, pregnancy does occasionally happen by accident, whereas adding a pet to the family is a conscious decision. Please consider the irrelevancy of this argument before using it again.
No. Humans, like other animals, are “wired” to want to have sex, which leads to pregnancy, which prevents the species from dying out. “Maternal desire” is merely a societal expectation for all women, and since females are trained from a very early age to “be maternal” (with toy dolls, etc.), they think this is something “genetic,” something that they’ve always wanted, and many never bother to question it.
Women have reproductive options today, so sure, pregnancy can be an accident, but giving birth is never an accident. Therefore, bringing either a child or a pet into your life is a conscious decision. Bringing a new human into this world just because it shares your own genes when there are already plenty of children that need homes is absolutely similar to the decision to buy a dog for its breed versus rescuing one.
I judge people who choose to reproduce their own offspring when the world is already so full of orphaned children.
For every one of your own children you bring in to the world, you are personally responsible for one more child growing up without a family.
Some Super Mean Bottle-Feeding Shelter Volunteer Guy says:
amen ,your comment says it all
Bravo!!! Anyone who chooses to purchase a dog from a breeder when so many wonderful animals are suffering behind cages and dying in shelters every day across the world deserves to be vilified and scorned. It’s absolutely immoral. Drive across the state if you have to- it’s worth saving a life.
So, when you “adopt” you just walk in the door and take the first dog you see, right? No questions asked. Or do you walk around, meet the dogs, and choose one you like…other wise known as SHOPPING?
You’re buying a dog just like anyone else. Get over yourself.
So isn’t adopting basically just supporting backyard breeders and irresponsible pet owners rather then good reputable breeder(who take their dogs back if an owner can’t keep). If people only bought from good reputable breeders then there would eventually the problem with dogs in shelters would resolve.
I currently have two rescue dogs and have had ten others in my lifetime. Last spring I adopted a puppy from a rescue. The dog had severe genetic issues that could not be treated and I had to euthanize him seven months later. We were devastated. So now I am purchasing a puppy from a breeder to lessen the risk of genetic issues. This breeder produces one litter a year and is highly regarded by several people whom I trust. I feel zero shame or guilt for my decisions. I have rescued dogs with severe behavioral issues and expensive health conditions (against the advise of my vet btw) and they all lived long happy lives with me. You want to judge me? Go right ahead. I’m not losing any sleep over it. Just as you probably wouldn’t lose sleep over me judging you for having children, eating meat and not serving in the military. Oh and I also judge people who don’t pay off their credit card balances every month.
All of my dogs have been adopted. My heart goes out to the older dogs who are less likely to be adopted. I’m from California and have a particular affinity for Beagles. My last Beagle I flew to Oklahoma City to adopt. The rescue organization had a thorough investigation of me as a pet owner, called my vet to be clear about the kind of pet owner that I would be. They sent a random person by my property to make sure that I had a fenced yard. I had both Beagles up to the age of 18, 3 years over the national average. This time around I may buy a puppy since I never had this experience, but I will also adopt another one allso,
Go right ahead and judge me. I’ve had rescues, I’ve bought dogs. I’ve also rescued cats and rabbits.
Think whatever the heck and hades you want about me. The last TWO rescues of adult animals were literally a DISASTER.
Unless it’s a puppy (and even that is questionable, if you ask me, but it really depends on the situation) I will NEVER rescue another dog.
I have also spent years looking for a specific breed. And I also don’t care what you think about THAT. Dogs were bred BY HUMANS for certain reasons. Now suddenly we’re terrible for WANTING them for certain reasons? Please…
I’ve been turned down by breed rescues for working. I’ve been turned down for being too far away. I’ve been turned down for not having a fenced in yard.
So to the person who said people who buy are the problem…think again. If you REALLY wanted to save animals, let’s talk about ways to encourage people to spay and neuter. Let’s talk about making adoption of dogs a smidge easier (and NO I am not suggesting we give them to just anyone. But seriously…some dogs do not need a fenced in yard and some dogs are quite happy in apartments and some are perfectly content for 8 hours a day while their owners work). Let’s talk about finding animals a GOOD home, not a PERFECT home. Let’s talk about educating dog owners so that fewer are abandoned.
The fact is I didn’t cause the animals in the shelter to be put there. Irresponsible people who didn’t take care of their animals are the reason they are there. Cruel people who hurt animals are the reason they are there.
I am a dog owner who buys from responsible breeders. I take my dogs to the vet. I spay and neuter them, I get them vet treatment when necessary. And since I buy from responsible breeders who health test their animals, my dogs are healthy and that’s less often than someone who gets one somewhere else. That means I can afford the care, which means I don’t dump them at shelters. My dogs are loved and cared for.
I am not the problem. The problem of overpopulation is a multifaceted problem that must have a multifaceted solution.
But go ahead and be quick to judge. I’ll be just fine sitting here with my wonderful companion animals bred by an amazing breeder who RARELY makes a CENT off her dogs. And anything she DOES make usually goes to bettering her facilities.
You go right ahead.
quote”So isn’t adopting basically just supporting backyard breeders and irresponsible pet owners rather then good reputable breeder(who take their dogs back if an owner can’t keep). If people only bought from good reputable breeders then there would eventually the problem with dogs in shelters would resolve.”
Good point Celia.
Whelp I WAS for adopting but if adopting means turning into someone like YOU then I will only BUY dogs
For those who say breeders are so unethical, how do you think dogs should be produced? By surprise where the puppies will be even more likely to end up in a shelter? My breeder gave me a contract I had to sign that said I will get my dog neutered by a year and if I ever need to get rid of him I need to let her know first and have it approved. This is her way of preventing my dog and other puppies to end up in shelters. It’s not the reputable breeders that are at fault it is the ones who get a dog they are unwilling to make a commitment for. The people who use them for fights. The puppy mills. The people people who are too irresponsible to spay or neuter their dog.
Until you are faced with heartbreak of a dog lost way too soon due the unknown genetics that come from rescue dogs, you will not get it. As for me, my heart cannot take that again.
A repeatable breeder titles their animals in dog shows. They strive to produce healthy examples of the breed. They test all their breeding stock for prevalent genetic diseases and guarantee against it. Reputable breeders are NOT backyard breeders and they spend an incredible amount of time caring for their dogs and the breed, place them in good homes, have contracts that the dog must always be returned back to them should you not be able to care for it, ect.
It is not your place to judge anyways. You have no idea what people have gone through in their lives. The dogs they have loved and lost. The heartbreak. I once was an ‘adopt don’t shop’ girl but my heart can no longer pay for other people’s indiscretion in breeding.
Over the past 15 years I have had 4 dogs that were being given away; in one case a very dodgy St. Bernard who had bitten someone. My most recent acquisition is a mixed-breed shelter dog who was the product of a backyard puppy mill and was never socialized; we’re working through his shyness issues with the help of my well-adjusted pack. I also have a purebred Aussie Shepherd I bought from a reputable local breeder. Most of what goes through the shelters here are “pocketbook dogs” or pit bulls, none of which are suitable “security system” for my large horse farm. My guys have a JOB to do!
ALL my old dogs lived to or beyond their life expectencies, outdoors in a communal kennel-house and run at night with a fenced yard in the daytime, and I work from home. But they don’t sleep in the house. I DO use “Invisible Fence” to prevent digging and challenging the hard-fenced barrier and for added security. I do not use toxic flea/tick/heartworm products because we have no meaningful exposure. Those circumstances ALONE would get me rejected by most “rescues.” But my VETERINARIAN has been rejected, too!
Primarily, for not sharing their “PC” criteria–recognizing that giant dogs living inside the house are far more comfortable outside, excessive medicalization of normal, healthy animals which could cause iatrogenic problems (such as collie Ivermectin problems) etc. In some cases, I walked away from the “rescue” because I felt their requirements were condescending, judgmental, intrusive, and egregious violations of my privacy as a competent American adult. Bear in mind, $600 clams and my arm waving in the air at any local auction would get me an 18-hand Shire draft horse I could bring home with no questions asked at all! Or a Mustang fresh from the Bureau of Land Management.
THIS ATTITUDE, people, is what drives good people to go buy a purebred dog from a reputable breeder. At least they don’t invade your privacy, judge your character by parameters that are ridiculous, or force you to adopt an “ideology” along with a dog.
Shelter/”rescue” people, PLEASE look in the mirror and ask yourself honestly if you’re really TRULY TRYING to rehome dogs, or just virtue-signalling to others of your “tribe” on the illusory bubble-universe that is social media.
If you’re sincere, don’t let PERFECTION be the enemy of Good Enough. There are as many situations as there are dogs and people, and most work most of the time!