Buying from a breeder is evil!

[AggieVet]

<rant>

...apparently, according to one of my friends.

Ugh, so this girl will not confront me about me getting a puppy, but she feels the need to post all over facebook about it. Apparently, buying from a breeder is evil because it condemns other dogs to death. To ice the cake, she says that not knowing how horrible it is is disgusting when coming from a veterinary student.

Well that just broke the camel's poor back (I'll be back in 3.25 years to fix that, my friend). I was quiet up to that point, but I couldn't help it anymore. My response:

"You know why I chose a breeder instead of going to a shelter or breed rescue? It's because I love a breed riddled with health problems due to decades back yard breeders. I want a lifetime companion, not a few year friend. That's why I chose a responsible breeder. My family and I have rescued in the plenty (Laika, Angus, Jake, Abel, Fenrir, Lilly, Chloe..I could go on). Not to mention the hundreds of dollars we donate in aid, and our time spent volunteering.


It's my choice to make a responsible decision for me. And THAT is one of the many reasons I will make a great veterinarian."

This is also coming from a girl who is obsessed with my rescue Papillon, Laika. So obviously I'm a big proponent for rescues and shelters...for me, this time..breeder was the right choice. Ugh. It's all so childish. If you're going to call someone ignorant for not knowing the "facts," you should actually check them yourself.

</rant>

[vat]

Is this supposed to be a friend of yours? I hope not!

[Elaine]

I've had four pre-owned dogs and some from breeders and I foster for a rescue. My current GSD I went out and researched for the right breeder for my needs. I wanted a healthy, stable, and highly competitive dog for dog sports this time and that's what I got. I don't feel at all bad about it either. I do still recommend people that are looking for a pet to check into rescue first.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Not sure if you can calm her enough to realize a breeder isn't a breeder isn't a breeder.

RESPONSIBLE breeders don't breed that much, find responsible homes for their dogs, usually give limited registries so most of the dogs can't be bred, and will always take a dog back.

I get my dogs from breeders but if I didn't then I'd go to a shelter. I'm not paying one penny to someone who isn't a 'responsible' breeder. Same crap shoot at the shelter, so I save the pup/dog AND give my money to help others in the same boat!

[Jax's Mom]

Beware Animal Radicals: Endangered Species

[AgileGSD]

Originally Posted by Jax's Mom

Beware Animal Radicals: Endangered Species

Good link

I wish i could say that this is surprising but I'm afraid your friend's opinion is more typical than not. She is simply repeating the message that Animal Rights groups have spent years (not to mention millions of dollars) pushing to the American public. This message has become so widespread that the AR groups now barely need to work at getting it out there. The public, media, private companies - even the AVMA are all too happy to push the AR agenda. A perfect example of this is that during Westminster we are reminded at every commercial break that we should adopt a dog from a shelter thanks to Pedigree. They used to feature accomplished breeders in their ads but that simply isn't PC any more. Purebred dogs are bad. Breeders of purebred dogs are bad (and for that matter anyone with an intact animal could possibly become a breeder and as such, they are bad too). Adopting a dog from a shelter is good and the "the right thing to do". If dogs die in shelters, it's your fault. I'm afraid your reply that your breed of choice is "riddled with health problems" only adds fuel to the fire. Expect her to next inform you that mixed breeds are so much healthier than purebreds and genetic health problems are yet another reason you should never support a breeder.

[Liesje]

Oh, I've heard this one before too. Of my seven pets, I've rescued four, adopted one (from a breeder, returned). I also pull GSDs for a local rescue and have volunteered at a local animal shelter walking the big "bad" dogs that other volunteers were uncomfortable with (GSDs, pits, etc). I only don't do that anymore because it's far away and leaving from work I can barely get there before they close. On my web sites I do not link to breeders but always link to the local rescues, shelters, and GSD rescue. Generally the people that preach at me about "killing" rescue dogs are people who have adopted like one pet but don't actually do anything else for shelter/rescue dogs. I currently have two dogs I have purchased from breeders and I never buy into the "a shelter dog died because I purchased a dog" thing. I am very very picky about my German Shepherds and if I don't find what I'm looking for, I don't get a dog, PERIOD. It's not a choice between a breeder or a shelter dog. It's ONLY a choice between finding the exact dog I'm looking for, which a shelter and rescue simply cannot offer.

[Sumik Ranch]

All Breeders are not evil, there are many responsible ones, but the majority of sheeple will not research a dog as they would a car.

Think about it, I have asked people who want me to take their dogs, and I have asked them why they didn't get a horse to tie up in the back yard? "cause I dont know anything about horses!?"

It is very "in" to have a dog, and lots of people just pick one cause......

Aloha

Mike

[lanaw13]

Originally Posted by AggieVet

<rant>


"You know why I chose a breeder instead of going to a shelter or breed rescue? It's because I love a breed riddled with health problems due to decades back yard breeders. I want a lifetime companion, not a few year friend. That's why I chose a responsible breeder. My family and I have rescued in the plenty (Laika, Angus, Jake, Abel, Fenrir, Lilly, Chloe..I could go on).

</rant>

AggieVet,
This is exactly why we chose to buy a puppy…
We went through the agonizing long waiting and approval process for rescue because we had an acquaintance who surrendered he 4 month old puppy to a rescue in Houston….
We found out too late that she had done so, so we called the girl that was fostering the pup and said we would like to adopt her…. she said we had to apply and be approved, which we did, and then we were told ( by an different rescue person) that we could not have a puppy…. not that puppy, not any puppy, because we should adopt one of the adult dogs, since they decide which dog is right for us….
Now I truly bless in my heart rescue people for all they do for dogs, please no flames!!!!! I have fostered before and probably will again. After that experience however we decided to purchase a puppy. Here's why:
We wanted to know the OFA status of the parents…..
We didn't want to adopt a dog that someone *thinks* is right for us….
We want control over the socialization and experiences the puppy has, since we HOPE someday she will be a therapy dog….
I totally understand (send me a friend request)

[Dracnik98]

I hear ya! I am a happy GSD owner and always will be! And have been forever- my family has always had GSD's I have had 1 litter myself. I will be getting a new puppy (from a responsible breeder of course) in the near future as a companion for my wife, myself and my 11 year old female GSD.

Whenever I tell people at work that I am getting a new puppy everyone of them questions why I am getting a dog from a breeder and not a "Shelter Dog" I love all dogs and have rescued in the past. I fully support rescues and shelters all the way; however, right now at this point in my life and for my wifes sake, I need to know what I am getting.

The Breeders Puppies need homes too!

Some people just do not understand! Why do some people have to force their opinions on us when they have no idea what they are talking about?