I'm so sad!

I just went to the shelter to drop off some stuff and I can't believe how many adorable dogs and cats are sitting in cages waiting to die.

Then, I go on the Pets board and see all these people who buy their dogs. I just don't get it, how can people be so selfish that they want what's 'hot' rather than what needs a home.

If people didn't buy, but adopted, so many animals would not be murdered because they are 'unwanted'. Plus, so many of the dogs I saw were actually purebred...It's so sad. There would be far fewer backyard breeders and puppy mills. Can you imagine being bred and bred and constantly having your kids taken away?

We have 3 kitties plus a foster, plus another we have a friend fostering, or I'd take more in myself! We can't have dogs here (plus we live in a 1 bdrm in Brooklyn...more won't fit).

I think a lot of it has to due with ignorance of what is actually available. I think if the mainstream knew how easy it is to get any type of dog you want, adult or puppy; they would be more apt to do that. Most people aren't aware of the resources available. Every single breed has a rescue and if you are willing to wait, you can get a puppy or dog if they aren't readily available.

The best thing you can do is get the word out there about these animals and how to find them.

I COMPLETELY agree with you. Two women in my office have also purchased dogs. One from out of state. I Just don't get it. Take one trip though a town shelter, and I think most will change their mind. I have 2 cats (drop offs) and Two shelter doggies!

I take them everywhere with me, and people always ask what they are...obviously my answer is mixed breed, but someone once said...they are the 'ALL AMERICAN BREED'....I like this answer the BEST!

Anyone thinking of buying a dog should definitely look this website over...

Puppymill Rescue

I don't really think you're asking a fair question, honestly.

I personally spent HOURS on Petfinder, and every single dog that came up for me was a mix (I *need* a non-shedding dog due to allergies), or a special needs dog (I cannot afford much of the extra care costs these dogs require), or too far away for the adoption agency to even CONSIDER my application. In many cases, they said 'no children'. I don't have kids now, but I will in a few years, and I don't want to have to give up a dog because it doesn't want to co-habitate with a baby.

Adoption isn't as easy for everyone as you think it is. I think it's beautiful that you've opened your home to so many animals that needed one, but not everyone can do that.

Finally, if people didn't buy, the dogs born to breeders would then end up in the shelters to die. Are their lives any less special because of the circumstances they were born in?

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Posted by PrincessRose

I don't really think you're asking a fair question, honestly.

I personally spent HOURS on Petfinder, and every single dog that came up for me was a mix (I *need* a non-shedding dog due to allergies), or a special needs dog (I cannot afford much of the extra care costs these dogs require), or too far away for the adoption agency to even CONSIDER my application. In many cases, they said 'no children'. I don't have kids now, but I will in a few years, and I don't want to have to give up a dog because it doesn't want to co-habitate with a baby.

Adoption isn't as easy for everyone as you think it is. I think it's beautiful that you've opened your home to so many animals that needed one, but not everyone can do that.

Finally, if people didn't buy, the dogs born to breeders would then end up in the shelters to die. Are their lives any less special because of the circumstances they were born in?

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I agree that the adoption process is much more time consuming then going to a pet store or breeder but you are wrong about not being able to find the dog you are looking for. Every single breed has a rescue group and a network that helps people find the right animal for them. There are also very few breeds that are not shedding but you can find them.

As far as buying dogs, the whole point of not buying from pet stores and backyard breeders is that it fuels the industry. If no one bought from them, they wouldn't be able to stay in business and eventually would stop breeding. I don't think there is anything wrong with buying a dog from a reputable breeder. Some people would like to show their dogs or need a very specific breed, as did you. But when I see 'Designer Dogs - Puggles' being such a rage, I cringe - those are not dogs that should be sold. That is what feeds the industry.

So then maybe our congresspeople should require breeders to be licensed. I agree that Puppymills are horrible things.

However, I am bothered by the 'Superiority' of people who bash those who had to buy their dogs. Trust me, I spent Hours and Hours And HOURS on Petfinder looking for a dog. I heard about a Poodle at the local humane society and RAN for it, only to find it had been adopted already. I submitted applications over and over, only to be turned down because I lived in an apartment, or because I lived too far from the shelter, or because I wanted to have children someday.

Too many shelters turn down willing, loving homes.

I've got a beautiful little Purebred, Apricot Female Poodle and she's every bit as special as any other dog. She's priceless to me. And I'm not a worse person for finding her and buying her from a breeder.

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Posted by september2004

if we ever get a dog we would most likely buy from a breeder given my allergies. my parents have a lowchen (my dad and i have similar allergies) who would be ideal for us as well. i have yet to see this breed at a local shelter...

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Lowchen for adoption

Lowchen 2

I realize they are in CA, but they are out there

Lowchen Rescue Group

If you are ever interested in another poodle...

Here's a link to rescue group. They can also help you find reputable breeders as well

Poodle Rescue of New England

Tried them. They wouldn't help me because I live in Delaware.

I live in Los Angeles so my experience might be different than in NY.
I was looking for a lil doggy recently and I went to the pound. The dogs all looked so sad or scared. I got tears in my eyes. There was one that I thought was cute, but he was labeled as Dangerous. The other small dogs were either special needs or over 10 years.

So then I tried the Rescues, which go to the shelters and rescue a dog. They then take care of it, and help train it so it would be suitable for adoption.
They would not let me adopt one because I work during the day and the dog would be alone. Or they said since I was a first time dog owner, they were hesitant.

I ended up getting a little dog from a friend of a friend who was getting rid of her chihuahua. If they couldn't find him a home, they were going to bring him to the pound. This worked out well for me because they gave me his toys and his bed and information on his bacground, which was very helpful.

It is heart breaking to imagine those animals being so scared and sad and alone when all they want to do is give you love.

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Posted by PrincessRose

Tried them. They wouldn't help me because I live in Delaware.

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Even if you don't adopt, they should be able to give you names of good, reputable breeders.

DH used to be a cruelty investigator for the Suffolk County ASPCA. He eventually had to stop because it was too much for him.

They did a raid on a puppy mill once. The guy went to court, ended up paying a fine and got most of the dogs back. When they did the raid, they found this old female beagle tied up in the backyard. She was fed nothing but stale bagels. She had all kinds of medical problems. There was no way to know how many puppies she had given birth to. DH took her home, got her to the vet, got her on medications, got her the back surgery she needed, and took care of her. She lived until she was 18, when she blew out the ligaments in both of her hind legs. She was kindest, gentlest animal you ever want to meet. I can't imagine the torture she went through.

DH and I now have another beagle, plus 10 (yes 10) cats, who were all feral or kittens of feral mothers. We both have terrible allergies, but that does not stop us from caring for these animals.

I will never spend a penny to buy an animal from a breeder when there are so many other animals that need homes.

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Posted by september2004

i am not 'ignorant of what is actually available' and would consider it if they were local. i wouldn't take a chance on an older pet remotely, just my opinion and way of doing things...

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I wasn't calling anyone 'ignorant' in an insulting way; just unaware of the resources available.

There are rescues in EVERY US State and a lot are networked together so finding one locally shouldn't be a problem.

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Posted by shamrock12472

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Posted by PrincessRose

Tried them. They wouldn't help me because I live in Delaware.

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Even if you don't adopt, they should be able to give you names of good, reputable breeders.

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Here's the thing, though. They wouldn't help me find a dog that needs to be loved, but they'll give me the name of someone who'll sell me one? Isn't that counter-productive to the whole 'Don't buy your pet' argument?

That also assumes that I am incapable of finding a reputable breeder. I am perfectly capable of doing so, and without the help of some group that will preach to me that I'm a bad person for not adopting but not HELP ME ADOPT.

And look above at roxyspark's post about how she went to the rescues and they wouldn't help her because she'd never had a dog before, or because she works. Honestly, how many people do you know who don't work?

All I'm saying is that in many cases, I believe, the shelters and rescues dig their own holes simply by refusing loving homes.

ETD: I put Roxy's name in, instead of just listing her as 'the other girl'.

I never said that I was against people buying dogs. I only wish that those who buy dogs research to find a reputable breeder and don't buy from the pet store around the corner. Rescue groups should be able to help you find a good breeder that breeds up to standards.

As far as rescues, yes, they can afford to be choosy about where their animals go because they pick which dogs they are going to rescue; municipal shelters don't have that option.

Back to my main point of trying to point out that there are tons of resources out there and hoping to get some of them more mainstream.

When DH and I were looking for a puppy we got to that frustrated point where we were going to buy from a breeder. Luckily we stuck it our longer and found out little girl on our fifth trip to North Shore.

I can understand why people buy their dogs. Unfortunately, there is not enough info out there and it can make the adopting experience very unpleasant.

If you feel really strongly about this and are well informed; why not start a thread with all of the info people need? It would be a much more positive way to get your point across.