I'm so sad!

I do understand how frustrating adopting can be. Again, I never said I was against buying dogs, I'm against supporting Puppymills.

As far as adopting, yes, it can be very hard to really judge a dog. Most of them don't 'show' well because of the surroundings. Both of my most recent dogs showed horribly. One dragged me around the meeting room and peed on the wall. Once he was home, it was the BEST dog I ever owned but you wouldn't have known it by the way he 'showed' at the shelter. Same with the other one, she was incredibly hyper and disinterested but once home, sweetest dog in the world. You have to remember what these poor shelter dogs go through. Buying from a breeder doesn't guarantee a good temperament either. Fear biting and food aggression are just some of the issues that can be passed along genetically.

There's a lot of information on the pet board if anyone is interested. I will also help anyone that is interested.

of course i agree that we need to adopt from shelters, but blaming people who buy their dogs from breeders, well that is just ignoratn and the easy way out.

how about blaming the bad owners who dumped them off there?!?!?!?!?!!??
Also, if you buy from a reputable breeder they sell on a SPAY/NUETER contract as to NOT add to the over population of animals as well as have a lifetime gaurentee if you can not care for your animal any longer and will take teh animal back as to not have them end up in shelters

everyons knows i am COMPLETELY and UTTERLY AGIANST buying from pet shops..... but buying fomr a REPUTABLE breeder is 110% different.

i think its pretty sad that you are trying to make ppl who 'buy' their animals look bad.

Try blaming the rightful people, wont ya.

eta: i have adopted animals, rescued animals and bought animals.... and i would ALL again.

I bought my dog...from a known breeder.
If I could I would adopt-but then again-maybe I wouldnt. Who knows. But you cant get upset with people who dont adopt-its hard to do sometimes.

I think it is so sad that there are so many animals that need good homes, I would NEVER buy an animal.

I adopted my puppy from the shelter and she is the sweetest, most loving dog.

ETA: I do think it is a personal decision but for me, adoption is the way to go

Adopting may be more time consuming, you may not get exactly what you want (my cat has been abused and took a year before she'd let me pick her up), and you might not get the breed you were thinking of....but you do get a loving new family member.

Taking in a dog that has had a difficult life will likely leave you with a faithful, thankful friend for life. Work with a behaviorist, and you'll find that you will have luck with most dogs.

How about adopting a Katrina dog?

I agree with you completely. I mentioned this somewhere (on here or on LIF) recently.

According to http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/ 7 million cats and dogs are put to sleep each year. (Not sure if that's a national figure or what though.)

It's terrible. I would never purchase a dog either. And after visiting the NSAL last week, my decision is solid.

DH and I want a couple of labs, I've heard that the best time of year to check the shelters for them are right after Christmas. That many people buy animals to make the kids happy for the holidays without realizing the responsibility that comes along with them. Just something for those looking to buy a dog to think about.

Kelly

I bought my dog because I too was unable to find a small breed dog in the shelters. Also, I applied several dozen different places from rescue shelters and was denied each time because I live in an apartment with no yard and FH and I both work.

Adopting is not as easy as people think.

ETA: When I bought Emmie, I wasn't even shopping for a dog, but we fell in love with each other and I went back to the store to get her

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Posted by tjs

I agree all of our family pets growing up came from shelters,,,,,,and they were great!!!

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Big dogs?

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Posted by kms71705

DH and I want a couple of labs, I've heard that the best time of year to check the shelters for them are right after Christmas. That many people buy animals to make the kids happy for the holidays without realizing the responsibility that comes along with them. Just something for those looking to buy a dog to think about.

Kelly

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Here are some links to lab rescues::
Lab rescue

Lab Rescue

Long Island Rescue

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Posted by dita531

We adopted Annie, my parents dog from a Shelter. I was on Petfinder.org constantly and I went all around the Island to visit town and private shelters. It was heartbreaking. We did not want a big dog, we wanted a small, young dog less than 25lbs. So does everyone else. If you like pit bull mixes then you are in luck. I managed to get my name on the list for 8 dogs. All of those fell through.
I found Annie and I had to wait a 10 days before I could know if I could take her home or if she was healthy. She was considered a stray for those 10 days. So at that point I already fell in love with her and visited her several times not knowing if I could take her home. She is a bit of a special needs- she needs more attention and exercise than ANY dog I've ever met. For her it’s good that she lives with my Mom, Dad, Grandma, DH and home so someone is always there for her.

DH and I are moving out soon and would eventually like to get a dog of our own. Again we want a small, young, healthy dog less than 25lbs. We will start with shelters but are also open to reputable breeders. Of course, our dog will be fixed. I would love to say that the chances of us getting a dog that is right for as at the shelter is likely but unfortunately it is not. We will try though.

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Here are small dog rescue

Small Dog Rescue

Small Dog Rescue - have to imput your location

ETA;


Small Dog

Animal adoption is def the way to go.

Save a life... adopt.

If anyone is interested in adopting a cat, please check out this website:

act

i would absolutely never buy an animal.

our 8 cats, yes 8, are all shelter/adopted animals. they are loving, kind and gentle and live a long life.

i know 2 people who have purebread dogs who have health problems. one is now completely blind...but what i find funny is they adopted her because they thought purebreads were 'healthier' than those animals in shelters.

2 of our oldest cats had earmites and horrible diarrhea when we got them as kittens. they were the skinniest little things and their eyes were infected. with love and patience, they got well quickly and have been wonderful companions for 13 years.

i can't understand why people would spend thousands for an animal. people can explain all they want, but i can never accept or understand it, and honestly don't want to. it's no worse than buying a child, which most of us would find reprehensible.

go ahead and flame away, i could care less.

I get mad at these threads too. Yes it is great to adopt.

HOWEVER.. It is wrong to say that EVERYONE can adopt.

My sister wanted to get my a beagle since I wanted one FOREVER and my parents finally caved when she asked if she could get one for me (shes 15). Anyway she called and researched behind my back for MONTHS.

One day we stopped at the pet store on the way to my aunts for dog food for my parents rotty. I saw this poor lil guy snuggling with another pup in the bacl of a cage. He was sick, and obviously needed some love and care. I was in tears at the thought of leaving him when my mom and sister said they were buying him for me.

In cases like this, is it ok to let these dogs suffer just to save the life of another pet by adopting???

Fred has costed us THOUSANDS of dollars since we got him and I could care less because he is worth so much more to me.

I think you just need to watch what you say because this is a touchy matter for MANY people and it is easy to offend someone.

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Posted by Jen2999


In cases like this, is it ok to let these dogs suffer just to save the life of another pet by adopting???

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This is why I get so upset about buying from pet stores....

Puppymill

Perhaps your sister should have researched where pet store puppies come from.

ETA: By buying puppies from petstores, you support the Puppymill industry. If you are okay with that, that's fine. Most of these dogs are registered with Dog Registry of America

Take a minute and look over the registration requirements... They don't require genetic testing, you can breed siblings, you can breed multiple litters from the same b*tch, etc...These are NOT good things for a dog.