Puppy

[bladespark]

http://khukuri.livejournal.com/82805.html

If you have ever thought of buying a cat or dog, read this. Some of you know this already, but a sad, sad number of people don't, and everybody should.

Comments

[aurora77]

There's an incredible difference between the attitude of a responsible breeder and that of your average one. We heard about an unusual stray dog on the news and then on the radio, they said that a private breeder had obtained her from the shelter and was looking for a home for her. We made the phone call and he spent time talking to us on the phone. He asked about how much time each of us had, what experience with animals we had, what kind of environment we could provide, and numerous other questions, including some about our vet. Then, he set up an appointment to drive down with her and meet us. He took a good look around and met all of us. Finally, he introduced her to us to see how we'd interact. He talked about the characteristics common to the breed and about what he knew about her. Finally, he seemed reasonably assured that we'd be able to offer what she needed, so he agreed to let her stay and offered to take her back if we decided we didn't want her. He kept checking in for months, and even years, afterward.

If he did that just for a stray he'd known for only a week, I'm sure he'd do at least that for the puppies he raised.

In contrast, when my mom was young, she bought a puppy from a pet store. No checking to see if it was a good environment for the dog. No followup. Nothing.

[sparkindarkness.livejournal.com]

Personally breed of my moggies has never mattered to me. I know that hybrid power is a lot of crap - couldn't agree more. BUT I also know my brother's cat's - his lovely pedegree snow bengal - linneage. And 2 of her grandparents are the same damn cat. I can't accept that that level of inbreeding is good - certainly not because the breeder wants to "improve" the breed to make sure it has more stripey marking than mottled marking. And the woman they bought this cat from WAS quality breeder with shows and health checks et al, but I can't think she was a responsible

Personally, when I want a moggy I avoid the vile kitty farmers and the "improve the breed" breeders both - and head to the RSPCA rescue centre. The RSPCA will check it out for health defects and won't let it out the door unless it has been spayed or neutered. I want a kitty - not an ornament or a toy - and I think the RSPCA is the best place to go for one.

[jtbeckett.livejournal.com]

and most of that stuf just scratches the surface... a lot of people who get a free cat/dog want it to stay that way... no vet care, no high quality food... just the equivelent of ramen noodles for animals. and if they misbehave... then just let them live outside...

[gas-mask-dragon.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I kinda stopped reading that after they went into the whole burning thing... I was wondering what they did with so many dead animals all at onces, looks like I got my answer unfortunately.

*sigh*

[bladespark.livejournal.com]

Well, the point was the /reason/ why that happens, namely people being irresponsible breeders.

[firebyrd.livejournal.com]

I'm rather astonished. I thought most people knew that pet store dogs and cats came from mills. I've known my whole life never to buy a dog or cat from the store. I guess my parents taught me right!