This week for the Shelter Series I’m going to take a look at
something that many people over look. Today,
tons of animals are put down every year due to what some people say is
irresponsible breeding practices. The
Humane Society of the United States quotes the number as being four million.
Pet overpopulation is a huge issue and certainly needs to be
addressed. That being said, who is
ultimately responsible for this issue?
Is it the pet store who sold the dog?
The breeder who ‘created’ the dog?
Let’s look at this from a couple of prospective.
One –
If my dog bites you in the park, do you sue the pet
store? I mean they should have made sure
that I trained my dog properly, right?
Should they have made sure that I was a good owner and knew how to make
sure my dog wouldn't bite? Should they
be held responsible for the face that I didn’t socialize my dog?
Two –
If my dog digs out of his yard and comes into your flower
bed every day and digs up your prize tulips whose responsible? Maybe we should sue the breeder, because, because
you know, if we put that breeder out of business, there will be so many fewer
dogs to dig up gardens. Yeah that’s the
ticket!
Three –
If my dog is unaltered and I let her run freely about my
neighborhood she could get pregnant. She
could have a lot of puppies that I end up giving away in the Wal-Mart parking
lot … or maybe on Craig’s List. Those
pups could end up at the shelter and ultimately put down. Who’s responsible? The breeder I got my dog from? Or is it the local animal control that never
followed up on complaints?
You know who is responsible?
ME!
That’s right. ME. I’m
responsible. I went and purchased a dog
because I wanted to have a Yorkie. I
wanted a pure bred. That’s my
right. No one is looking around at all
the children in foster care and saying HEY no more babies until all these are
adopted! Umm no. That’s not how you “teach” responsible
parenting. Nor is it how you teach responsible
pet ownership.
Adopting from the shelter is a great endeavor. I have the utmost respect for those that do
that. Sadly however they do not respect
me. No matter how many fosters I take in
or how many times I help trap and release feral cats, I’m still a horrible “breeder”.
I feel like I should be standing on a back alley, opening my
jacket with pockets filled with little pups…
“Hey bub… Over here… I gota nice Yorkie today.”
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| Photo Credit - ETKennels - Chanel Turtle Summerwind |
BAH!
People want a certain type of dog. I believe that if they indeed want to have
that dog, they should be able to get a dog from a responsible breeder who cares
about the dogs. One who raises them as
part of their own family? One who spends
day and night with the dogs?
I love my dogs. I
work with the owners of the dogs to ensure that they are all going to loving
homes.
At ETKennels,
I also offer to always take those dogs back.
If at any time the dog is no longer a fit for the family, I want it back
here at my home. EVERYONE who gets a dog
from me has that option.
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| Photo Credit - ETKennels - The Chihuahuas |
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| Photo Credit - ETKennels - The Pack |
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| Photos Credit - ETKennels - Elijah & Our Pups |
Wondering if you should breed your dog?
If you’re asking that question, the answer is
no. Here’s a great FAQ
by the AKC on dog breeding.
Local Resources
Tips on Finding a Responsible Breeder
Not sure? Just ask. I'm always willing to answer questions and help folks get in contact with Rescues Shelter or other organizations that will assist you in finding a rescue.
Namaste & Blessed Be!
Sosanna
)O(
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