Dear UrbanAnimal,I'm glad you advised your readers not to buy dogs from puppy mills, however, I would like to point out that there is no such thing as an "ethical breeder".
It is irresponsible for anyone to breed more animals when millions of dogs and cats - both mixed-breed and purebreds - are being euthanized in shelters every year in the U.S. and Canada and countless others are struggling to survive on the streets.
I hope you will encourage people who have the time, space, money and patience it takes to care for an animal to adopt one (or two) from a shelter or breed rescue group, and to have their animals spayed or neutered.
I urge you to take a moment to visit www.HelpingAnimals.com for information on PETA's new Animal birth control campaign.
Heather Moore,
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Norfolk, VA
Thank you for your letter, Heather.
My space limitations dictate that answers to our readers' questions often fall short of the "big topic" and, in the case of my ethical breeder versus puppy mill column, that's exactly what happened.
You're correct that I should always urge readers to adopt from a shelter or rescue group.
It's easy for those of us who live and breathe the subject to be aware of every consideration when it comes to choosing a pet but, in many cases, an inexperienced puppy buyer sees a cute pup and buys it immediately. With little or no advance knowledge, the owner often complains that pup pees on shoes, vomits on carpets, barks, jumps up, steals food, nips and grows into a nuisance very quickly.
If the owner is dedicated, he or she will quickly find help to learn how to deal with all the ups and downs of puppydom. Or, if that's not possible, a caring owner will immediately find a rescue group or animal shelter to take the dog in and, hopefully, find it a good home.
The worst scenario is the dog that ends up unloved, abused, left alone in the backyard or dropped off in a different neighbourhood. In other words, a dog who, if lucky, will be rescued by someone who does care.
If you're reading this column regularly, you're already aware that research and careful consideration of your lifestyle are important keys in making the right decisions. When you know for certain that a dog would have a wonderful life with you, where do you find that dog?
If you're absolutely set on a registered purebred dog, you can purchase it from a breeder (see my previous column describing Canadian Kennel Club-affiliated breeders versus puppy mills), an animal shelter or rescue group. Shelters and rescues often have purebred dogs and some are available with their registration papers. It may take longer to find that dog but, while you're waiting, you may suddenly discover a different breed or mixed-breed that says "Take me home!" After all, as Heather points out, there are millions of animals awaiting new homes.
Shelter staff and rescue group members spend time assessing these animals and can tell you about their previous history, temperaments, likes and dislikes and just about everything you'll need to know to make the right choice.
It's true that some of these adoptables may come with behavioural, training or health issues but that's not always the case. Some came from homes where it was loved but the owner moved into a retirement or nursing home. Or perhaps the dog came from a broken home and the owners found themselves unable to continue providing it with enough attention. And, even if there are unexpected issues, your veterinarian and professional dog trainer are available to assist.
Check out www.petfinder.com for a listing of adoptable pets at hundreds of shelters and rescues throughout Canada and the U.S. This website allows visitors to key in the exact features of the pet they're looking for and the site pops up an astounding array of animals fitting that description, sorted by location closest to your home. It also includes an area for lost and found pets. Warning: this website is highly addictive!
E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.