Since moving day is looming up I’ve spent more and more time on dog adoption websites as I have some far fetched and deluded idea that I might be able to fill my new apartment with lovable pets. Viewing all the dogs makes me happy, but it also makes me very angry and sad. There are many adorable puppies who will no doubt go to good homes - but then there are the lost causes awaiting their deaths in those horrible cages with concrete floors. It’s like Auschwitz for puppy dogs.
It really pisses me off – domestic dogs have been bred to be loyal, loving and completely dependant on us. No other animal trusts a human being like a dog does and they are abused, negleted and pretty much thrown onto a trash heap once someone decides they can’t be bothered caring for them anymore. Tens of thousands of unwanted animals are killed each year and yet, breeders and pet stores keep churning them out. I understand how easy it is to fall in love with those sweet little fluffy things at the shops (I’ve had my heart stolen by 2 so far) and I understand why people like to stick with a particular breed with known and trusted characteristics – bu I just can’t understand why people can’t find an adult dog or a mixed puppy of that breed at a shelter. What exactly is so prestigious about an animal whose father, grandfather and uncle are one in the same ? What’s so great about an animal that’s valuable on paper but suffers cataracts and arthritis by the age of 5? It makes no sense to be. Kinda reminds me a dipshit redneck I once saw on an episode of Ricki Lake. He had a problem with his daughter dating a man of different race . He didn’t consider himself racist, he just thought that people should keep it ‘pure’. If you want to know what happens when you ‘keep it pure’, take a look at the history of the Royal Family (you end up with a bunch of mentally challenged haemophiliacs until you begin to throw a few commoners into the mix).
Variety is the spice of life and genetic variety is the key to life. So don’t go telling me some fancy purebred is any better than the mutts at the pound. I more than understand how easy it is to fall in love at the pet store as well as the preference for a trusted breed that suits your needs – but I just don’t understand people who are after a fancy pedigree. You do not buy a dog for an expensive piece of paper – you buy a dog for their love and companionship and a dog that has spent too long in a small cage before moving in with you is likely to be an awfully gratetful and affectionate pup.
I have nothing against people who buy from pet stores (I have myself) I just worry about those sweet little puppies who catch the eye of someone who had simply headed to the mall to buy a new sweater. I’m sure a lot of those impulse buys end up at the pound once the dogs grows too big or the purchaser realises a pet doesn’t fit into their lifestyle very well. I agree with those who believe the selling of puppies and kittens in pet stores should be banned.
So next time you feel like it’s time to add a four legged friend to your family check out what’s online at PetRescue or the RSPCA (or one of the many other shelters who list animals online) and if you don’t find the perfect dog for you then go to a sensible breeder (who values health over pedigree), protect your doggy from unwanted parenthood and most importantly, DON’T get a dog if you are not certain you can provide a lifetime of care.
Thanx for listening to my little rant,
Janers
Janers I have so many stories about irresponsible pet owners that would make your hair curl. I don’t care to share them because they only upset me and I know they would upset you too. Put simply, some people should be put to death rather than let them have an animal.
I’m always sucked in by puppies at pet stores, but I would never buy from a pet store. I get the idea that they come from backyard breeders and / or puppy mills.
Unfortunately you can get caught out by so called “reputable” breeders too. I called a woman from Rutherford about puppies and the lies that woman told me about her dogs and the puppies, which by the way weren’t even born yet (in fact her female had only been mated 3 days prior so she wasn’t even sure of a pregnancy yet she was taking orders for 8 puppies with a $100 deposit). My God, she was insane!
My little dog, a hearbeat at my feet. – Edith Wharton
We got our first 2 from the pet shop. They’re hard to resist. I fell in love with one a little while ago and I could easily have bought it if I didn’t live at home. That’s the problem – people just buy these adorable puppies without thinking and not everyone has a stable home or a love of adult dogs.
I think you’r right about where they come from. People breed their mini foxies or Jack Russell crosses to make some extra cash and I didn’t think we had puppy mills here but I think i was wrong. I don’t think pet shops should be able to sell pups. People need to make the decision to become a pet owner before seeing the pet rather than the other way around.
You has an angry, but I has a sad thinking about this stuff.