QUESTION FOR ALL SHOWSIGHT READERS Has the recent “adopt don’t shop” cam- paign by the AR organizations affected your breeding program? If so, how? Thank you to everyone who offered opinions on this month’s topic. The following is a selection of the responses. Want to voice your opinion to the fancy? Follow ShowSight’s Facebook page for the monthly question prompt! As a breeder and rescuer my kennel has not been affected at all by the “adopt don’t shop” campaign. Why? Ninety-eight percent of the dogs that end up in rescue are older animals. Very few puppies or younger dogs, five or under, come into rescue which are the ages of dogs breeders sell. I was always under the impression, from what I have been told by breeders, that they breed to just improve their breed standard not for profit. Now the noise from thebreeder com- munity seems to be coming from those that need to make profit by selling their dogs to cover their costs or to make a salary for themselves. Most rescues completely vet the dogs they place as to shots, spay or neuter. A rescue dog may have vetting costs that far exceed the adoption fee. Dogs from breeders are not necessarily vetted before sale. The main draw for a rescue dog being placed is the new owner gets a fully vetted animal rehabbed. I think persons on both sides of this question need to recognize the over population of animals in our country which was the catalyst for rescue. Rather than unfounded and inaccurate statements about each other all of us should realize both groups are needed in the ani- mal world for dogs to receive the dignity and care they need and deserve. We can all begin with the premise, “We love our dogs.” We want what is best for all our dogs. —Dorothy Cooper It hasn’t but I feel that people confuse “shopping” from pet stores, where puppies come from mills, and choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder. —Sue Cole Even though I have an almost 50 year reputation for pro- ducing well bred dogs, keeping up on all things related to my breed, health (even initiating a health study), safety, training, etc. and I don’t breed often, I’ve found that very few people are willing to pay the price for the expertise that I and similar breeders have, the guarantees we give, the support for the dog’s lifetime, etc. In my opinion it has gotten way worse in the last 10 years or so because the animal rights wackos have made such inroads to the pet buying public with their false claims. —Anonymous
always be docked and cropped. Many potential buyers have reservations about this and do not understand the process or necessity (health related). After explanations, most are happy to have a puppy, only a few have chosen not too. My biggest issue is that the AR paint us all as heartless and money driven. While there may be a few that resemble their picture, the majority of breeders have devoted their lives and resources to raise amazing dogs. They would rather die than see harm come to their dogs. I just wish we could see more if those amazing stories. —Mariko Yes, I am forever trying to educate people that insisting we all “rescue” mixed breed dogs just increases puppy mill, backyard breeder and irresponsible owner bred dogs being dumped into the shelters and rescues. I am both a breeder and I foster rescues for my breed. Each and everyone of my well bred pure Maltese dogs could eas- ily go to a new home, regardless of age. However, the foster dog I have right now can never go to any other home—she was dumped and mistreated it seems her entire life. She is now aggressive and a biter. She is also a senior dog and would have already been put down at a shelter—people think of cute puppies when they want a dog—not abused senior dogs that do not know and cannot enjoy a happy, car- ing home. Those who insist on “rescue above all else” need to experience first hand the harm they are perpetuating on these poor animals with their misguided tunnel vision. —Katherine Kasten Yes, people see or act toward me like I am disgusting. The AKC needs to have a campaign to counter this pubic thought. —Anonymous As a veterinarian we see too many clients shamed into buying, (no we cant adopt dogs, they are property) a dog that does not suit them. As chairman of the board of National Animal Interest Alliance, we have an entire campaign to defend our breed- ers. I am very concerned about illegal importation of dogs and humane relocation. As a veterinarian who does a lot of work for breeders, we see them forced out of breed- ing. I am happy to expound on this if it suits your needs. —Marty Greer
As far as my breeding, not at all. But, I have a dock and crop breed. As all my dogs do work at my home, they will
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