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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Why do people buy dogs?
Unless someone is planning on showing, why does anyone need to pay $$ for a purebred dog when there are so many dogs in shelters that need homes?
I am not trying to start drama or anything, I just don't understand why people do this so I was hoping that maybe someone could explain it to me.
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Posted 3/17/07 11:26 AM  |
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aliwnec10
mom of 3 boys
Member since 4/06 11426 total posts
Name:
Ali
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
We bought a dog because my husband wanted a jack russell and we don't have very many shelters out here. And none of them have jack russells. Plus i wanted a certain type of JR which would be very hard to come by in a shelter.
ETA: we have 2 shelters out here within 40 minutes of where we live.
Message edited 3/17/2007 11:35:58 AM.
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| Posted 3/17/07 11:35 AM |
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Jesaroo
is not the girl you knew
Member since 5/05 14266 total posts
Name:
Jes
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
2 of my dogs i bought from breeders.
Lukin was my first dog i bought... i wanted a minpin and i never knew there were minpin rescues orgs out there.
Tinky i bought too because i wanted a VERY specific type of dog. (i envisioned an all white long haired chihuahua---- shes short hair because she sent the wrong dog )
sometimes you want a very specific dog and so you talk to breeders and find the right dog for you.
its a personal choice.
would i adopt again? of course
would i buy from a breeder again? yes, i would
it depends on the dog.
eta: i live in brooklyn and i prefer small dogs for apartments... all the shelters around here mainly have pit bull mixes... most dont have small dogs, or they go super fast when they do. shelters are not always an option.
Message edited 3/17/2007 11:41:38 AM.
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| Posted 3/17/07 11:40 AM |
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conigs25
So in love with this kid!
Member since 5/06 11197 total posts
Name:
Michele
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
I agree w/ you. Unless someone is looking for a particular breed and then i PRAY they get it from a breeder and not those damned pet stores.
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| Posted 3/17/07 2:26 PM |
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Gertyrae
Peace out Homies!
Member since 5/05 20046 total posts
Name:
Gerty ®
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
I think there is a valid reason for getting a certain dog and buying it as a puppy from a breeder.
You can research the breeds you want and make sure to find the one that is right for you.
You know the history of both parents and can protect against things like hip dysplasia or other problems that are inherant to certain breeds.
You get the puppy at about eight weeks and can train it from the start.
If you do have a problem or situation, you can contact the breeder you got it from and usually get some information or assistance from them.
That being said, I would NEVER condone getting a puppy from a pet store - these are puppy mill puppies no matter where you go.
And, there are a lot of rescues for almost every breed, We got a Weimeraner (which is not a real common dog) through a LI Rescue.
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| Posted 3/17/07 2:31 PM |
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karacg
Babygirl is 4!
Member since 5/05 17076 total posts
Name:
Kara®
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by Gertyrae
I think there is a valid reason for getting a certain dog and buying it as a puppy from a breeder.
You can research the breeds you want and make sure to find the one that is right for you.
You know the history of both parents and can protect against things like hip dysplasia or other problems that are inherant to certain breeds.
You get the puppy at about eight weeks and can train it from the start.
If you do have a problem or situation, you can contact the breeder you got it from and usually get some information or assistance from them.
That being said, I would NEVER condone getting a puppy from a pet store - these are puppy mill puppies no matter where you go.
And, there are a lot of rescues for almost every breed, We got a Weimeraner (which is not a real common dog) through a LI Rescue.
Thanks Gerty. I am glad someone sees the advantages to researching your dog before you bring it home. Honestly, if you get a dog from a shelter because it is "so cute" but when you get home you find out it is not the right dog for you or your family (aggression, separation anxiety, illness you cannot afford to take care of, whatever), then what?? You post on here that you need a home for your dog, and then you get flamed.
DH wants only a Lab. He never had any other dog until mine (Ebony) and he was adamant about the next one being a Lab (as was I because I know the breed and how it meshes with us).
I am 40 years old, pregnant through IVF and spent over 30K to get here. I am not going to bring a dog into my house at this point that comes from an unknown background -- cute is fine but it isn't all that matters. The chances of my dog being docile, great with kids, and a wonderful all-around family dog that suits our lifestyle are much greater than if I got a mix from a shelter.
So with all this said, I often feel I need to be on the defensive as people on here are always saying "don't but while others die". That's fine, but not for my situation at this point in time and I don't think anyone has the right to judge me on my decision.
People spend hundreds of $$ on a purse - I spent it on a dog from a reputable professional breeder, who will be loved and cared for and will not be "tossed out" when the baby comes...he means much more to me than any purse ever would.
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| Posted 3/17/07 5:32 PM |
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lucyloo
nope
Member since 1/06 9758 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
If size was not a concern, then I would have adopted- animal shelters are filled with mixed breed puppies (we wanted a puppy) that can grow up to be any size.
We wanted a small dog that was a puppy though. I bought our JRT from a breeder.
ETA: We did adopt my parents adult JRT from an animal shelter.
Message edited 3/17/2007 5:44:53 PM.
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| Posted 3/17/07 5:44 PM |
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KrisT
Two Boys for Me!!
Member since 1/07 5213 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
My family's dog (my fur-sister - lives with my parents) was bought from a breeder. We could only get specific breeds because both my sister and I have SEVERE allergies to certain breeds as well as many mixed breeds. My parents did not want to take a chance and adopt a mixed breed dog because they wanted to make sure that there weren't going to be any allergy problems. They also wanted a small dog.
I also was not aware of how many resucues there are when my parents bought the dog. I did extensive research and bought from a wonderful breeder.
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| Posted 3/17/07 6:11 PM |
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june262004
But I love the Snow!
Member since 5/05 15379 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by karacg
Posted by Gertyrae
I think there is a valid reason for getting a certain dog and buying it as a puppy from a breeder.
You can research the breeds you want and make sure to find the one that is right for you.
You know the history of both parents and can protect against things like hip dysplasia or other problems that are inherant to certain breeds.
You get the puppy at about eight weeks and can train it from the start.
If you do have a problem or situation, you can contact the breeder you got it from and usually get some information or assistance from them.
That being said, I would NEVER condone getting a puppy from a pet store - these are puppy mill puppies no matter where you go.
And, there are a lot of rescues for almost every breed, We got a Weimeraner (which is not a real common dog) through a LI Rescue.
Thanks Gerty. I am glad someone sees the advantages to researching your dog before you bring it home. Honestly, if you get a dog from a shelter because it is "so cute" but when you get home you find out it is not the right dog for you or your family (aggression, separation anxiety, illness you cannot afford to take care of, whatever), then what?? You post on here that you need a home for your dog, and then you get flamed.
What Kara described is what we got from my shelter dog.
I wouldn't have it any other way I LOVE RUDY TO DEATH!!!
Rudy is Hyper, HYPER HYPER 
He barkes he bites he jumps he cries when we leave the house.... HE is a MONSTER!
We sent him to obedience training at pet smart and now we have a trainer coming on Wed and it's costing an arm and a leg
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| Posted 3/17/07 7:01 PM |
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leighla
Support Cancer Research
Member since 5/05 16353 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
We wanted a lab. Similar to the reasons that Kara named.
We did go to three shelters first, but none of them had any puppies, so we paid for our dog.
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| Posted 3/17/07 7:29 PM |
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alexlynn7
Big brother to be!
Member since 9/06 6314 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by karacg
Thanks Gerty. I am glad someone sees the advantages to researching your dog before you bring it home. Honestly, if you get a dog from a shelter because it is "so cute" but when you get home you find out it is not the right dog for you or your family (aggression, separation anxiety, illness you cannot afford to take care of, whatever), then what?? You post on here that you need a home for your dog, and then you get flamed.
So with all this said, I often feel I need to be on the defensive as people on here are always saying "don't but while others die". That's fine, but not for my situation at this point in time and I don't think anyone has the right to judge me on my decision.
i agree, i don't think anyone has the right to judge anyone else's decision of how to pick their pet. it's a personal decision.
i admit to having very strong views on this subject - it's because i took home my first dog sophie on the day she was to be euthanized. it was less than a month after i lost my father, and more than anything i needed a companion (no offense to my BF, now my DH!) and sophie turned out to be the absolute light of my life. people have told me that i saved her, but the truth is SHE saved ME. and it makes me sick to think that she could have ended up in a trash bin somewhere because she didn't have a home.
that's when i became a strong advocate of shelter adoption. but having said that, that's my reasoning (/baggage!) and no one else's. everyone needs to do what's right for them, and if that means picking a breed and buying from a breeder, then so be it.
ETA: just wanted to add that even though i believe strongly in shelter adoption, i also believe in researching your dog before you bring it home. i would NEVER bring a dog home from a shelter just because it was "so cute". taking ANY dog into your family for that reason, no matter if you're buying or adopting, is in my opinion irresponsible and potentially disastrous. if you're going to adopt from a shelter, i believe you need to do your homework - e.g., read up on the breeds that make up your dog, adopt from a shelter that conducts extensive behavioral testing, and read up on and conduct behavioral tests of your own. and if you're still worried about a dog's temperament, you can always adopt a dog that's been fostered for weeks to months - a foster family can typically tell you the ins and outs of a dog's personality.
Message edited 3/17/2007 8:49:17 PM.
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| Posted 3/17/07 8:38 PM |
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HarleyGirlFLA
Come on in
Member since 5/05 9674 total posts
Name:
Mel
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
I bought Simba from my old co-worker. He initially bought Simba for the family and to show and/or stud. Then he and his wife had marital problems and she took the kids and moved out. He did not want the dog anymore. So he posted a "for sale" sign at the office and my heart just broke at the fact he had a purebred Golden in an apartment and he did not want the dog. He only bought it to please his wife. I couldnt resist. I told him pull that sign down, lets meet on Sunday so I can see the dog and I want him.
We are not showing him (though it was a thought at one time) and if we dont stud him this fall he's getting fixed.
Him being a purebred just came with buying him.
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| Posted 3/17/07 9:47 PM |
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june262004
But I love the Snow!
Member since 5/05 15379 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by alexlynn7
ETA: just wanted to add that even though i believe strongly in shelter adoption, i also believe in researching your dog before you bring it home. i would NEVER bring a dog home from a shelter just because it was "so cute". taking ANY dog into your family for that reason, no matter if you're buying or adopting, is in my opinion irresponsible and potentially disastrous. if you're going to adopt from a shelter, i believe you need to do your homework - e.g., read up on the breeds that make up your dog, adopt from a shelter that conducts extensive behavioral testing, and read up on and conduct behavioral tests of your own. and if you're still worried about a dog's temperament, you can always adopt a dog that's been fostered for weeks to months - a foster family can typically tell you the ins and outs of a dog's personality.
I do NOT agree.
We went to the shelter not knowing what kind of dogs they had. How could we? We got a mixed breed dog as most shelter dogs are.... Dogs move fast in a shelter so it's not like we went to the shelter and said "he you know what he's a cute dog lets go home and research a little" They told us what he was but really it was what they THOUGHT he was. You can't always tell what shelter dogs are. Rudy has Chow Chow in him. Known to not be friendly dogs to outsiders but he is OVERLY FRIENDLY!
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| Posted 3/17/07 11:15 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
It sounds good to just adopt dogs and help the dogs who really need homes, BUT as a lot of people said all breeds are not for all people. They ahve specific traits and sometimes the brred is important. Also, sometimes it's personal preference. if I got a dog I would want a lab or a collie. There's no particular reason, I have just always loved labs and I had a collie as a child. For whatevr reason I don't like cocker spaniels, for example. My mom has ayorkie and she;s perfect for my mom because she's tiny, she's very sweet and lovces to be spoiled. For me, I don't have the patience for a primadonna dog. I want one to go play frisbee with, so it really makes a difference.
I wish my sister had done some more research before choosing a jack russell. He is a handful!
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| Posted 3/17/07 11:27 PM |
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nyteacher13
Three Under Four!!! :-)
Member since 8/06 6405 total posts
Name:
~ THERESA ~
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Why?? Preference and practicality.
I have YET to find Yorkshire Terriers in local shelters anywhere NEAR my house. Otherwise, I would have GLADLY adopted!
PS - I'd adopt EVERY dog if I could, but I live in a house with a small yard and it wouldn't be fair for a big dog. They need space to run and we just don't have that.
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| Posted 3/18/07 12:21 AM |
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MrsRivera
2 under 2...whew!!
Member since 2/07 9876 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
I agree...I would never pay money for a "purebred" when there are so many wonderful dogs out there that are living in cages, because everyone would rather buy their dog.
I, for one, refuse to contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. When we move to NC in a few months, we plan to visit the local shelter to get our first dog. 
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| Posted 3/18/07 1:02 AM |
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MrsFlatbread
Skinny jeans are in my future
Member since 6/06 10258 total posts
Name:
Baby Momma
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
It's a personal choice. i would by from a petshop again. Listen, I may get flamed for this, but no matter the protest people put on pet shops or so, these dogs in pet shops need homes too. That is how I look at it. Both of my dogs came from pet shops and they are both wonderfully healthy and perfect...and needed homes. They now have a great one.
I know many of you feel strongly about this issue and it is very sad about all of the puppy mills that are truly harming animals for profit, but until a law is passed outlawing illegal puppy mills, then pet shop dogs will still need homes. Let's not forget that. Sorry, not looking to start anything here...just giving my opinion.
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| Posted 3/18/07 8:23 AM |
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MrsKelly
just hangin' around...
Member since 11/06 6305 total posts
Name:
Krista
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by MrsFlatbread
It's a personal choice. i would by from a petshop again. Listen, I may get flamed for this, but no matter the protest people put on pet shops or so, these dogs in pet shops need homes too. That is how I look at it. Both of my dogs came from pet shops and they are both wonderfully healthy and perfect...and needed homes. They now have a great one.
I know many of you feel strongly about this issue and it is very sad about all of the puppy mills that are truly harming animals for profit, but until a law is passed outlawing illegal puppy mills, then pet shop dogs will still need homes. Let's not forget that. Sorry, not looking to start anything here...just giving my opinion.
i agree. we bought our dog from a petshop... we looked at numerous shelters, numerous times before that but unfortunately we needed a small dog and wanted a puppy - and puppies at shelters, well they can't guarantee you what size the dog is going to be - because they have no idea what breeds may lie within that dog. we found our maltese at a petstore, right around the corner from a shelter and we paid way too much money for him, but i don't care because he's my baby and he's perfect. and the next time we get a dog, will we look in shelters first? of course! but if they don't have what we want, will we buy from a pet store or a breeder? absolutely. why buy while others die, you say? okay, but why should the dogs in pet stores die, just because they are in a pet store? they didn't choose that! and their lives are just as precious and worthwhile as any other animal! so by people REFUSING to buy from a pet store... all you're doing, in my opinion, is killing those helpless animals... and they don't deserve it. i'm not going to pick and choose where i'll get a dog from... when i find what i'm looking for and/or fall in love with one - that's where i'll get it from. if i could, i'd adopt every dog. those in shelters, those in pet stores, strays - all of 'em. they ALL deserve a good home and if someone loves animals enough, i don't think they should be so biased as to where they get theirs from. dogs need and deserve love and a good home, no matter where they are from!
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| Posted 3/18/07 9:38 AM |
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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
We must have a hypoallergenic dog for DH. Oftentimes, shelters are incorrect about the breed of the dog because they do not know. I would hate to get a shelter dog only to have to return him or her b/c DH is allergic. That said, when we first started the process, I wasn't as educated as I am now. While we did a lot of research on breeds, we didn't do as much about adoption so we have become volunteers for Havanese Rescue to do our part to help with pet overpopulation.
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| Posted 3/18/07 10:32 AM |
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Jesaroo
is not the girl you knew
Member since 5/05 14266 total posts
Name:
Jes
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by MrsRivera
I, for one, refuse to contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. When we move to NC in a few months, we plan to visit the local shelter to get our first dog.
ummmmm buyinhg a dog doesnt contribute to the overpopulation.... "breeding" your dog does. therefore spayign and nuetering is a must
mrsflatbread & mrskelly.... your arguemnts make me sick.
Message edited 3/18/2007 11:19:45 AM.
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| Posted 3/18/07 11:17 AM |
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MrsFlatbread
Skinny jeans are in my future
Member since 6/06 10258 total posts
Name:
Baby Momma
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by ThusSpokeLaLolita
Posted by MrsRivera
mrsflatbread & mrskelly.... your arguemnts make me sick.
It wasn't an argument...it was my opinion and hers. You are entitled to yours. Again, as I stated in my previous post, I wasn't looking to start anything just giving my opinion.
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| Posted 3/18/07 11:31 AM |
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alexlynn7
Big brother to be!
Member since 9/06 6314 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by june262004
Posted by alexlynn7
ETA: just wanted to add that even though i believe strongly in shelter adoption, i also believe in researching your dog before you bring it home. i would NEVER bring a dog home from a shelter just because it was "so cute". taking ANY dog into your family for that reason, no matter if you're buying or adopting, is in my opinion irresponsible and potentially disastrous. if you're going to adopt from a shelter, i believe you need to do your homework - e.g., read up on the breeds that make up your dog, adopt from a shelter that conducts extensive behavioral testing, and read up on and conduct behavioral tests of your own. and if you're still worried about a dog's temperament, you can always adopt a dog that's been fostered for weeks to months - a foster family can typically tell you the ins and outs of a dog's personality.
I do NOT agree.
We went to the shelter not knowing what kind of dogs they had. How could we? We got a mixed breed dog as most shelter dogs are.... Dogs move fast in a shelter so it's not like we went to the shelter and said "he you know what he's a cute dog lets go home and research a little" They told us what he was but really it was what they THOUGHT he was. You can't always tell what shelter dogs are. Rudy has Chow Chow in him. Known to not be friendly dogs to outsiders but he is OVERLY FRIENDLY!
let me clarify - what i meant by researching a dog before you bring him home is figuring out what breeds/dog classes you definitely want/don't want before you actually get to the shelter.
for example, both times i knew i wanted terrier/schnauzer type mixes who would stay small, wouldn't aggravate my allergies, and would be loyal and a little feisty. i looked at many different shelters over time (actually weeks for owen) until i found the perfect dogs for me.
i agree, dogs move fast in a shelter and you can't just be beginning to research when you get there, you'll lose the dog. i also agree that there's no way you can know for sure exactly which breeds make up your dog - that's the risk you take. but an educated guess of the breeds combined with the shelter's/your own behavioral testing can be a pretty good (but obviously not perfect) proxy. jmo.
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| Posted 3/18/07 11:37 AM |
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Jesaroo
is not the girl you knew
Member since 5/05 14266 total posts
Name:
Jes
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
i just think it is sad when someone KNOWS about puppymills and still is willig to support them. i find it selfish.
i understand what youre saying about they need homes as well.... but you have to think, such a small percentage pf people actually know about puppymills... hence why so many ppl buy form them.... people will never stop buying from shops as long as they are ignorant about mills. no shop dog will ever be put to sleep because it hasnt sold. they go on sale and they sell. they do often die though because of such disgusting condtitions they are kept in.....
i just find it upsetting that you know but are still wanting to support the disgusting business.
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| Posted 3/18/07 11:38 AM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
I guess where you get your dog from is your business.I personally would not buy from a pet store or breeder. Adoption from a shelter would be the only way DH and I would ever get our dogs in the future. We had such an incredible experience getting our puppy through petfinder. She was a rescue and we could not be happier. We were not 100% on what type of dog we wanted, so a mixed breed was fine for us. If we had specifics in mind, maybe things would be different.
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| Posted 3/18/07 12:58 PM |
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MrsRivera
2 under 2...whew!!
Member since 2/07 9876 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Why do people buy dogs?
Posted by ThusSpokeLaLolita
ummmmm buyinhg a dog doesnt contribute to the overpopulation.... "breeding" your dog does. therefore spayign and nuetering is a must
all of these puppies that are being bought were brought into this world for one reason: because people are willing to buy them. If people would stop supporting purebred breeders, people who want a dog would HAVE to adpot from the shelter...hence, all of those homeless animals would now have homes. Instead, breeders understand that because people will BUY their dogs, they can keep breeding...bringing, you guessed it...MORE DOGS into the world!!!
Get it?
Message edited 3/18/2007 7:54:17 PM.
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| Posted 3/18/07 7:53 PM |
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