Pet Store Supports Puppy Mills

Chaloupa · #1 02-21-2008, 07:04 AM

How to buy a dog;
Talk to a veterinarian and get breeder listings from them, then contact the breeder, ask to meet them and their dogs and get many many references. Get the breeders vet's name and ask for a reference from them too. Then because you have researched the breed you know what other things to ask about...ie hips and elbows are free from hip dysplasia, their eyes are clear and have been tested, they have no inherited issues in their lines, etc

I am with ya on the puppy mills....sad sad state most of those dogs live in all their lives. My Mom manages an SPCA and their job is so tough.

Hopefully the SPCA there can and will inspect the pet store that has the puppy BUT unless there is a health concern, it is not being fed/given water, kept warm and dry etc there isn't a bunch they can do with the puppy...after all it's not illegal for pet stores to purchase puppies wherever they want...and then they get the impulse shopper that has to buy that "Dachshund type" or "Purebred Bichon Poodle mix" (love those ones

) for $1200.00.

Anyone interested in a dog should always research, research, research first...just like we preach here!

EmilyB · #2 02-21-2008, 07:10 AM

Quote:

How to buy a dog;
Talk to a veterinarian and get breeder listings from them, then contact the breeder, ask to meet them and their dogs and get many many references. Get the breeders vet's name and ask for a reference from them too. Then because you have researched the breed you know what other things to ask about...ie hips and elbows are free from hip dysplasia, their eyes are clear and have been tested, they have no inherited issues in their lines, etc

Absolutely well put !

Our vet got us in contact with a doberman breeder who also did breed rescue. As a result, we adopted a wonderful dog, albeit less than perfect...

Ephraim · #3 02-21-2008, 02:30 PM

Emily,

The only reason *edit* is notorious for buying puppies from puppy mills is uneducated "heros" trying to make a difference, continuing to spread these rumors. Guess what, I happen to know the woman who purchases puppies for the Canadian corporate stores quite well. And I know for a fact that everything you say about the Canadian *edit* is puppy C**P.

*edit* adopts puppies as well, does that by default make them purchase from puppy mills too?

*edit* provides an essential service so not only elitist dog lovers such as yourself can purchase dogs. If consumers were robbed of this venue for adopting puppies wouldn't the majority of them resort to the bargain finder for their puppies? You find this to be a better route?

Ephraim · #4 02-21-2008, 02:34 PM

And by the way Emily, i strongly disagree with you that a three legged puppy does not deserve a loving permanent home. You may wish to see this animal destroyed, but it still deserves a life. I am sure there are many qualities about yourself that are less than perfect. Should one immediately take these into account upon meeting you for an accurate judgment of your worth?

Reefer Rob · #5 02-21-2008, 03:12 PM

The best place to start if you're looking for a purebred dog is your local dog show. You can meet with the breeders, and they are more than happy to talk to you about their breed. All my best dogs have been mixed breeds so I hope your not saying anyone who breeds a mongrel is a puppy mill. We work in the pet industry so we see all kinds of "breeders" (Labradoodles LOL) and the true puppy millers make me sick. These people are nothing like someone who lets their dog have a couple of litters, they're pure evil. At the other end of the scale are the elitist purebred breeders who believe the only dog of value is a show champion. Give me a mutt any day.

Matt · #6 02-21-2008, 03:40 PM

I have worked in several pet stores, and for about 10 years, my family owned and operated one. We sold dogs, as well as the rest of the usual small-animal and bird menagerie. We were reasonably responsible, and bought from local breeders for our purebred stock, and sold love-pups, too (small town, no local shelter).

I offer this advice to anyone looking for a dog: A pet store is the last place to go to buy a dog. Staff are low paid, often untrained. Puppies are separated from their mothers too soon, as they sell best when they are fluffy and cute, and you need to allow for some "stock" time. It isn't unusual to see 5 and 6 week old pups in pet stores. Their immune and digestive systems are still developing, and they're put in a high-stress, high-contagion environment.

There are pet stores that do a marvellous job of caring for thier dogs, training their staff, and sourcing and placing dogs. But, given that there are much better alternatives, as described elsewhere in this thread, this is a slice of the business that doesn't need to exist.

In the words of Dennis Miller: "But that's just my opinion... I could be wrong."

Ephraim · #7 02-21-2008, 05:33 PM

Evidence is not a common tool use for these people that complain about retailers that deal with puppies. They consider some random links pertaining to a random franchise in the US as all they need. If someone wanted to get evidence, they would have researched this 3 legged dog a bit before posting here. They would have found out, as I did this morning, that this poor pup was rescued from a reserve by the Pets for Life Foundation. They would have also found out that his leg needed to be amputated because he was found after being struck by a vehicle, the damage too severe to save the leg.

Aquattro · #8 02-21-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ephraim

You may wish to see this animal destroyed, but it still deserves a life.

Um, that's not what she said. She wanted it rescued from the pet store, which in my opinion, is the worst place for a dog to be.

If you want a dog, research breeders, talk to dog club members, get to know something about the breeder. I'm looking for a Border Collie right now, so I need to check for eye sight issues, hearing problems, hips, etc. Early neurological stimulation is another thing that might be worth researching. Also, many of the best breeders don't own both parents, so you can't see both. This way they get to breed with the best out there, not just the best in the yard. Inspect bloodlines of the a few generations back, good breeders have these records. I'm looking for an agility/herding dog, so I'm being picky, but if you just want a dog buddy, go save one from the SPCA. My dog came from there and is just the greatest bozo around!

Ephraim · #9 02-21-2008, 05:59 PM

So your saying that this dog is better off in the SPCA where it will be put down if it cannot find a home, which is quite likely for a dog in this condition, opposed to a pet store where it is guarenteed to find a home? Correct?

Aquattro · #10 02-21-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ephraim

So your saying that this dog is better off in the SPCA where it will be put down if it cannot find a home, which is quite likely for a dog in this condition, opposed to a pet store where it is guarenteed to find a home? Correct?

No, you're getting all excited and not reading. Deb suggested contacting a blue heeler rescue for the dog, if one existed in alberta. And yes, the dog would be better off in a rescue environment, where they would likely find a home setting for it until such time as they found it a real home. Sitting in a retail box is not good for anything smarter than a hamster....