WHY DO PEOPLE STILL BUY DOGS AND CATS!!!!!!!!!??????

[flvegan]

I'm sorry, but I'm just gonna lose it...

It's a known fact, by damn near everyone, that we euthanize an asspile of companion animals each year in this country. There is a massive surplus. Huge spay/neuter campaigns are underway everywhere. There are tons of resources through which you can adopt. Yet, for some reason, folks still insist on buying pets, either through a breeder or (shudder) a pet store.

I understand folks wanting a certain breed. Hell, I'm partial to Great Danes. But there are breed rescues everywhere (for example, if I wanted a Dane, there are almost 800 available on Petfinder.com). Then, many of the purchased dogs lose out anyway, because the backyard breeder that sold him/her or the puppy mill that cranked him/her out won't take responsibility for their genetic defects. Broken puppies, broken human hearts.

I understand wanting a puppy. Shelters are overloaded with them. Go find one.

Every time I read (especially here on DU, and I love my DU kin) that someone has bought a new puppy, I think of the two that just died. The one that gets euthanized because one more spot in a home got taken, AND the one that gets euthanized because that space in the shelter didn't open up for him. 5 million last year alone. 5 million dead companion animals because there just aren't enough homes. Kind of like some of the pro-lifers (not all, but many) that want every baby to come into the world, but fuck the kids already in the adoption system.

Sorry. Had to get it out. Thanks for absorbing my rant and my anger.

[Warpy]

1. Why do people insist on designer animals?

That's the one I could never figure out, and I have one, a Himalayan kitty from the Humane Association. He's a wonderful teddy bear of a cat, but his fur mats and requires frequent brushing (which he hates) and his teeth have always been prone to tartar and cavities, something my vet says is associated with the breed.

My other kitty is a Maine Coon, again adopted as an adult cat from the Humane Association. That these are now designer cats is really offensive to me since they're the generic barn cat in New England. They're not as manipulated and overbred as the Himmies are, so they have fewer health problems, but still...

Purebred animals always are prone to health issues that mutts and alley cats generally don't face.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

2. Why do people insist on breeding dogs and cats?

It seems to me that people just don't understand that the puppies that are teh result of breeding your dog will not be your dog.

[sbj405]

3. Why do people insist on intentionally breeding mixed breeds?

Labradoodles. There's others, too. Again, shelters are overloaded with mixed breeds of all shapes, sizes, and ages.

[Hun Joro]

4. Shelters are also overloaded with purebreds.

I used to volunteer at a local animal shelter, and we got more labs than any other dog, I think. People love labs, but they don't realize that raising a lab puppy is hard work, and that they are very destructive and rambunctious puppies for TWO WHOLE YEARS, and they need lots and lots of attention and training if they are to be integrated into a household. So they get dumped in shelters. Other people drop off their litters of purebred puppies thinking that, even though they were unable to find homes for them, there is no way that their purebreds will be euthanized. But it's all the same. Sometimes people make me sick.

[sbj405]

5. Yep. Just about any breed is available on petfinder

I have two pound pup - a pure Chow and a mutt of all mutts. :-)

[livinginphotographs]

13. I hear you about labs.

My friend's sister has a lab puppy, Layla, and the sister is NEVER home. So, Layla stays in a crate every time I'm over there. My friend insists that she gets out pretty frequently, but it still pisses me off to see this dog caged up and not able to do anything but lie there.

Another question would be: why do completely irresponsible people feel the need to have animals?

[AlienGirl]

7. Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier

[Merope215]

6. I feel exactly the same way

I had a roommate last year whose dog died and she insisted on getting a dog from a breeder. IT WASN'T EVEN A PUREBRED! She got a mixed husky-malamute and paid over $300 (as I recall) for a puppy that could easily have come from a shelter. Then again, her father's some kind of neurologist who spends most of his time cutting open monkeys' heads, so I guess coming from her, a little compassion would have been surprising. :mad:

[Piperay]

8. It's ridiculous

I myself am partial to Standard Poodles and have had them for years and years as my dog of choice. The first one was one that was living in an abandoned building and I took her home and fell in love with Poodles. When she died I wanted another and went to Standard Poodle rescue. I have had lots of people ask where I have gotten such terrific dogs and I tell them but half of them say 'yeah but I really want a puppy cause then I know all about it'. :mad: Well Poodle rescue has puppies along with full grown dogs and when you buy one from a breeder or pet store you don't really know the truth of it's background anyway, duh.

[RebelOne]

9. I really get pissed off when people at the Lounge

show pictures of their cat's litter of kittens. Why are they allowing their cats to breed? Aren't there enough cats now in shelters?

[Coventina]

10. The idea of a purebred USED to appeal to me

until we adpoted our Sarah, who is as mixed as can be.
We and the vet guess that she's a German shepherd mixed with some kind of retriever, some kind of spaniel and possibly a little bit of collie. She's obviously the work of several generations!

She is an absolute angel, has no serious health problems, the best behaved and sweetest dog you could imagine. She came to us as a stray, full grown about 2 years old.

Who the hell wants a puppy anyway?

[Warpy]

12. "I didn't know what breed of dog to get

so I just got 'em all."

Mutts are generally smarter and healthier. It sounds like you got an example of that!

[Coyote_Bandit]

11. My two purebreds are both rescue dogs

One had been attacked by other dogs at a puppy mill. When he came to me he was 9 months old, had never been socialized with people and had never even been inside a house. He also had a long bloody open wound in his right eyeball.

The second had pancreatitis and secondary renal failure at five months of age. No one including the vet would venture to guess whether or not he would survive his first year of life.

I found one on the internet (not through a rescue site) and the other through a local breeder (who was not responsible for breeding the dog). Neither the puppy mill or the breeder profited from these two dogs. Both were in need of care when they came to me.

My two boys have been wonderful companions and they get along together very well. The issue isn't whether or not the dog is papered or whether it is secured through a breeder or a puppy mill. I am privileged to have and to care for my two boys.

[Catchawave]

14. I think puppy millers have given "responsible" breeders

a bad name?

Goodness knows, it's like "adopting" a child from a crack ho', it's a cottage industry protected by the AKC and an icky lobby group, the NAIA.

I don't think all breeders are bad, but it irks me to no end, that those breeders who consider themselves responsible, don't lift a damn finger to help the protectionists. Therefore, millers flourish.

AND, imo, the AKC is an enabler of the millers too.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

15. I despise the AKC.

I understand people breed their animals with the best intentions. But really, there is absolutely no need to do it. There are so many homeless dogs and cats. Breeding, even with the best intentions, is still contributing to the problem. It's one more dead puppy, kitten, dog or cat.

[aWaKeNoW]

16. I understand

and respect your feelings and where you are coming from on the issue of people buying purebred dogs and cats. I just wanted to respond on the "other" side of that issue since I find myself in it.

My husband and I are partial to the terrier breeds and have two wonderful purebred dogs..Abby, a wire fox terrier and Ace, a miniature schnauzer. We also have a purebred cat, Dinah, a Tonkinese. We were very scrupulous of all of the breeders we considered, and actually went to several because we did not feel comfortable with some breeders not being sincere or truthful in answering all of our questions. The babies that are a part our family now, had breeders that we felt were truly lovers of not only the breed but TRUE lovers of their purebred dog/cats total well being...they were also scrupulous of us as well and keep in close contact with us even now(Abby is 3yrs, Ace is 1yr, and Dinah is 3yrs). All of them have been spayed or neutered which we believe was one of our most important responsibilities as owners, besides giving them a life full of love. Our babies are the "light" in our life and we couldn't imagine life without them. They truly are like our children.

Again, I truly understand your anger on the subject of people still buying dogs and cats. I guess I can be criticized for "buying" purebred dogs or a purebred cat, but like others like me I don't think we should be viewed as "bad" people who could have adopted from a shelter. Just think..our two dogs and one cat will never be placed in a shelter and will never be able to add to the population of unwanted dogs or cats because they have loving, caring, responsible owners.

[livinginphotographs]

17. It's not as simplistic as labeling someone a "bad person."

I don't claim to have the authority to call anyone a "bad" person, and anyway, the world is rarely that black and white.

The problem is not the occasional responsible owner and breeder of purebred dogs and cats, but the numerous irresponsible ones. Just like with the death penalty: we can kill 100 Jeffrey Dahmers a day, but if we kill even one innocent person, it's too much for me. Supporting an ethical breeder gives an unethical person the idea to make money in that industry. The only solution is to not give any breeder at all the business.

It's late and I'm tired, so I hope that whole rambling paragraph made some sense.

[Hun Joro]

18. To add to what livinginphotographs said...

I'm sure you had and have the best intentions, and provide a caring, responsible home for your animals, BUT, regardless of how conscientious you and your husband are and the breeder you chose is, three animals will die in shelters that you could provided with homes, but instead chose animals that were bred needlessly.

I just read what I wrote, and I hope it makes some sense, but I am very tired and apologize for lack of coherency.

[Lorien]

22. So by purchasing three pets she "killed' three others?

who says she would have had any pets at all if she didn't find the ones that she wanted? She may have owned none-would that make her guilty of murder too?

[flvegan]

19. I try not to judge anyone

and therefore wouldn't call you, or anyone else, a "bad" person.

I find that it's best to not chastize nor find fault with what someone has already done. Rather, it's better to wait and see what one does, having been educated, in the future.

I am happy that your "kids" are loved, well cared for and altered.

[aWaKeNoW]

20. I have to say..I learn more everyday

from other people on different issues..especially when those people don't automatically "persecute" me for my actions that they may not agree with. :) I believe that my view on the subject of breeders selling purebred puppies and kittens has changed a bit because I don't think I really ever "thought" about it from another point of view. I am a very open minded person..I just feel that everyday I am still trying to "break" out of the mindset that I was always taught growing up as the "right" way to think. I grew up in a family that always had purebred dogs and cats (not that that is an excuse), so growing up I naturally just had appreciation for certain breeds and always thought that was the only avenue. The wonderful babies I have now are here to stay, to be cared for and loved..but in the future if my husband and I ponder adding a new "baby" to the family I know we will definitely look at the rescues and shelters. Terriers are not a breed for "just anyone"! We have such an understanding and love (not to mention PATIENCE!) for that breed of dog..I am sure that we would definitely be doing a great thing by rescuing a terrier that may have had previous owners that did not take the time, energy or patience needed to truly love and appreciate that breed of dog.

Thank you for opening my eye on this subject..I always new I was drawn to the DU for some reason..now I see why. :D

[Lorien]

21. I've owned seven rescue kitties, and I have two purebreds

that I bought from breeders. I suppose that a number of people here would condemn me for my purchased pets rather than praise me for taking in "dumped" pets, since "supporting" a breeder is an unforgivable sin to some of you.

Why did I buy two cats? In 2003 my belove half Turkish angora Peewee died of HCM, an inherited heart defect. Months later another one of my rescue kitties, Jasper, died of kidney failure. Jasper had also been struggling with cancer. In my efforts to save both cats, I went $7,000 into debt (there was NOTHING I wouldn't do to help them or make them more comfortable). I was left with one kitty, Miro, my 15 year old rescued tuxedo cat. Miro cried for weeks after Peewee passed, and I was beside myself with grief. I went to every shelter in town, but none of the cats seemed to be what I was looking for. Turkish Angoras have unusual personalities; they are extremely intelligent, fiercely devoted to their owners, and are very active and engaging animals. They are rare in the US, as Turkey no longer allows the cat that is considered a sacred National treasure to be exported (it is said that the prophet Mohammad owned five Turkish angoras, and that their unusual personalities are a result of being "blessed by Allah"). I searched Petfinder for Turks and half turks, but the ones I found had already been adopted, or the shelters would not permit them to be adopted by anyone living out of state. I found a breeder that also did pet rescues, and she told me that if I came to a local pet show, many shelters and breeders involved with rescues would have cats available for adoption. I went, and the only two Turks they had were HUGE retired breeders-too intimating for my gentle old boy. I had to wait for over an hour for the woman in charge of the adoptions to come back from lunch, so I walked around the show hall to kill time. Every time I passed one table in particular, a silver and white kitten reached out of a cage and pawed at me. I finally stopped to take a look at him, and I just felt that he was the "right" one. The cage said "kittens for sale", but nothing about the breed. It turned out that he was a Maine Coon, and would grow into a very large cat-however, Maine Coons are one of the gentlest cat breeds around, so his size has not been a concern. I had not intended to buy a cat-I had intended to adopt. But as it turned out, my kitty Miro could not be happier with his new friend, so my feelings about him were correct. Condemn all you want, but if you saw those two snuggling forehead to forehead with their paws wrapped around one another-as they do every afternoon- I think that it would be hard to argue that Oberon is a "mistake".

I did finally buy a Turkish Angora as well. I searched for one whose parents had been screened for HCM and other genetic illnesses (Oberon, the Maine Coon, also has HCM free bloodlines). I CANNOT afford another $5,000 for vet bills for a few more years. Having access to the health records of my kittens parents was critical to me (my heart can't handle any more heartbreak for a while, either). Once I'm back in the black, I'll probably adopt more shelter kitties and hope for the best, but for now I'm happy for the security I have with my two new cats, and I'm thrilled with how happy Miro is with his new best buddy.

[livinginphotographs]

23. Lorien, I would never condemn you for that.

You've proven time and time again to be a good friend to animals. And your story seems similar to mine, in a way: my first cat, Abigail, was adopted from CARE (a local animal rescue organization), but she was a kitten, which violates one of my own rules about adopting cats. It was just that she seemed to make a connection to me, so I went ahead and adopted the kitten instead of an older cat, which I'd always said I would do instead.

I have more of a problem with people that specifically seek out breeders as opposed to even giving rescue animals a chance, as opposed to people who look and look and look and finally find an animal that they make a connection with, even though it may happen to be a breeder animal.

I hear you about the pain of losing an animal, though. It's not something I'd ever want to go through again, even though it's inevitable when you have an animal in your family.

[flvegan]

24. Nope.

You assume wrong, but I can understand that.

While I despise breeders (as a broad, sweeping, unfair statement) those that do rescue (real, serious rescue) get a pass from me. Sort of like someone that drives a Suburban who spends their weekends in a Greenpeace inflatable.

Anyway, you rescued in the past, and you've said that you'll do so in the future. Though I wish you had adopted the two that you have, I can understand your story. It also appears that you dote on your animals. AND it appears that you tried very hard to find one to adopt. All understood.

No condemnation from me (and I'm kind of a hardass about this stuff).

[Lorien]

26. I'm glad I bought Puck, my Turk

for her sake as well as mine. Turks are so hard to find that often they are purchased before they are even born. I reserved her before she was born as well (I thought I was getting a boy-oops)! As she grew, it became clear that she was "show quality"-had someone else bought her, she most likely would have been bred and shown. Instead, she's spayed and the only show she's ever done was a benefit to raise money for the Orlando SPCA (cats "win" by earning votes in the form of donations. Puck earned about $200 and Oberon earned a little more than twice that). Cats shows aren't much fun for the cats, IMO. I'm glad she doesn't have that as a career!

[SemiCharmedQuark]

25. Nope. You went to a breeder as a last resort.

My beef is with people who go to breeders as a first resort, and unethical breeders/unexperienced breeders. I don't like breeding, but if it must be done, at least there are some ethical breeders out there.

[Lorien]

27. In a perfect world, the only pets we would have available to us would come

from reputable breeders. The two I bought were from breeders who breed for health and disposition FIRST; their goal is to offer cats that become true members of the family, and who live a long and disease free life (they also only have 1-2 litters per year). Others seem to breed only for appearance, which leads to sickly, inbred pets that often end up in shelters. "Extreme" breeds are the worst; sphinx cats with horribly recessive genes, Welsh Corgis with almost non-existent legs and spinal problems, deaf dalmatians. It's now the fashion to breed collies with small eyes, and now some are born with NO eyes!! My two cats are "natural" breeds that evolved without humans meddling with them, so they make fairly hardy pets. Many dogs breeds, though, have become victims to the whims of fashion. It's not fair to the animal or the owner when appearance becomes the only concern. I'm shocked sometimes that there are no agencies out there that work to end such breeding practices.

I know that there are spay and neuter laws in some states, but that the Petland chain has been fighting against them. I suggest boycotting Petland and telling your reps and local government officials that you support mandatory spaying and neutering for all pets that do not come from licensed breeders (also, we should demand that breeders be inspected yearly; such laws would close down puppy mills).

[Hun Joro]

28. Your cats are beautiful.

I hope my post did not come across as judgmental; that was never my intention - although now I can see how it might have been read that way.

Is the striking grey on the left the Turkish Angora? I have never seen one of those. Gorgeous.

I've never bought a cat or a dog, but I did break down many years ago and purchased ferrets in the worst of all places, a pet store. I went in to buy cat food and made the mistake of playing with the ferrets and fell in love. Three of them. Weak, I know, and I always felt guilty for supporting that terrible industry, but I adored those little weasels and they lived happy lives. My last little girl passed last year and I miss her terribly - I had a very vivid dream a couple of weeks ago that she came back to see me and covered my face with weasel kisses.

[Lorien]

29. I adore ferrets!

I had one years ago named Ravi Stinkar. I had adopted him from an ad in our local paper (someone bought two-a boy and a girl who they were told were fixed-they were not). He was a joy; always happy, always playful. He died from epilepsy at age five. I still miss that little guy. :cry:

The gray cat is the Maine Coon. They grow into HUGE cats- two or three times the size of domestic shorthairs-but they are as gentle as can be. He's a total lovebug.

[Hun Joro]

30. Ravi Stinkar is such a clever name!

The scientific name for ferrets, Mustela puterius furo, roughly translates as 'stinky thief'. You can't be sad in the presence of a ferret! Unfortunately they are susceptible to many fatal or marginally-treatable maladies that they often don't live long, and it's such a heartbreak when they die.

[Lorien]

31. I'm glad that someone finally "got it"!

;-)

Even when I would tell acquaintances "he was named after Ravi Shankar, the sitar player" I got blank stares "you know..he was an inspiration to the Beatles"? More blank stares. *sigh*.

If they lived longer, I'd probably have a house full of ferrets-they're better than Prozac! :-)