As you read my 'signature' below, you will see that I operate a private all-breed rescue/foster/adoption program. I have been involved in rescue for about 15 yrs. now.
I see dogs go to waste every day; large and small, purebred and mutt, young and old... doesn't seem to matter; they get sold to what would seem to be a good home, then somehow get discarded back into our system, or worse, dumped somewhere. It's VERY sad. Me? I wouldn't trust anyone these days with a puppy for sale. I have a hard time trusting people with these wonderful 'used' dogs... but at least 'used' dog adopters are generally honest and upright. Most puppy buyers do not have a clue. Most puppy purchases are on impulse. I have even seen many (especially small breeds) puppies purchased at a certain price from the 'breeder' and then resold to "who knows who" for more money. :( Poor little guys. I have rescued just about every breed imaginable in the past 15 years. We just busted a puppy mill with 64 breeding Yorkies and Chihuahuas. I have discovered that the reason the little dogs don't reach rescue sooner is that they are passed around from family member to family member and from friend to friend, etc...
The downside of selling a puppy to someone is that you lose the right to govern what happens to the pup from that point on. You can try, but rarely will a court stand behind you. Money changes hands, a 'sale' is made and you have no more rights. AND, if you don't have the pups spayed/neutered before going into their new homes, it's almost guaranteed... even if they have signed an agreement NOT to breed... that the dog is going to get bred at least once (usually an 'accident': a mixed litter). And people don't care if they have papers... the pups will sell anyway. With rescue, we have a great contract and can legally confiscate the dog if the contract is broken because a 'purchase' was not made. The adoption fees are 'donations' to the individual rescue. Home visits are done prior to the adoption to check out the truthfulness of statements that are made about the new home environment.
That puts me in a great position. I teach dog obedience and agility. I provide 7 weeks of obedience class at a reduced cost with EVERY dog adopted from me. That way I can help create a good bond and get some good stuff going with the new family. Most times even establish a relationship for boarding or whatever else they might need in the future. I don't lose track of too many dogs with all that going on.
Quote me: I would NEVER produce a living thing and expect someone else to take care of it for the next 15 yrs. It just won't happen. If I told you some of the horror stories that I have witnessed first hand by people who "love their dog"... I could make you cry. :(
Please go to our websites and check out all of the fabulous homeless dogs up for adoption:
www.therightcarefordogs.com www.idahopawsforlife.org www.idawg.com
Please spay/neuter your dog. It saves those of us in rescue just that many more dogs to find homes for. Thank you.
~ Jolene ~
"Keeping good dogs in good homes!!" www.therightcarefordogs.com
*The Right Care for Dogs *14 yrs. Private All-Breed Rescue/Foster/Adoption
*14 yrs. Playground Dog Care *17 yrs.. Companion Obedience Classes *Full Agility Course ~ Lessons *208-365-6844 jvthedoglady@webtv.net
For beautiful hand-made, custom-made collars and leashes go to: www.joliemignonne.com
NOTE for potential 'breeders': If you really aren't sure, but you think you really want to breed your dog, do as a very wise breeder once told a group of young would-be breeders: "Walk through an animal shelter ... if you can look into the eyes of every dog that is cowering alone and afraid and homeless in those cages and be absolutely certain that no dog you ever bring into this world (nor their offspring) will ever be among them for any reason, EVER, for as long as you live, then you can be a dog breeder." Unknown