09/30/2025
๐๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด, ๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฐ๐๐ฒ, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ช๐ต๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐
Letโs clear the air: it is 100% OK to purchase an ethically bred dog from a responsible breeder, just as it is 100% OK to adopt from an ethical rescue. Both paths can lead to a wonderful family member, but in both cases research is key.
Having volunteered with rescues in the past, Iโve seen firsthand that not every rescue operates ethically, even when labeled as a nonprofit. Some turn dogs for profit while relying on trainers to volunteer their time rehabbing dogs with serious bite histories, without disclosing that information to potential adopters. This is not only misleading, it can also put families in unsafe situations. Even when concerns are raised, some rescues will stand by this lack of transparency (sometimes even in writing).
๐๐๐ซ๐โ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ:
๐๐ป Some dogs can be owned by anyone.
๐๐ป Some dogs can be owned by the right someone.
๐๐ป And some dogs, unfortunately, are not safe for ownership at all.
This is why doing your research on rescues is just as important as doing research on breeders. The โonionโ of rescue goes much deeper than what the public usually sees, and informed decision-making matters.
No matter where your dog comes from, breeder or rescue, training should never be seen as a luxury, but as a necessity. Investing in training ensures you set your new family member up for long-term success, creating stability, enrichment, and a strong bond.
๐ผ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ก๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช:
โ
Choose the right breed for your goals and lifestyle
โ
Source your dog ethically
โ
Establish short-term and long-term goals for success
This isnโt about bashing rescues. Itโs about awareness. Just like youโd research breeders, itโs important to dig deeper into the rescue youโre considering. The more informed you are, the better equipped youโll be to bring home the right dog for your family and set them (and yourself) up for a lifetime of success.
๐พ At the end of the day, whether your dog comes from an ethical breeder or an ethical rescue, the goal should always be the same: a safe, happy, and fulfilled life together. ๐๐ป