08/16/2024
Adopt don't shop. Why are we telling people that this practice supports backyard breeders, pet stores, and puppy mills?
A person buys a dog from a pet store, backyard breeder or puppy mill without knowing it, They take it home. That entity has gotten their money and they do not provide mentorship, or support in anyway.
That puppy grows up becomes more challenging than the owner anticipated or whatever the reason and it goes to a rescue or shelter.
A year later the kids want a dog, the wife wants a dog, somebody wants a dog and they go back and they get a puppy the same way they did the first time.
Again the backyard breeder, pet store or puppy mill makes their money. They actually make more money the faster dogs turn over in homes. They have zero incentive to breed physically and emotionally sound dogs.
Had that family bought a dog from a reputable breeder they would've received support on how to raise the dog and had a place to return the dog should it not work out.
Shelters and rescues never would've been involved.
If the reputable breeder had too many dogs returned for whatever reason, they would stop breathing because they need to care for what they already have.
The backyard breeders, pet stores and puppy mills just repeat the process over and over with zero responsibility.
There is an idolized view of having a dog that is all joy. When that doesn't happen, instead of people looking at themselves and asking why or looking at the breeder and asking what did this breeder produce and was it best suited for life in an urban home they typically surrender the dog, and try again. They get the puppy from same place and they often end up with the same result. The cycle perpetuates itself over and over again.
This provides a tremendous income to backyard breeders, pet stores and puppy mills. And let's be honest to some bad rescues as well.
Adopt if that is your choice, but research the rescue or shelter and make sure they are reputable and doing a good job and honestly describing the animals they have for adoption. They should take back pets if they do not fit well in your home.
Buy, if that is your choice, but research the breeder make sure their genetic health testing is on OFA which is a third-party verification source. Verify that they provide mentorship and will take the puppy back should anything happen.
If we all take a stand we can change the overpopulation problem. It takes education. Be part of teaching people how to find a reputable rescue, shelter or breeder. Be a part of teaching so we can affect change for the better.
