Yes, one could go to a Pet Store to purchase a papered Pup for a little more then the donation a Rescue Group may request---and be responsible for encouraging the Puppy Mill industry to flourish. Perhaps there are those who are unaware of the conditions that these animals are born to? Perhaps the thought of that sweet puppy's mother living out her entire life confined to a cage, covered in mange, and barely able to stand does not trouble some folks. (See NBC's report on "Petstore Puppies": http://www.msnbc.com/news/399912.asp#BODY)
However, even if the plight of the pup's mother didn't concern them, if their motivation was to save a few dollars---they would be woefully misinformed. Pet store pups are notorious for costing their owners--not just in the funds to cope with the many health problems, but emotionally--as many owners fight a losing battle with bad genetics, compromised immune systems, and unstable temperaments. (See "Pet Store Puppies": http://www.kerryblues.org/RESCUE/WHYNOT.HTML)
Prospective Pet Owners could also seek a Reputable Breeder, pay $500-1000 for a puppy and, IF they are responsible Pet Owners, they would still need to spend the funds to properly vet their new pet, (to neuter, vaccinate, etc.).
"IF YOU REALLY CARED ABOUT THESE DOGS AND TRULY CARED IF THEY FOUND "FOREVER HOMES", YOU WOULD CHARGE NOTHING."
Rescuers care enough to provide for these dogs when their original owners did not, to screen homes, to invest their hearts, time, and personal funds. Rescuers care enough to know that if someone cannot afford a nominal donation for adoption it is likely that person would also be unable to provide proper veterinary care for the animal Rescue has loved to health. Rescuers care enough to have researched and know what happens to those "free to a good home" pets-- the neglect, abuse and abandonment that these animals, deemed of no value, will suffer. (See "FREE TO A GOOD HOME?": http://members.tripod.com/~doglegg/charlie_parker.html) We care enough that we cannot be governed by expenses.
The idea that Rescuers make a profit hurts the 1000's of Rescuers who are trying, with all they are worth, to make a difference. There are more then enough misconceptions about Breed Rescues. (See "Some Common Misconceptions About Breed Rescues": http://www.darkrose-bds.com/kennel/resc/rescmisc.htm)
Owners always seem to have some excuse why they can't keep their pets. Please read "The Top Ten Reasons for Pet Relinquishment to Shelters in the United States". How many seriously ill, old, or untrained dogs can Rescues take? Yet this is Rescue. Rescuers care for these animals, providing vetting and training---and then seek the best of all homes. The home that will love and cherish these animals.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Joan C. Fremo's Dog Rescue topic, please visit the Discussions page.