Rescuers and Breeders

[FairyDogMother]

This is from the far left field but here goes...

For those of you who rescue or even those with an opinion (I know that's hard to come by here), please let me know your thoughts on getting a puppy from a breeder for yourself.

My family has always taken in shelter dogs etc... I'm in rescue, have a rescue and foster (I'm recruiting foster homes so only 1 or 2 fosters will be here at any given time from now on).

Reason I ask is I went to check out a foster home today, was very impressed with the place (which takes a lot!) and the dogs there and was introduced to a litter, very large litter of 4 week old babies.

Call me crazy, it wouldn't be the first time, but I completely fell in love with one of the babies.

I've spent the rest of the day thinking about him, can't get him out of my brain. Have been going back and forth about how wrong it would be for someone in my position to even toy with the idea of purchasing a puppy from a breeder. I've never traveled that road in my mind before. It goes against every grain in my being but at the same time, I'm in love with this little guy.

Recent history here at my place is also a huge consideration too. Been brainstorming that too....

What would you do or how would you handle this? I'm pretty much a woman who, when I want something, I just jump right in and swim with it.

My head is saying "I want. It's not right. I want. It's not right"

Thoughts? Opinions?

(I'll mention more about the place and what I witnessed later)

[SalemWitchChild]

Kotas breeder also rescued collies. Matter of fact thats why I went to her. When I was originally looking for a collie I spent hours on petfinder. I found a beautiful tan collie named Tanner. I contacted her and we went through the adoption process. I had no idea at the time that she was a breeder. When I went to see him we arrived a bit early and she wasn't home. But we saw that she had many puppies. My mother fell in love with one blue merle puppy. Which you all know as Kayla. I ended up buying her for mom.

I adopted Tanner after seeing him that day. He was a perfect dog in every way except one. Cats.

Now this woman also rescued angora cats and Tanner was fine around them. I could see he was a little edgy but otherwise left them alone. However my cat had already been attacked by a dog once. And when he saw Tanner he started to run which of course set Tanner off. I did keep him 2 weeks to try to work it out. But the cat kept running, he kept attacking. And eventually I just didn't know what else to do.

So, Tanner went back. She didn't have another rescue ready for a home. So I took a puppy (Kota).

I think it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. It depends on you and your morals.

[OnyxsMom]

I'll offer my opinion on this one. You rescue dogs, day in and day out, you see what can happen when people breed dogs with the wrong intentions in mind, you see how many pups end up in shelters everyday. You have the full brunt up close front row seat to the awful outcome of irresponsible pet ownership. So, my opinion, after witnessing everything you have witnessed in your time, ask yourself.... A) Is this person what you would justify a responsible breeder? B) Are the pups what you would consider healthy, lively pups? C) If you HADNT seen the pup, would you consider purchasing a pup from this person (before your heart was captured and your decision slightly outweighed because of it). D) Would you consider the parents healthy? E) How was the environment? Was it kept suitable to the persons best abilities?
If after you have thought all of that over, and you STILL want this little guy, I would say jump on it. Trust your instincts. If after everything you have seen in the world, and been through recently, and you have logically thought it over, and still want this pup, I think its for the best! Congrats!

[agilitydog]

I always rescued. Every dog we had was a rescue. All of my rescues were around a year or older.

I wanted a puppy for myself. One I could train from day one. I see nothing wrong with it.

Do your research to at least find a good breeder and remember one thing:

By getting a puppy, you can guarantee that it will never end up in a shelter.

[Cearbhaill]

My personal opinion is that I see nothing wrong with paying for a well bred puppy from an A+ responsible breeder who does everything the right way as well as participates in rescue themselves.

I do try and adopt at least one dog in need for each one I have purchased and that is what works for me. It is my opinion that everyone sees things differently a far as how to acquire dogs, and no one can be faulted for their thinking unless their method supports mills or BYB's (by that I mean the folks that think they are "rescuing" a puppy when they buy it from a pet shop).

[JTP]

Breeders are not evil devils, and there is nothing wrong with buying a puppy to have as your personal dog.


Buying a dog, and fostering dogs are not mutually exclusive of each other.

[fairlight]

I have been on both sides of this coin. I have to rescues, a BYB purchase...aka Uma and then paid the big bucks from a responsible and reputable breeder for Orson.

Vanilla I got as a pup and have had very little if any health problems with her. Vanilla was the oonly one who survived from the litter including the mother who tragically was hit by a car. Oso was a free for the taking and after we got him we were flooded with medical bills and we still get hit every off and one because he was so sickly. As you know Uma was purchased from a BYB and I did not do my homework. She has medical problems and agression problems. Orson, since he was purchased from an excellent breeder I have had absolutely no health problems with him.

T, you are allowed to purchase a dog from a responsible breeder...why not? It all comes down to the dog will have a wonderful forever home with you. Cut yourself some slack.

[golden&hovawart]

There's nothing wrong in following yr heart and paying for a purebred pup!.I did it and will do it,again.It doesn't take away the amazing job you do to save so many other dogs that thanks to you wouldn't have a chance,at a good home!.Just make sure that the parent are OFA health certified and have a great character!.
So what breed is it?.

[Maliraptor]

I agree with Fair- cut yourself some slack. YOu are an incredible person, and paragon of caring and help for ALL animals.

It is not a horrible thing to be in love with a purebred puppy that was intentionally bred. Like someone else said, you are are a great home and will keep that puppy from ever ending up in the pound.

[dobermom]

Is it wrong? NO

Is it hard for someone like yourself to do? YES

Would I do it in the future? Not sure

Personally, I am not sure if I everwant to do the puppy thing again, I LOVED the experience I had with Clifford, and not sure if another pup would ever measure up.

As far as health issues, I will not say you will have less going with a dog from a reputable breeder, we all know anything can happen. And if something bad will happen it would be to people like us.

I guess IMO you have to ask yourself for what reasons do you want THIS pup?