Comments on: Puppies, zebras and pigs, oh my!

By: C-Dawg

C-Dawg — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:09:35 +0000

These aren’t the only adorable and needy animals out there. Check out this website for an opportunity to be a hero…

www.petfinder.org

By: DogRealist

DogRealist — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:26:03 +0000

But it seems like you’re also saying people shouldn’t rescue puppy mill dogs. There I have to disagree. Rescuing these dogs and giving them a loving home won’t encourage anyone to breed more dogs.

Well, on the one hand, you are correct. Once the initial purchase has been made, where the dog ends up after being rehomed does not line the puppymiller’s pockets.

Unfortunately, rescue groups often play right into puppymiller’s hands when they show up at puppymill auctions and purchase the breeding dogs that are of no more use to the millers. The rescuers think they are doing something good, and they are, but they are also giving money to the producers to buy/create more dogs. I have a huge problem with this. The puppymillers are fully aware of what they are doing–playing on the sympathies of the humane groups.

Do I want those dogs to suffer any more? No. I just wish there was a way to get the dogs away from the jerks without them benefitting financially.

Now, this latest Jackson Co. raid is different, of course. The millers are (so far) not benefitting. But they will just buy more dogs and start over.

I certainly want all adoptable dogs to find loving homes. But adopters need to be aware of the problems these dogs will have, and be prepared to deal with them. First-time dog owners should stay away from them, in my opinion. They are going to be a lot of work, and most people are not counting on that.

I also have an issue with people all wanting these cute fluffy “purebreds” when thousands of nice mutts die in shelters everyday–mutts that will often be much easier to raise.

I also take issue with people’s mindsets about “rescued” puppymill dogs. Yes, they have been abused. Many will have issues. But they are not children in fur coats, and they need to be treated like dogs. “All they need is a lot of love” is NOT true. Many people who adopt “rescued” dogs feel sorry for them, and this does not help the dogs. They still need training, leadership, and consistency–not pity.

It’s a crappy situation, I agree. There are no easy answers.

By: MB

MB — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:58:24 +0000

My wife and I adopted a dog with issues. We had a Papillon, Oliver, and decided he needed a compainion, so we found another at a rescue group out of Chattanooga. When we first met Tyler he wouldn’t do anything but sit in the corner and shiver. Turns out he was raised for the first year and a half in a cage in a barn with little or no positive human contact. Slowly but surely step by step he has come around. We havw had Tyler for a year a year and half now and he has adapted very well. He loves to travel with us, walks well on a leash, has learned a couple of tricks, and has turned our to be a a fine feller. I am so glad we adopted Tyler and I think he is glad he found us.

By: tia

tia — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:17:02 +0000

i will buy him depending on the price

By: 1234546

1234546 — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:15:55 +0000

how mutch dose he cost i will buy him depending on the price

By: hayley

hayley — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:35:33 +0000

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HES SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!1

By: hayley

hayley — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:33:55 +0000

I WISH I COULD BY HIM BUT MY PARENTS WONT LET ME HAVE ANOTHER PET UNTILL MY B-DAY!!!!!!

THANKS,
HAYLEY

By: Don't buy into the Lie!

Don't buy into the Lie! — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:35:23 +0000

Ohno, thank you for this important information. I just read an ajc.com article on the judge’s order to sell these dogs to reimburse rescue group expenses. I didn’t see any mandate that they be spayed or neutered prior to sale! I’m happy to learn they will be, after all, what’s the point of “rescuing” if they go back to a life of squalor and mass breeding? Thanks, and I look forward to your updates.

By: Ohno

Ohno — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:48:36 +0000

As a person who is DIRTECTLY involved in this case and in the fostering of many of these animals I can assure the public that we will all be screening the potential homes for these animals…..just because you want one does not automatically mean you will get one. We are picky in the best of circumstances about where our animals spend the rest of their lives once we have rescued them, but we will even be pickier with these! That is due in part to the fact that these animals do have issues, at this point mainly emotional/behavioral issues, so having patience will be key. At this point we are are fairly confidant that rescue will be able to place all of the dogs but we are waiting to get the go ahead from Jackson County…I am sure our favorite Pet Dish Blogger Sandy will keep all of you posted when and if they are available. In the meantime please feel free to donate at LifeLine Animal Project for their continued care! And several posters are absolutely correct NONE (including you Rachael) of these animals will go out unfixed! Rachael also meant to say if you don’t have the time, patience and money DO NOT apply for these animals or really any animal as they all require a lot of all of those things!

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:42:28 +0000

I live in WA state but I would love to adopt a small breed puppy, we live on five acres with three cats, seven goats, chickens and a rooster, three dogs….one is Bassett Hound Harvey who is 16 years old now, and he not in good health but he is still comfortable, Daisey a weinier dog that is blind and 12 years old she still eats more than our pet pig! LOL… Then there is Buford he is half Waler and coon Hound that we adopted from the Humane Society because he had a hunting handicap.

The reason I would love to adopt a small dog is that I would be able to take her him to work with me and I miss having a small pooch to share adventures with, when I was a young girl I had a small black and white chihuawa that was just a sweetheart….I miss her!

I gurantee the little adopted pup would be loved for years to come and we believe strongly in excellent health care for our critters… we currently see four different vets due to various reasons for our pets…. a little pup would be a joy to have as a companion. I am 52 and my spouse is 54 our kids are grown up….our kids are now are pets…. and we love each one of them…..they are all so different and fun!