My last 3 dogs have been rescues. I will NEVER buy a dog from a breeder or a pet store. I can't believe people still have not gotten that message that buying a dog from a breeder or pet store means death for shelter dogs. Maybe dog breeders take better care of their dogs than puppy mill owners, but the end result is still less of a chance to be adopted from a shelter if people buy dogs. Adoption is best!

Posted by: Rex's mom | December 4, 2007 02:56 PM

My last 3 dogs have been rescues. I will NEVER buy a dog from a breeder or a pet store. I can't believe people still have not gotten that message that buying a dog from a breeder or pet store means death for shelter dogs. Maybe dog breeders take better care of their dogs than puppy mill owners, but the end result is still less of a chance to be adopted from a shelter if people buy dogs. Adoption is best!

Posted by: Rex's mom | December 4, 2007 02:56 PM

Let's not also forget the many cats that suffer as well. Breeders are "creating" cats with short legs, Persians with faces so flat they can hardly breathe, Siamese with wedge heads that change completely their appearance. Shame!!! And what the heck is wrong with "mixed breeds"? These are also the heartiest cats and dogs around not to mention some very cute ones also. The arrogance and the apathy---all shameful.

Thank you very much for the end of Mars!!!! He won't be missed. My heart goes out to the poor creatures that he traps!

Posted by: Ana | December 4, 2007 03:33 PM

Shame on the AKC and CKC for "even" exsisting!! "AND" their comments just goes to show their Hypocrisy and would strike them as Malice! "SHAME" on them!! Now to comment on "MARS" only "Space" would have him, (no pun) thanks for coming out! Hopfully you'll be back not to post Anonymous OR Peace but like a reborn again Christian!

Posted by: Carla | December 4, 2007 03:47 PM

THANK YOU JACK, YOU RULE.
We knew you would do the right thing for the "GOOD PEOPLE" and MOST of all for the beloved animals who suffer so much at the deadly hands of Mars.

These people at the AKC are such mental midgets.
Has someone given these idiots lobotomy's?
They are not worth shit as far as I am concerned.
How much more can you say about this group?
These Animal Activist's are WONDERFUL!
What a great, wonderful, fantastic, compassionate, group of people.
My love and heart are with them.
Judith

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | December 4, 2007 04:10 PM

i completely agree, and am glad peta is getting the message out.

when i was younger, we got our first dog from a breeder. we were obviously not good first dog owners -- we didnt even have our dog fixed until he was 14!!

some people just honestly dont know that breeding dogs kills dogs, so thank you peta for spreading the word!

Posted by: rachel | December 4, 2007 04:18 PM

The closest shelter is three hours away, so I am thankful as a dog lover that some people still breed dogs so that those of us not lucky enough to live near a shelter can have dogs too. If there were a shelter in my town and I wanted a dog for a pet only, I would gladly get my dog from said shelter. As it turns out, this is not the world I live in. We are not backwards inbreeds as some would contend, rather, the area is just plain old poor. Our human animals don't get all the care they need, so the dogs and cats are pretty much sucking hind tit, as they say. I am also thankful that we do not have mandatory sterilization laws as I do not appreciate how much control the government has over me now no less with more laws to control my every action. I am extremely grateful that peta takes the steps that it does to help incarcerated, unwanted dogs and cats, though. The education peta provides is also very important....Please, I mean no harm, no censure, no censorship.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | December 4, 2007 04:37 PM

This has nothing to do with the AKC but rather to do with the last little paragraph 'side note.'
-I've never read a comment by this "Mars" mentioned in the above article so I don't know exactly what he had to say. It is my guess that he didn't go along with PETA's views. Am I to understand that if one doesn't have the same views as PETA they are not allowed to post comments on articles?
As for trapping, it is not sadistic. It was a way of life for the mountain men and the Indians. It is part of our culture. Not everyone has to embrace trapping, fur or hunting but PETA and other anti organizations should not push their views down the throats of those who do enjoy a fur coat or like to trap and/or hunt.

Posted by: louise | December 4, 2007 04:54 PM

When you buy from pounds, yes you are saving a puppy, but you are also promoting disgusting puppy mills. The more puppies you purchase the longer mother dogs will be bred beyond their natural abilities. More puppies will loose thier limbs due to wire cages and live in feces and other filth. Many dogs on puppy mills never know the wramth of a home, and many more never will if people continue to support puppy mills. Please don't buy from pet stores. You're doing more harm than good.

Posted by: Tasha | December 4, 2007 05:37 PM

Keep it up, louise!! You may not be able to comment on here too, soon! Since you are new to this, "This is a Blog", a "Peta Blog" set up to inform "People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals" to "Converse" together to raise awarness on the everyday lives the "Animals" have to endure to co-exist with "us", "Humans"! Remember that! "Before" you Rant and Rave how strongly you oppose us!!

Posted by: Carla | December 4, 2007 05:37 PM

mars is fired: this night i will not sleep but have a veg fiest with my friends: thank you jack - i embrace you with the deepest feelings of my heart!!!

Posted by: claudia marrapodi | December 4, 2007 05:49 PM

Louise,

By your logic, slavery should have been allowed to continue in the South "as long as they didn't force the Yankees to do it."

Posted by: BullyDawg | December 4, 2007 05:49 PM

Re: 'MARS'

KARMA is a Blessed thing ppl ;)

He WILL get HIS DUE

QUESTION... WHY WASNT THIS SCUMSUCKING MORON BANNED SOONER ?

(whats his i.p. and email addresses ? : )

Posted by: ~ | December 4, 2007 06:05 PM

louise

This is an animal rights blog. What part of that don't you understand???

The censorship of cruel fools towards animals is perfect. Enough of their apathy and hatred for animals!

Posted by: Ana | December 4, 2007 06:07 PM

ppl like 'louise' are obviously mentally and educationally challenged.

don't argue with the stupid ppl of society, IGNORE them

that way these Imbeciles don't 'win'

Posted by: Anonymous | December 4, 2007 06:13 PM

louise, you can have opposing views to peta and post here, but the privelege shouldn't be abused. And be open-minded, eg in questioning why a group would oppose fur coats, ask yourself why anyone needs one more than the animal which had it first.
Fur wearers should try wool instead. The animal doesn't die to provide it.

Posted by: rojo | December 4, 2007 06:14 PM

Louise--are you crazy? If trapping is ok and not sadistic, let me bring a big, nasty old steel jawed trap over to you and slap it on your foot for a few days. Then we'll talk.

Actually I was going to mention my views on animal breeding, I was sidetracked by Louise's nonsense. I have never had a cat that was not "just" an alley cat. Love does not come with papers.

I will kind of miss Mars, he is a not so nice reminder of the barbarians amongst us.

Posted by: Kelley | December 4, 2007 06:15 PM

I now pronounce Little Cockman and brainless louise
Man and wife.
Both of you braindead so called humans need to follow Carlas's advice.
This site is for the people with beautiful soul's not the ones who have sold their souls to the Devil for such a cheap price.
You are pathetic.
Enjoy your union,you deserve each other.

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | December 4, 2007 06:21 PM

And this is the end of M-ars! how is the world outthere! now you can just look at us on the blog and feel the pains of Tantalus - freezing in your traps - you ugly MONSTER!

Posted by: Old Spiderwoman | December 4, 2007 06:56 PM

louise: i think that now mars is sending his wife out for to continue the bad game! i hope that one day you shall be trapped! then you know how it feels like - ugly hag!

Posted by: little big woman | December 4, 2007 07:00 PM

Thank you - Jack - for your wise decision to fire Mars! This mean person was not constructive at all!

Posted by: animal pride | December 4, 2007 07:20 PM

Hey Louise, Dog-fighting is "part of our culture" too, isn't it? At least that's one of the arguments that floated around when Michael Vick et all were first caught.

Does that make it ok...that it is "part of our culture"? Does it make the animals bleed less? Or suffer less?

I don't think so.

And I'm gonna give kinda the same argument to some of those AKC mental giants.

They only "put to sleep" mixed breeds? So that makes it ok?

Because they are not pure-bred, it's ok to kill them because there is no room to keep them safely and humanely alive? To give them a happy and loving home?

And lets call it what it is. It is not "putting to sleep". That makes it sound so nice, doesn't it?

It is *killing*, pure and simple. It's not "euthanizing", it is *killing*.

Maybe if we all called it what it really is , it would sink in to these mental midgets.

Posted by: Tamara | December 4, 2007 08:47 PM

Uh, Chris, aren't we pushing our views down the throats of animals whe we take their lives for something as petty as fashion or recreation?
They're paying the ultimate price in the name of our "opinions."

Posted by: inc worm | December 4, 2007 09:01 PM

Saying that breeders shouldn't breed the cream of the crop dogs is like saying that smart humans shouldn't reproduce.

Posted by: Tony Andrews | December 4, 2007 10:38 PM

I am an animal lover and bought my dog from a breeder. She is almost a one year old boxer and my life would not be the same without her. If I had gotten a dog from a shelter, my current dog might not have went to a loving home, or may have been purchased by someone who tied her up in the backyard all the time and shown no love. I understand dog shelters and admire what they do, but what is wrong with someone who wants a boxer/poodle/german shep/etc? All I am saying is breeders are going to continue to breed and the thought of my dog and best friend not being mine and going to someone else who doesn't love it the way it should be loved.....well I just don't understand the point on this one. Please advise......respectfully

Posted by: Steven Stuck | December 4, 2007 10:54 PM

About a bit more then a year ago...I purchased the love of my life...My dog Diamond...From a breeder and AKC breeder,but I didn't think much of it...because she was the breed that I wanted...Until I had her I never felt such an emotional connection and care for animals...Before her I didn't like animals including dogs...Now I see things clearly...Thankyou Peta for helping animals when nobody else does...The next dogs I get will be from shelters...Thankyou very much!

Posted by: Lucy | December 5, 2007 12:11 AM

How about this: HOW ABOUT YOU JUST DONT GET A PET AT ALL, except a PET ROCK! NO MAINTENANCE AT ALL, just give it a little love, and put him on your nightstand with a thimble of water. They are free.

Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.

Posted by: Caboose | December 5, 2007 06:16 AM

Louise:
We shouldn't push our views on "those who enjoy a fur coat"? How aobut the original owner of said coat?
Maybe he/she enjoyed it, too?
Look at the recent PETA video of a racoon being skinned alive and tell me that such suffering is OK just so someone else can "enjoy a fur coat". We CAN'T "enjoy" products obtained by cruelty to another being without losing part of our own humanity. This isn't being holier-than-thou or self-righteous; it's just common sense.

Posted by: Susannah S | December 5, 2007 10:01 AM

As for the AKC:
In their efforts to build a better dog, they have lost the fact that a dog is a separate being from themselves, worthy of respect and protection regardless of "pedigree". Their agenda ostensibly protects the PEOPLE who buy purebred dogs from getting "inferior" goods, when the fact is that over-breeding has produced dogs with a host of illnesses and health problems and psychological/neurological problems that just didn't exist before the emphasis on "purebred" was made so popular by the AKC. Cocker Spaniels, for instance, are nearly ALL prone to ear infections now because of the long, heavy ears "designed" by breeders. German Shepards have bad hip joints, and many terriers have liver shunts and cancers that they never had before. Gee thanks, AKC. But the breeders just keep on re-designing nature for THEIR OWN pleasure and rewards, not for the dogs. I love my three dog companions (two Cairn Terriers and a Cocker), two of whom did, in fact, come from breeders, but their health problems are such that I have seen for myself why "purebred" is such an oxymoron. I got the Cairns before my awareness of the plight of shelter dogs was raised. The Cocker, Sadie, came to our house later and is a rescue. From now on,though, it's strictly shelter and/or rescue dogs for me. The AKC is NOT about the animals but about the human members, who want "perfection" in "their" animals, apparently not realizing that it's hard to improve on Mother Nature.

Posted by: Susannah S | December 5, 2007 10:18 AM

Steven Stuck...be patient...there ARE full-bred dogs in shelters...Look on (can I say this here?) Petfinder.

Travel if you need to, to get your full bred animal. If you want it that much.

I searched for 2-1/2 months for a (single) female budgie. I have 2 males and it just was not the same around here when my little girl budgie passed away last summer.

I could find single males, or bonded pairs.

I got so frustrated I was so tempted to use the logic you did. I could have gone to any chain pet store and had a female budgie in an instant. I mean, wouldn't I be "rescuing" it from the pet store?

But I would not have been able to live with myself.

I finally found a little girl 250 miles away (one way). Yes, I drove that far for a parakeet. And having her here was worth every minute (including all the gas money. < a joke.)

You are going to have to do a little research.There are full-breed rescues also.

It will take work but you will be saving a life, not taking one from a homeless animal, as you have done.

Posted by: Tamara | December 5, 2007 10:48 AM

Caboose, thank you! That is a very good suggestion for many people who are simply incapable of handling the true responsibilities associated with caring for a companion animal (I am not being sarcastic either). Those who understand that animals are not to be "owned", and who have the compassion, time, and patience, can help save shelter animals who would otherwise have to be euthanized.

Lucy, I never had a companion animal until after I became a PETA member - like you, I never thought about the breeder issue either, until I started reading up on it here. The point is not necessarily to condemn someone for having obtained an animal from a breeder or pet store in the past if they simply did not know better - the point is to make a different decision the next time, once they have been informed of the issue. The problem is when people are not open minded - you have obviously taken the time to become educated, and from now on, you will be helping animals. That's great!

Unfortunately, as can be seen from responses on this blog (in the archives too), there are still many people who absolutely refuse to consider the needs of the animals, even when they have been provided with the relevant information. Buying from a breeder is all about a human's wishes. They "want" a certain breed. They certainly do not "need" an animal, never mind a specific breed. But the animals in the shelters, if they could be given a choice, would "want" to be adopted by a loving individual or family, instead of being euthanized, or even worse, living the rest of their lives in a no-kill shelter.

I got my rabbit from someone who did not want her anymore, due to conflicts with the other animals in that household, so she is not technically a "rescue" (though she certainly was no longer wanted), but at least my choice did not bring another animal into the world when there are so many out there who need good homes. Now she gets lots of healthy food, regular medical care, and of course lots of love and cuddles! I am the lucky one, as she has clearly chosen me to be the head "rabbit" of the household - I'm the one who gets almost all of the kisses from her, and she will lie on my chest for ages if I am laying on the couch. That other family lost out on the opportunity to learn just how much personality rabbits actually have! Too bad for them...

Posted by: Michele | December 5, 2007 11:01 AM

Those AKC dog shows are paid for by PUPPY MILL REGISTRATIONS.

Puppy mill blood money.

The greatest source of income for the AKC is puppy mill registrations, from terribly abusive puppy millers.

That money pays for the dog shows, the breed clubs, the purebred dog promotion, the big AKC salaries, and the LOBBYING against things like anti-cruelty laws and FOR the puppy mills.

These "reputable breeders" are supported by PUPPY MILL dollars, and they don't care.

The biggest bunch of hypocrits around. And those "reputable breeders" work very hard to fight against rules and laws to deal with the puppy mills.

They need that blood money!

Posted by: kelly | December 5, 2007 11:43 AM

I actually stumbled across this site yesterday while I was at work on one of my breaks. I understand that PETA members love animals and want to protect them from harm. I can empathize with you on that. However, I read a hypocritical post by Judith. She claims that animal lovers have "beautiful souls" as she is calling another poster, who questions PETA, a "braindead so called human" who has "sold her soul to the devil!" How could a person with a supposed "beautiful soul" say things like that towards a fellow person. God said "love thy neighbor". Not to call them "mental midgets", "ugly hag", "ugly monster", "barbarians", "imbeciles", and my favorite "scumsucking moron". Maybe if you didn't put people on the defensive right away they may listen and have a constructive conversation. When I stumbled accross this site I found myself curious about what you had to say and maybe I wanted to listen a little. I am a meateater, but I do love my dog and cat and I think cruelity towards domesticated animals is bad. However, after reading some comments about what alot of people had to say about us meateaters, I'm not really sure I wanted to be made to feel inferior to your holier than thou attitudes. I eat meat because my parents and grandparents ate meat and their grandparents ate meat and so on. When my ancestors where hacking out a living in the wilderness I doubt they were thinking about a human way to kill a cow, or deer, or rabit, etc. They killed what they needed to survive.

Posted by: Kurt K | December 5, 2007 12:25 PM

Kurt K

There are many animal welfare sites for you to visit. This is an animal rights blog and we try to educate others to enjoy the benefits of a vegan diet both for their health and for eliminating the suffering of billions of animals. Our ancestors also engaged in treating women and children as property but changes in culture and attitude led to legal changes in the American government.

Posted by: Ana | December 5, 2007 01:06 PM

"I eat meat because my parents and grandparents ate meat and their grandparents ate meat and so on"

Kurt, some people excuse owning slaves or beating women and children or smoking or WHATEVER on the fact that their "ancestors" did it.

Just because Mom and dad, or grandpa did it, doesn't make it right or ethical or healthy.

But then, they lacked a lot of information that we now have, such as the fact that animal products clog our arteries.

As civilized humans, we learn new things and new skills. Tradition can sometimes be a terrible rut.

Posted by: kelly | December 5, 2007 01:13 PM

Uh, Michele, dog shows are paid for by the breed clubs that host them and by the entry fees that the show dogs owners pay...AKC doesn't pay for the shows. You PETA people are a real piece of work. Terrorists.

Posted by: Marie | December 5, 2007 01:17 PM

And Kurt, commenters on a blog don't represent an organization as a whole.

There are people here posting about their pleasure in killing animals.

Do you think they represent people who love animals? or Peta?

Posted by: kelly | December 5, 2007 01:17 PM

Kurt K: unfortunately Judith is right! there are devil-inspired people among us and specially animal abusers! if you remain some time on this blog you shall see that there are some ugly hearts around who just got an instinct of mean distruction! they are not blogging here because they want to do something good in their life but their aim is harming other living beings -for fun, for money, for passtime! this egoistic point of view is called diabolic!

Posted by: Zanoni | December 5, 2007 01:21 PM

" I will NEVER buy a dog from a breeder or a pet store. "

That is exactly what you did though.You think those shelter dogs come from thin air? The shelters are a business just like PetCo..

Still not a single fact or proof that a person that cannot get a purebred animal that they will instead settle for a mutt.

Posted by: Anonymous | December 5, 2007 01:27 PM

Kurt,

At this point in time with grocery stores everywhere, there are 0 reasons to eat fellow creations.

Since we are herbivores (please do not debate this statement unless you heavily researched the topic, which at that time you will have agreed anyway), it is healthier to never eat animal flesh and receive grains and vegetables first hand.

I noticed that you quoted God from the Bible, who also said, "Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food."

It is a matter of whether or not you want to extend the right to live to all animals.

And, it is the idea that for several mouthfuls of flesh, a person denies a soul sun and light, which really disapoints us at times.

Posted by: Lancelot | December 5, 2007 01:46 PM

Anonymous= Mars

Posted by: Ana | December 5, 2007 01:47 PM

The American Kennel Club Dog Shows are the best shows.

PETA needs to get their facts before spouting off nonsense. If it were not for responsible breeders, there would be no wonderful pure bred breeds to select from when considering purchasing a "pure bred". PETA, the fact is, mixed dogs make up more that 90% of the shelter dogs in the USA.

The people of PETA, like there leader, Newkirk, are bunch of twisted sick, evil minded people who need to take a trip through the resort with the fancy white padded rooms..

Good luck ya'll

Posted by: Gail | December 5, 2007 02:20 PM

Yes Ana - i think it's again Mars!

hey folks - eyes wide-shut!

Posted by: candy | December 5, 2007 02:27 PM

Tamara - "It will take work but you will be saving a life, not taking one from a homeless animal, as you have done."

You are missing my point. If I had rescued a dog, my current dog bought from a breeder might not have gone to a good home. So a person who supports breeders could say "You getting a rescued dog made all of these dogs that breeders have bred homeless" no. I am trying to understand, but breeders will continue to breed and if people dont buy those dogs, wont the pure breds be homeless? Respectfully yours.......

Posted by: Steven Stuck | December 5, 2007 02:32 PM

I used to be as closed minded as you people but after sittign back and researching with an open mind I found Peta feeds people their own twisted version of half truths and lies as a means to an end. At least ALF isnt the half assed propaganda machine killing off animals in shelters that Peta is and has become.

Posted by: anne | December 5, 2007 02:58 PM

Re Mars:

Don't get me wrong, I don't exactly like the guy. I also feel that when he was presented with a valid and factual counterpoint he basically close-mindedly ignored it and went on repeating ad nauseum his anti-PETA, anti-animal mantra.

But one great thing about this forum is that it is totally open and un-censured to all opinions. Couldn't we just agree to let him post, but just not respond?

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | December 5, 2007 03:13 PM

So is the hunting of the white tail deer to control the population acceptable. If not they will die of disease, more cars will hit deer and many will die of starvation. Or is that to inhumane?

Posted by: Kurt K | December 5, 2007 03:19 PM

Uh, Marie, I never said anything about dog shows or the AKC.

Ana, you are SO correct! Mars may not sign his name, but he has written so many comments over the past few months that I can recognize his style a mile away - even the ones where he doesn't start off by quoting someone's comments before adding his own. Even if he were to use a new name, we will still know which anti is writing.

shelters - mostly non-profit
Petco, etc. - $$$$$ is their only motivation

shelters - have mostly volunteers
Petco, etc. - no volunteers

shelters - operate on a shoestring budget
Petco, etc. - again, big $$$$$, with huge mark-ups in their pricing

shelters - saving animals abandoned by irresponsible people that thought it would be "cute" to own a pet, until the fun part wore off
Petco, etc. - selling animals that were bred only for $$$$$

Just because a shelter operates as a "business" does not mean it causes harm to animals. A shelter has to operate with a license, you know, a legal requirement... A shelter HAS to have a budget in order to operate with some efficiency, and to be accountable to donors and/or government bodies that may be partially subsidizing it.

"Anonymous's" last sentence is unintelligible.

Posted by: Michele | December 5, 2007 03:19 PM

What on earth are you people talking about? I hear things about puppys being bought from breeders, and kennels, and mills, what is the problem? This is no issue, do what u can for your community but the AKC??? There breeding healthy active puppys for those people who do want a pure breed with a good history so they dont just go buy a dog that they dont know where it came from, or what kind of emotional things its been through. I am not saying that shelter dogs are just mixed breed nothings either, I just recently got my pitbull puppy from there and if I do say, hes been very easy to train. I'm saying there are bigger issues than trying to blame someone for these dogs being put to sleep, there wouldnt be so many dogs in shelters if people would spay or neuter there pets, so go protest to that! I can think of plenty of other issues that need to be adressed than people who are breeding happy, plauyful puppys.

Posted by: Jessi | December 5, 2007 03:22 PM

Each of the animal shelters from which I have adopted, or at which I have volunteered, have been not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization (501(c)(3) referring to the section of the US federal tax code under which the organization is entitled to income tax exemption due to the fact that it does not, in fact, earn an "income.") Shelters are thus not businesses like PetCo, which earns a profit and is a publicly traded company incorporated in Delaware, subject to taxation and fees under Title 8 of the Delaware Code as well as federal corporate taxes. Although shelters generally charge an adoption fee, this fee is not a profit-generating mechanism, as evidenced by the fact that most shelters hold fundraisers to cover operating costs which would obviously be covered and then some if it were a profitable business (as is the case at PetCo, which does not hold fundraisers to cover its operational costs.) Petco, in fact, fronted a substantial sum of money to build a stadium in San Diego, something I suspect no shelter or other animal-related non-profit has done. Unless there are plans for a PETA Stadium in the works in Norfolk...

Posted by: Aja | December 5, 2007 04:01 PM

lancelot, no-one would debate the fact that vegetarians are herbivores. Unless we take into account the ones who eat fish.

Beyond that it's pointless to tell someone who eats meat that he/she is a herbivore, obviously they aren't.

Kurt, I tend to agree with those who question the validity of eating meat on the basis of tradition. If you don't enjoy it, don't eat it. It's Ok to say you eat meat because you like it.

Posted by: rojo | December 5, 2007 04:14 PM

Steven Stuck,

I understand your point completely.

But you can't worry about those dogs.

I mean, I am a little more concerned about the ones in cages that are on death row and are going to be killed in a manner of days or weeks to make room for the next batch to come in.

The dogs in shelters have immediate needs. They are going to be killed. There is a time-frame here.

Even if you get a dog from a pure-breed rescue, that opens TWO spots. Another dog can go to the rescue. And another one can fill that dogs place in the shelter.

That means one more in the shelter will not be killed.

I cannot worry about the budgies in the chain pet stores. At least when it comes time for me to add to my flock if I choose to do so.

To buy from the store (or breeder in your case) just keeps the store/breeder in business selling animals. And the suffering continues.

Like I said, I choose to worry about the ones with a time clock ticking on their life.

Posted by: Tamara | December 5, 2007 05:07 PM

Susannah S--the same thing is happening to birds. THey are being over-bred.

The little guys (parakeets) were affected years ago. I remember my first parakeet-hold your breath-30 years ago.

The breeder (30 yrs ago we didn't know better) told me way back THEN, that the birds usually develop tumors around 5 years old.

Sure enough, right on time, my Poncho developed a tumor on his wing around the age of 5. We lost him shortly thereafter.

Every parakeet I have had since then has developed either a tumor or hernia and despite the best care available at the time (or lately the advent of avian surgery) has died. The oldest lived to be almost 8 years old.

This is a bird that is supposed to live 10-15 years and has been known to live longer. I think I have heard up to 20 years.

I am not sure about the larger breeds of birds, how they are affected.

But I'm sure with the advent of bird mills they will be. If it hasnt already started happening.

In God's name, WHAT are we doing to His creatures???

Posted by: Tamara | December 5, 2007 05:16 PM

Thank t you Michele, see how I am a half anti?

Posted by: Caboose | December 5, 2007 06:14 PM

The problem does not lie with dog breeders themselves. When you buy a dog from a breeder, you must get that animal spayed/neutered. As for shelter dogs, I'm all for saving animals who have been abandoned. But don't you think you should push a little more of the blame towards those people who abandon the animals rather than those who are keeping their own controlled populations?

Posted by: Lyndsay | December 5, 2007 06:21 PM

The AKC is a disgusting organization in my opinion. Every time I see an AKC dog show come on telivision, I look over at my wonderful 65 lb. MIXED BREED DOG (who I adopted last year while volunteering at a shelter) and think how I would rather have her any day rather than a 'purebred' poof. What I dont underdstand is whats so great about purebred?? Just because my dog looks like every other dog of its breed doesnt make me special (and it definately doesnt make my dog unique :D). it just makes me an idiot who is so superficial that I would chose to boy a dog rather than SAVE A LIFE!!! I would never buy a purebred dog. it is, in my opinion, idiotic when there are so many homeless dogs out there who's lives depend on being adopted. I have nothing against someone who buys a purebred dog (although I do lose a bit of respect for them), some of my freinds have bought from breeders. I just think they couldve made a much better decision that would save a life. Shelter dogs are so wonderful and greatful, that I would always adopt a shelter dog over buying a purebred one. It is my preference and it is the right thing to do. I am repulsed by the AKC. Dog shows are superficial and they promote selective breeding. Their view on spaying and neutering is repulsive as well. There is no reason for them to be against something that could save so many lives. DONT BREED OR BUY WHILE HOMELESS PETS DIE.

Posted by: Emily | December 5, 2007 06:36 PM

To Christopher Cochran MD:

You could always make it a family trip if you are wanting to get a dog.

There is still no excuse for breeding animals.

Posted by: Brett C | December 5, 2007 06:37 PM

Mike,
I am sure going to give it
a try.
See no evil
Hear no evil.
But it is strange that MAR'S came back as a woman.
Judith

All beings tremble before violence
All fear death
All love life
Thae Buddha

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | December 5, 2007 07:00 PM

I absolutely refuse to cave in to the notion that I am completely dependent on the "grocery store" for my ability to eat and thrive. Remember, that when the "barbarians" sacked Rome, Western civilization completely forgot plumbing, medicine, concrete, et al for over a thousand years. There is no reason that something like that couldn't happen again. I feel very fortunate that I am able to grow and harvest my own food to a great degree. I also am proud to teach my children these skills (hunting, gathering, gardening, fishing). Besides the practical uses, and the security of bequeathing knowledge to the next generation, my girls also realize that tomatoes and cows don't grow in "grocery stores."

Of course, we still use the market, but If there were no market, for whatever reason, my family would survive. I am not trying to sound like some survivalist wacko, but to understand history is to understand where you've been and where might be headed. Certainly there are skills that need to die, female genital mutilation, for instance, but some need to be preserved for a number of reasons.

Judith is Mars' evil sister, except she screams her insults from a different mountaintop. I don't mean to cast stones because I am not the nicest guy in the world, but holy crow I wonder if she is like this in her day to day life. How could she function so ineffectively? In retrospect, I have allowed myself to be bated into this ridiculous banter, mea culpa. I pledge not to fall into that trap again.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | December 5, 2007 08:12 PM

I see everyones point, but tend to side with Jessi....there are many other issues to protest and be opposed to than the AKC. I understand many of Peta's complaints, but using this logic, people should only adopt children rather than having their own, because there are many children out there without homes that will have terrible lives. Right?

Posted by: Steve Stuck | December 5, 2007 09:42 PM

First, a quick thank you to Kelley for her comment above: "Love does not come with papers." Very well said--I couln't agree more!

And in reponse to Tony Andrews' comment: "Saying that breeders shouldn't breed the cream of the crop dogs is like saying that smart humans shouldn't reproduce."

Mr. Andrews, the "less intelligent" human beings out there are not in danger of being put to death. By contrast, the unwanted mixed-breed dogs and stray cats at shelters (who are perhaps not the "cream of the crop") most certainly face a death sentence.

Go spend an afternoon at your local shelter the next time they are euthanizing unwanted cats and dogs. Look into the eyes of the unwanted shepherd-mix who is "next in line" and tell him, "Sorry, you're not the cream of the crop." Shame on anyone who breeds animals when 3-4 million cats and dogs are put to death in the U.S. every year. Shame.

Posted by: Susan Davis | December 5, 2007 09:47 PM

Trapper Mars - the PETA-banned -
he is a true addicted!
The wanker is again at hand
but this time just restricted!

He needs his daily PETA-Trip -
his real drug is this!
I see him sink with all his ship!
Mars - we shall him never miss!

But one last word he whispers yet -
this poor forsaken creeper!
The word is 'PETA' - he never will forget!
He's sinking deep and deeper...

Posted by: The Minstrel | December 6, 2007 11:53 AM

Steve, you don't get it.

The AKC supports and enables PUPPY MILLS and dog abuse.

They profit from it, and support it. And promote it.

They lobby AGAINST anti-cruelty laws.

They lobby FOR the puppy mills and other animal abusers.

This is not just about buying dogs as opposed to adopting dogs.

The AKC supports and enables dog abuse in many ways.

Posted by: kelly | December 6, 2007 12:03 PM

YES, puppy mill dollars DO pay for the dog shows (among other things) and the AKC voted to go into business with Petland (the infamous puppy mill puppy pet stores) because the shows cost so much, they needed more cash.

It got shot down for now, but the AKC is still trying to do that deal.

They have raised entry fees etc at the shows, but they still need more puppy mill dollars, so expect to see some kind of deal with Petland happening.

"The reason the AKC feels it has to increase the number of AKC puppy mill registrations is that "events" are not paying for themselves. With rare exception, these "events" are dog shows. The net loss due to "events" is now $10 million a year."

Posted by: kelly | December 6, 2007 12:20 PM

sorry, christopher cochran - but i think that you don't understand judith! i lived for many years in buddhist circles and as a fellow-buddhist i have to admit that our top urgent endeavour is avoiding every kind of violence towards every living being! your lifestyle is of course different from hers - because as i understand from your statement - you are integrating animal elevation for meat consumption into your daily life! this is legal - as millions of people are doing - unfortunately! but it is not a buddhists style of life! so here i enter into my personal discussion with you and i have to tell you that this helpless feeling i got since i was a child when i heard my neighbours pig crying for half an hour before it was cilent has entered deeply into my brains and heart and i feel a deep aversion against this type of lifestyle because i think that in our modern times there are other possibilities than just the killing of other living beings - like for example christmas - why we have to kill a tree and animals - this is the celebration of life - not of death - for me this is really completely perverted! isn't it?

Posted by: animalfriend | December 6, 2007 01:19 PM

Steven Stuck...

How many children that are in orphanges or in foster homes have a time clock ticking over their head?

How many of those children that you speak of are going to be killed in a matter of days or weeks because there is no room to take care of any more of them???

I don't know of any.

If you know of any situations like that please let us all know.

Expanding your argument to include children is ludicris.

Posted by: Tamara | December 6, 2007 02:15 PM

If a person wants to buy an AKC purebreed dog it is their perogative and their right. They can't help the fact that many people abandon dogs that end up in shelters. Only adopting shelter dogs is not the answer to the problem. The problem is that to many people buy or adopt dogs then find out that they no longer want the responsibiltiy to care for the dog. when a person buys an AKC registered dog, they probably spend good money on that dog, therefore it is an investment of time and resourses. The chance of that person abadoning that dogs is significantly less. If everybody adopted a dog with no investment, letting go of the animal would be much easier. I love pure breeds. When I am ready I intend on buying a boxer and perhaps a dobberman. Can you fault a person for wanting a specific type of dog. That is why we live in America! The freedom to choose what we want.

Posted by: Kurt K | December 6, 2007 02:47 PM

12-7-07
Hi, EVERYONE!
I haven't been on this blog site for quite a while or read it -because like everyone else -we must tend to serious personal matters. But also because of going around and around with ad nauseum "arguments," particularly with the same people.

Much to my great surprise, I was VERY GRACIOUSLY informed by another source that Mars has taken his/her(?) leave! Being the extreme skeptic that I am, I don't know how this came to be for sure OR for how long, BUT this is IMPORTANT news for the sake of the animals, for the sake of progress for the a/r's movement, and for the sake of people who are seriously interested in learning about a/r's.
Opposing views are good to a point, but as I often wrote about Mars, he/she(?) made false claims, twisted our words, etc. etc.-and that is NOT good, VERY confusing, and a turn-off for newcomers, who would not be able to discern what is going on here. I totally agree with Jack who wrote about Mars: "...only purpose was to antagonize good people..."
I must address one commenter who thought that it was still ok for Mars to submit, but for us not to respond. Well, it can't work that way with Mars because then we would be allowing newcomers to be confused with his/her(?) twisting, as well as we would be ignoring our message. Posting anti opinions is one thing, but anyone abusing a blog site just to be constantly and purposely antagonistic daily for months is wrong, harmful, and basically, just entertaining attention-seekers -stupid and not constructive.
******************
DOWN with the AKC! And ALL breeders -like my neighbor- who breeds for extra $$$$, currently breeding rotties and greyhounds. The same neighbor can't understand why I take in feral cats at my own $ expense.

Posted by: Ariel | December 6, 2007 03:05 PM

Brett,

Thanks for the advice, but as I said IF I were to get a dog simply as a pet. Lot's of us get our dogs not only as pets, but also for practical uses. No one can guarantee a dog will herd sheep or cows, or point and retrieve birds, but if you know the parents were/are really good at it, there is a much better chance these traits will pass on. These dogs are also members of our families just like your pound pups are. We don't buy from puppy mills or even breeders, for that matter. Most of us buy them from other shepherds/ranchers or hunters. I am sure that is not something you have considered or even want to consider for that matter. I for one, do not allow my dog to breed indiscriminately, though I can not vouch for him 100% of the time...just 99.44%.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | December 6, 2007 03:51 PM

"There breeding healthy active puppys for those people who do want a pure breed "

Jessi, even the "show dog breeders" are producing genetic nightmares, riddled with defects and diseases.

That's what inbreeding gets you, and all purebred breeding is inbreeding.

And the "spay neuter contracts" that these halfwit breeders sell their dogs with are not legally enforceable. Worthless. The buyers often set up a homegrown puppy mill with their "AKC puppy" from a "show dog breeder."

The breeders don't want to cut into profits by altering the dog or puppy before sale.

Posted by: kelly | December 6, 2007 04:50 PM

Maybe instead of yelling at people for not adopting pets PETA should find homes for all the pets it puts to death annually. With the millions of dollars PETA has they should be able to find these pets homes and the animals they deam to be violent could be trained not to be. Again, for people who love animals so much, I find it crazy they kill them. Instead of standing outside of KFC and Burberry, you should take your millions, buy less animal costumes for protests, and find the pets you kill, homes.

Posted by: Mark | December 6, 2007 08:55 PM

Welcome back Ariel!
Welcome back Ana!
So glad to have you back.
I hope you are feeling better Ana.
Thank you AnimalFriend its so great that you are here.
I stand by my post.

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | December 6, 2007 10:15 PM

Posters here say all pure bred breeders and the AKC and puppy mills are all bad bad bad and all too blame for the 3 million animals a year that die in the shelters. I do not hear anything critical about the 'breeders' of the mixed breed dogs. Somebody does breed mixed breed dogs...they don't just come from 'nature'. The REAL problem is there are too many dogs and cats and this causes suffering becuase there are not enough loving homes.

Why not focus on population control for every type of dog and cat regardless of breeding. Your dialog seems to be alot about hurting people and very little about how to make progress on the animal over population problem. Blaming and name calling the breed community is not going to save any mixed breed dogs. Why aren't you serious A/R folks blaming and name calling all those people that produced mixed breed dogs that are on death row right now?

If PETA wants to be effective (stop tossing out insults) and work with the AKC and the breed clubs to develop population goals for all the prue breds by regulating the number is registrations a breeder can have each year. If AKC and Breed clubs were working with the breeders of the pure bred dogs to control the population of pure bred dogs then groups like PETA could work towards education of the general public to increase spay and neuter rates and decrease puppies and kittens from back yards. And please don't just go off on how breeders are all about the money....I know alot of 'breeders' (people) and it is sure as hell not about the money...It is believe it or not....about people and animals.

Puppy mills and pet stores in my opinion are unetchical for the animals in them and should be abolished.

And wow just get over the rightous blogging about mixed breed versus pure breed it is just not productive to say...my pure bred dog is sick and your mixed breed shelter dogs is great over and over. THEY ARE ALL GREAT! They all deserve to be loved!!!!! No animal should have to suffer...it should be about population control not my dog is better than your dog.

I show dogs and see cruelty in the shows as well as value. It depends totally on the individuals partipating as to how the animals are treated. Generalizations regarding dog shows are not really accurate as there are so many individuals and different levels of participation.

My breed club was irate when they heard that AKC was signing up mill puppies for registation and helped stop the AKC from doing this. Our club raises money and tries to buy out millers and close them down. My club identifies millers of our breed and prevents sales of breeding to stock to them by every means possible, mostly by CAREFULLY selecting for homes and networking with each other. The A/R people do not EVEN know what's going on. Your comments make you look really one sided and uninformed...It will take all the efforts of responsible breed clubs and the A/R groups to stop puppy milling and reckless back yard breeding. together the A/R groups and the breed clubs could possibly push AKC to adopt anti puppy mill polices.

Coooperation with AKC to work on population control is going to prevent alot more suffering than throwing rotten comments at them and yes I am an AKC member so go ahead and toss your verbal tomatoes if you have to but really why not just get on with a solution to the over population problem and respect the fact that we are all different.

Posted by: Joanna | December 6, 2007 10:42 PM

Animalfriend,

I beg your pardon for this digression, but I find Judith a puzzling Buddhist. I can find fewer people on this blog with more hatred and vitriol. I get the feeling she would revel in my death. She doesn't seem to practice what she preaches, if she is a Buddhist, that is.

Regarding your early life experiences, I extend nothing but respect. I have lived in a rural area, save for education. I have seen many animals live and die and I have seen compassionate and cruel people. I have tried to blend the compassion with practical applications. I don't enjoy killing to kill, but I do enjoy harvesting nature's plant and animal bounty for the good of my family and my own health (and,as it turns out, my dog's as well), which sometimes involves killing wild animals. I give back much more than I take, I promise. Many hunters do not present a very good front. Nothing galls me more than trophy hunting and people who drive down the road with a deer head on the roof of their SUV. I get up every morning and go to bed every night dreaming of creating a natural paradise here in the Ozarks. I am getting close. When I began posting here, my goal was to present the views of a meat eating, hunting, fishing animal lover and to try and show that people like me are not oxymorons.(there's some ammo for ya judith) I do not have much success, but that's ok. The original article here that got my attention was about hunters and small penises. Whah? I don't get paid by the meat industry. I am just a doctor in a small town who wants to leave the planet better than he found it.

In heaven there are old scotches, old bird dogs on point, comfortable boots and frosty calm mornings interrupted by the din of beating quail wings on a covey rise.

All the best.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | December 7, 2007 01:36 AM

are you going to stop the scummy people from breeding. You knoe the ones im talking about the 10 kids so i can get food stamps and live off of my tax money instead of it going to fire and police. we need to take care of our own kind first before we worry about animals ps meat sucks humans compasion should take priority over who we bad math when we ourselves are guilty of turning our back to someone who reaches out for help. we say hes a person he can take care of himself but we need to take care of animals. If he could take care of himself he wouldnt ask for help so lets step it up people and work on human compasion because some people turn to this site for help and when you have everyone on here reffiering to things that hey do not agree with and the people that are doing these they turn and walk away thinking "why shouldi be a part of a group that picks on someone for being different im 35 and out of high school" we should work more on education and not picking on someone for being different. you will get more people following and showing how they feel instead of walking away wondering where the compassion is! ps sorry about the grammar i just woke up and im running late

Posted by: tom | December 7, 2007 07:01 AM

christopher cochran:
i have to accept your right of speaking and you speak nicely! i understand that you make a difference between so-called 'good' hunters and 'bad' hunters! as far as i'm concerned: here in france they are just trophy hunters! during summer they feed and approach the animals to make them feel confidence and in winter it's more easy to kill them because they are not anymore afraid! this is coward and mean and shows a lowlife character and no civilized person could approve this (the countryside in france is not civilized)! in switzerland we got the two examples of hunters: the so-called 'good-ones' as you call them: this means that a veterinary is charged with the killing of ill animals! but i lived also really horror where people go out for hunting on one weekend and for the next one to 'finish the animal'! this i would call CRIMINAL! i think that we agree here! we have to take much care not to get astray in palaeoliticum because i saw that this is your preferred playground! anyhow i understand Judith and i'm with her because she is one of the most courageous posters on this blog and i never would like to miss her presence! please try to understand this! thanks!

Posted by: animalfriend | December 7, 2007 11:07 AM

Judith

Thanks!!! Feeling a little better. You certainly get to cocky!!!

Ariel

Hello again!!! I loved your above post and comments about mars and its nonsensense.

Let's keep fighting the good fight!!!!

Posted by: Ana | December 7, 2007 01:33 PM

Mark,

Are you volunteering to accept an animal?

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | December 7, 2007 02:26 PM

My mom worked at an spca and i worked at a huge vet hospital in nj for 9 yrs. my mom and i showed and trained dogs in obedience.We are both familiar with breeders and animal rights. I have to agree that "backyard breeders, who breed dogs for profit are terrible. However I have seen many show breeders who dont even break even on litters-after the high fees of ultrasound. they have their dog's hips/heart/eyes x rayed ultrasounded and checked to make sure there dogs are healthy enough to even consider breeding. they do this because they feel their dog will improve the breed. Most of the time good breeders only breed when they have enough people interested in a puppy from their dog before it was even conceived. If the puppies aren't up to show standards they make the pet home owner agree to spay or neuter. usually there are only 2-3 show quality puppies in a litter anyway-so that means the larger number are spayed and neutered. I worked at a large vet clinic that sees around 100 thousand animals a year, and i can tell you the real problem are ignorant people who don't spay and neuter pets, and the puppy mills. puppy mills crank out poor quality puppies from caged sick dogs. they sell puppies to shops for 25-50 dollars a piece-where they are then marked up to %1,500. when the puppies die- they are quickly replaced with new ones. the average person doesn't know what they are buying-and they spend double what they paid for the puppy in vet bills to save the puppy. I have seen this particular scenerio hundreds -no thousands of times. I don't think it's fare to lump all show breeders together as villains. These people feed their dogs the best food, pamper there dogs-provide better health care then most humans get- and many are heavily involved in rescuing whatever breed they are affiliated with from shelters. I know a lot of show people who have 3 dogs tops-and the dogs are there lives. they hardly breed either if at all.My mom and I once waited 3 years for a puppy out of a litter from a particular breeder.the breeder only slectivly bred their dog-and was waiting to have enough homes for each puppy. showing is simply a hobbie-not a profit making buisness for most of these people. the dogs who enjoy showing compete- the others become pets.
my advice is to work hard to eliminate puppy mills and educate ignorant people who backyard breed.

Posted by: christine Ødegaard | December 7, 2007 02:33 PM

Sorry Michele, I see now that it wasn't you that posted about "blood money" paying for shows. Now, Kelly...what experience do you have that proves that the AKC themselves pay for shows? You are WRONG about that. You said, "The reason the AKC feels it has to increase the number of AKC puppy mill registrations is that "events" are not paying for themselves. With rare exception, these "events" are dog shows. The net loss due to "events" is now $10 million a year." Now where did that quote come from? Was it some kind of lie published by you peta people? That is all you are about...lies, no matter what the expense. Joanna, you will never see peta working with AKC or anyone else, because it is their way or the highway. One extreme or the other. You can not find a happy medium when it comes to peta. THEY ARE FOR PUTTING AN END TO ALL DOMESTICATED ANIMALS!!!!!!!! Plain and simple, that is their goal! Isn't that clear to everyone yet?!?!?!

Posted by: Marie | December 7, 2007 02:51 PM

Owner Responsibility is the greatest contributor to the cats and dogs in shelters, in my opinion. The fact that a new pet owner gets their companion from a shelter or a breeder doesn't matter if they are ill equipped to care for the animal. An irresponsible pet owner could easily save a dog from a shelter then turn it in elsewhere or let it go. I think reaching out to the AKC regarding sterilization is a good start. Take baby steps. It's easier to make many small changes over time then to expect everything to suddenly change over night.

Posted by: Marmo | December 7, 2007 03:34 PM

Jack, good job getting rid of Mars, truly offensive in many ways. Censorship is sometimes necessary.

I must emphasize that I'm offended by CERTAIN people's insults towards certain other people. Dr. Cochran has been quite respectful and does not deserve abusive language. If you toss out Mars, you must at least give a warning to those who are too infantile to keep their disgusting, worthless language to themselves.

And Dr. Cochran, I hope that you can take just a bit of time to consider the shelter issue. It would take volumes to explain, but please trust me when I say, the pet world does not need a population boost.

There is NOTHING inherently wrong with responsible breeding, assuming there are no unwanted animals. But there are hundreds of purebreds who are adopted to people, only to be brought to fill up shelters. It's freaking disgusting.

I realize you are probably a fine pet owner, but just consider that there may be a breed rescue group (they are often run by families at people's homes) where you can get just the purebred border collie you want or whatever breed you like.

Breed rescue groups take in hundreds of unwanted purebreds because breeding groups do not screen people properly. I grew up on a farm so I know what kind of rustic breeders you mean, but please consider asking the animal shelters to accomidate you next time you want a pet, so you can at least give it a try..

Peace!! (have a great holiday)!

Posted by: Maya, Master's candidate, wildlife biology | December 7, 2007 03:56 PM

Maya,
Thanks for the advice, but I warn you, sticking up for me will bring you no good tidings. All the best.

Posted by: Christopher Cochran MD | December 10, 2007 03:37 PM

Ariel, you seem to only comment on the more boring posts rather than the more amusing and practical ones,

Posted by: Caboose | December 12, 2007 07:52 PM

Shelters give people the illusion that there's a humane alternative and some sort of a placement service when the owner turns them in. I'd like ALL shelters to charge a $50 fee per dog for owner turn-ins, (owener verification via veternary records and a photo ID, which will be photocopied and kept on record). I'd like for them to euthanize the dog at the front desk then hand the body back to the owner for their disposal. Let's have a law that makes walking away "littering" and subject to criminal prosecution. This already applies to animals illegally dumped at the pound. Their vets can direct them to creamation and disposal services if they can't bury their dog.

I'd like to see a $500 annual license for each unspayed breeder bitch, to discourage our USDA/AKC/UKC/CKC approved puppymills. It should be illegal to sell or own an unaltered dog without proof of a current breeder license with that dog's microchip registration on it.

People kick and scream about rescue's rehoming fees (usually $150 for spay/all shots/microchipping/all vetting)and say that poor people shouldn't be denied animal ownership. I disagree. If you can't responsibly care for your property, just like licensing your car and maintaining it safely, it should be illegal.

Posted by: Terri | December 20, 2007 03:53 PM

how the hell does the akc promote abuse? lets not forget that at the dog shows PeTa will let show dogs out of their crates so they end up in shelters or animal testing! isnt that what you idiots fight to prevent? mandatory spay neuter laws are unconstitutional and infringes on our rights.as much as you blame people who are innocent, you still fail to realize that the numbers of animal shelters have gone down.if all dogs are fixed where will be in 20-30 years? petless? how do you claim to be for animals? and how is the akc vile? oh yeah, because they dont agree with you and everyone who doesnt it stupid or wrong no matter what. my beagle is from a breeder and i show him yet have never abused him or seen any abuse at a dog show.please, people, understand that youre not always right.

Posted by: rose | January 2, 2008 09:41 PM

america-the land of FREEDOM.

Posted by: b | February 22, 2008 04:51 PM

I need some help. Our German Shepard, Dutchess, ( whom we had gotten right outside petsmart, before the woman could register as their adopt a pet, and no, the woman was not a breeder, just an elderly woman who was going to a home) has recently passed away. Her death has hit my entire family pretty hard, especially my mother. She and Dutchess had had a special bound. Now that she has been gone for a while, y mother wants anouther Shepard, even if it comes froma breeder. I have explained to her what it would mean to get a puppy from a mill, but she is still determined. What can I say to her to stop this? How else can I explain to her that it is not ethically right to buy from a pet mill? (My mother is not a monsterous person, please do not think this. She is helping me so much as I make the swtich to veganism, even helping me perchuse animal friendly foods last minute)
On the brighter side, I have been vegan for two days! (kind of a sad number, but I like telling everyone about it cause I am really proud of my commitment;) Thanks for the article, and thanks in advance to anyone who can help me!

Posted by: Sockmonkey | April 18, 2008 10:49 AM