First, I'll be the first to admit that I think the vast majority of people should be adopting. That's not to say that no one should buy. I think if the breeder is truly an excellent breeder that's improving the breed, I HIGHLY support that. I lost my mastiff at five years old because of genetic problems. If there are breeders out there breeding that crap out of them and helping them live healthy lives into their teens I am thrilled! BUT, what I consider a truly excellent breeder is extreme and I know that. Passing CGC at the very least to confirm they've got a great temperament. Winning in a show ring. Competing in competitions that the breed was designed to work in. And of course having a complete and total genetic work up by veterinarians that specialize in it with all results passing and posted for anyone to see if they're interested in purchasing a pup. There are some dogs that don't fall in this category; specifically true working dogs. I know they've got a very specific job (hunting for example) and are bred for doing exactly that. But what I'm talking about is the average pet owner that has no desire to show or work or breed their pet. I get that some people like the security of a health guarantee but even that doesn't guarantee the pet will be healthy.
Anyway, my friend has watched me for years in rescue. She's been there through my heartbreak and seen the successes. She's got beagles and always has since I've known her and she's a good owner. Always spayed / neutered, always kept indoors, always have total vet care. She does let them run off leash unsupervised though and it's always worried me. Beagles tend to get themselves in trouble with their noses. And one of hers did and was hit by a car and killed. And yet, after that she still let them run loose.
Anyway, one of her three babies has been really sick lately. She took her to the vet and they gave her some meds last week. Even with meds she went downhill and she took her back. Found out she had cancer, no chance of survival. She took her home until it was time, which was yesterday. She sent me a message last night - totally devastated of course - and said she can't imagine only having two kids at home and asked if I could find her a beagle puppy. Told her about the six month old boy I have at home but also said I wasn't sure he was what she wants. He's so sweet but was abused and is very shy. Once he knows you he's a total love bug, but she likes the super social dogs and that's fine. I told her I could look for others because God knows in this area they are killing puppies at an alarming rate.
She messaged me back and said she found a puppy on line from a breeder and bought him. No genetic testing for the parents, just championships in the bloodline. She thinks because they did a phone interview and she had to pay a lot of money that it automatically means it's an excellent breeder. The puppy flies in on Tuesday or Friday.
I understand she's a wreck and just wants a puppy to help ease the pain. I get that. But she insists that the only way she'll get a good dog that she'll love is to buy one from a breeder that's only a tiny puppy. I've explained that she may feel closer to the ones that she's raised from puppies, but it's not that it's because they were purchased dogs as opposed to rescued dogs. I'm happy the puppy has a home. I'm happy that it helps ease her pain some. But I'm so disappointed that she chose to purchase one from someone who may not be the sleazy backyard breeder with a dozen females, but is still a not high quality breeder.
No point to the post. Just bummed and wanted to post with people who would understand.
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