[sweetdaisy]

Originally Posted by East Coast Okie

People who adopt dogs and cats from the local shelter do a wonderful service. I DO note, however, that many of them rarely miss an opportunity to advertise their good deeds which sort of takes away from it. They also frequently show a lack of appreciation or understanding that people who support a particular breed are working at the other end of the problem of throw away animals, i.e,, they are working to encourage responsible breeding practices to avoid the problem of throwaway animals in the first place.

I really wish local shelter rescuers wouldn't criticize those of us who focus on a particular breed when we are giving those dogs/cats good homes and being responsible pet owners. Of course it is important to give homes to throw away animals. It is also important to instill good breeding practices resulting in healthier, wanted animals. It is akin to having children by choice when you can afford it, emotionally and financialy vs. popping out babies year after year simply because you don't have anything else to do for entertainment.

You can focus on responsible breeding practices when you are working within a breed rather than focusing on rescuing animals that wouldn't exist in the first place if people were breeding responsibly. Until and unless there is a change in attitude about breeding, there will be a never ending stream of animals heading for the shelters and many of the dogs who end up there will have health problems that could be avoided with responsible breeding practices in place.

We're getting there, East Coast Okie. I know it's frustrating, but keep in mind there are people on both sides of the issue who are open-minded and understanding. The group I work with has numerous volunteers who also have breed-specific interests, but when they represent our rescue, they are 100% on the side of the rescue (spay/neuter education, etc). There will always be those who are "die hards" and can be bad representations, but I think acceptance of other organizations, especially breed-specific rescues, is becoming more of the norm.

I'm also really pleased to hear that people like BradR are willing to take in those strays...we need people in this world who are willing to give those animals homes. It beats the heck out of those pets ending up in the shelter and possibly being euthanized. Some folks are willing to pay some money to adopt and some aren't...that's fine. I'm pleased we have both in this world when there are so many unwanted animals out there.

The passion you all have about your pets & the futures of other animals makes me smile. Thanks to you all for being so great!