pure-breds). In fact, proof that the plight of the shelter animals may be gaining support can be found in an interesting article recently published on NBC's Philadelphia Newsite. The story discusses how a breeder who sold a German Shepherd Puppy to Vice-President Joe Biden and his family is now experiencing intense backlash from shelter supporters. The story is worth a read and begs the question: what is the right way to go about campaigning on behalf of homeless animals? This breeder has vowed 'never again' to sell dogs to 'high-profile' people, and claims to have even received death threats from activists. But do you think she's convinced she should change her ways? Or does the extremist view of some activists make breeders and their supporters feel even more righteous? What do you think? Is this article a sign that rescue groups are gaining ground? CLICK HERE to read the article.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Breeder 'Vilified' After Selling GSD Puppy to Vice-President
Many of us have very strong opinions about whether or not buying a puppy from a breeder or pet-store can ever be justified. You can look to this week's poll about intentional breeding for a quick example. After all, as rescue volunteers, we see first hand some of the dogs that come out of puppy mills and some of the pure-breds who end up in city shelters. And of course, there are LOTS OF PEOPLE out there who agree that it's completely counter-productive and at times, downright selfish and greedy to breed dogs or cats when so many die in shelters every year (including many pure-breds). In fact, proof that the plight of the shelter animals may be gaining support can be found in an interesting article recently published on NBC's Philadelphia Newsite. The story discusses how a breeder who sold a German Shepherd Puppy to Vice-President Joe Biden and his family is now experiencing intense backlash from shelter supporters. The story is worth a read and begs the question: what is the right way to go about campaigning on behalf of homeless animals? This breeder has vowed 'never again' to sell dogs to 'high-profile' people, and claims to have even received death threats from activists. But do you think she's convinced she should change her ways? Or does the extremist view of some activists make breeders and their supporters feel even more righteous? What do you think? Is this article a sign that rescue groups are gaining ground? CLICK HERE to read the article.
pure-breds). In fact, proof that the plight of the shelter animals may be gaining support can be found in an interesting article recently published on NBC's Philadelphia Newsite. The story discusses how a breeder who sold a German Shepherd Puppy to Vice-President Joe Biden and his family is now experiencing intense backlash from shelter supporters. The story is worth a read and begs the question: what is the right way to go about campaigning on behalf of homeless animals? This breeder has vowed 'never again' to sell dogs to 'high-profile' people, and claims to have even received death threats from activists. But do you think she's convinced she should change her ways? Or does the extremist view of some activists make breeders and their supporters feel even more righteous? What do you think? Is this article a sign that rescue groups are gaining ground? CLICK HERE to read the article.
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The article really does bring up a huge issue for rescue groups. No matter how 'extreme' we really are in internal principle, how should we promote ourselves publicly? Can we really come out that concretely against breeders and anyone who buys from a breeder? I feel like I can as an individual, but to appeal to the masses, we can't alienate people, and there are some breeders out there who support rescue efforts . . . it's just a very fine line to walk. I do recall working a Petsmart adoption with Joellyn and staring down with all our might / stink-eye a woman with a yellow lab puppy who had the NERVE to stand in front of our adoption area and try to advertise her puppies to Petsmart customers! Nothing is more frustrating than that. But to present ourselves well, to form a well-reasoned and sound argument, we do have to at least be rational AND realistic.
ReplyDeleteI think that we have to focus on the end result, and whether that's going to help animals. It's easy to vent our feelings, but will that really help the animals?
ReplyDeleteAt yesterday's UAF meeting, we talked about the UAF Way of treating both animals and people. Guest speaker and dog behaviorist, Gary DeGeronimo, made the point that training a dog by using pain and fear causes the dog to give up and submit. On the other hand, looking for positive things to praise and reward creates a relationship that builds the dog and the person.
I think that works with people too. Is there really such a thing as "constructive criticism?" I'm not suggesting that we should agree with breeders, or with anyone who we really don't agree with. But are we helping animals by threatening the people we disagree with, or with emotional tirades that cause others to dismiss us at crazies?
Some people aren't going to understand what we know about how to treat animals, and about the problem of breeding more, when we are working so hard to find homes for the ones who are already here. But other people are open to a resonable explanation of what the problem is, and how to help make it better.
The UAF way is to educate those who have an open mind, while standing up for what we believe in. And always, we are focused on what is going to make a real difference for the animals.
I read the article and certainly would rather have heard that the Vice President adopted a puppy instead of buying one. If he wanted to set a good example to the public about the importance of adopting he would have done so, my guess is he just another uninformed person/politician. I do not believe threatening lives will gain positive support for the plight of shelter pets. All it does is put a negative connotation towards rescues. I feel as a volunteer with an animal rescue we need to keep educating the public one by one with the truth and facts about breeding, puppy mills, pet stores, adopting vs. buying and the importance spay/neuter.
ReplyDeleteThe has been a lot of publicity about the president's family adopting a shelter dog, so it's hard for me to imagine that the vice-president isn't aware of that choice, or the reasons for it. Some people are open to education, and some aren't.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrea. We need to spread the truth and the facts. Little by little we are making progress. It's not fast enough, but it's still progress.
Sorry, but this type of article, and the extreme repsonse against the breeder, will hurt your efforts, not help.
ReplyDeletePS, voted for your group
The extreme behavior against the breeder only convinces me to have nothing to do with PETA, animal shelters etc. You seem like you tolerate these wackos when you should be condemning them much more vigorously.
ReplyDeleteSome of us want the more predictable behavior and traits in pure bred dogs. Labs are very friendly dogs. Shelter dogs are frequently throw away dogs with behavior problems.
Before you start condemning me I have a adopted a ex-racing greyhound to get a great dog and save his life. He to is a throw away because he can only run 41.7 mph instead of 42 mph like the winners. Still he is a great pet.
This last comment bothers me. I don’t see how you can compare an Animal Shelter to PETA? PETA is an activist group and an Animal Shelter shelters homeless/unwanted pets. Breeders and/or mainly puppy mills need to be held accountable for their part in filling shelters. Most dogs in shelters are not throw away dogs at all! That just is a uneducated statement. Reasons for dogs at shelters even pure breds - no money, moving, have a baby, found as stray, owner died, my dog had puppies, allergic, I can go on.. As for adopting a gray hound - good for you they are wonderful dogs. I just wish that some grey hound rescues would tell people they are breeders as well.
ReplyDelete"...a breeder who sold a German Shepherd Puppy to Vice-President Joe Biden and his family is now experiencing intense backlash from shelter supporters."
ReplyDeleteShelter supporters due themselves and the dogs they care about a great disservice by attacking or condemning breeders.
Breeder Supporters due themselves a disservice by ignoring the pet overpopulation caused by irresponsible breeders.
ReplyDelete"Or does the extremist view of some activists make breeders and their supporters feel even more righteous? What do you think?"
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the comments here I will never go near a shelter and never recommend a friend does either.
The last comment seems off. Are you stating shelters are the same as extremist groups? I am confused how you would condemn adopting an animal from a shelter because of the comments on this blog. I don’t see any comment here saying what happened to the breeder who sold a dog to the vice-president was acceptable. I see a few comments of a very defensive person who would thinks dogs in shelters are throw away animals. That’s very sad and uninformed.
ReplyDelete