I HATE PET STORES!!!!!!!!!! I am so there with you, hell I'll buy the salt.
I know it has been mentioned a bit, but there are rescues for all pets. I think rescues, shelters and reputable breeders are the only places to get pets. I am the proud guardian and caretaker of three rescued pugs. I can't say enough about how wonderful rescues are. They take the time,as does a GOOD breeder, to find out if you know what you are getting into. They do home inspections (I do that for one group), the ask questions, they require spaying and neutering, the follow up and they have a return policy - animals that don't work out go back to the rescue. There is some variation among different groups but in general that is it. I have told some people not to get pugs because their lives/lifestyle wasn't right. Pugs have lots of medical problems and unlike a lot of short haired breed they shed like little demons 24/7/365.
Another thing is that so many people don't educate themselves properly on their pet choices. Example, they have always owned dogs so lets get an italian greyhound because they are cute. Always translates to some labs or other big mostly kept outdoor dogs. There is no research into the special requirements of the IG. Or, I owned some parakeets as a kid I think I'll get an African Grey because they talk. Greys are very difficult birds to deal with even for someone with experience in large parrots. Of course going to a breeder isn't always a promise of success. One woman I know was told by her breeder that pugs don't shed. I about split my sides laughing over that one.
I think that it is quite possible that I am almost as militant about responsible pet ownership as Lady Sprite. I will never achieve her level because I am not a vet, but that is the only thing that could make me more so. Don't even get me started on commercial pet foods........
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timeasmymeasure
Put your left arm in put your left arm out......
Date: 2004-03-27 07:37 pm (UTC)I know it has been mentioned a bit, but there are rescues for all pets. I think rescues, shelters and reputable breeders are the only places to get pets. I am the proud guardian and caretaker of three rescued pugs. I can't say enough about how wonderful rescues are. They take the time,as does a GOOD breeder, to find out if you know what you are getting into. They do home inspections (I do that for one group), the ask questions, they require spaying and neutering, the follow up and they have a return policy - animals that don't work out go back to the rescue. There is some variation among different groups but in general that is it. I have told some people not to get pugs because their lives/lifestyle wasn't right. Pugs have lots of medical problems and unlike a lot of short haired breed they shed like little demons 24/7/365.
Another thing is that so many people don't educate themselves properly on their pet choices. Example, they have always owned dogs so lets get an italian greyhound because they are cute. Always translates to some labs or other big mostly kept outdoor dogs. There is no research into the special requirements of the IG. Or, I owned some parakeets as a kid I think I'll get an African Grey because they talk. Greys are very difficult birds to deal with even for someone with experience in large parrots. Of course going to a breeder isn't always a promise of success. One woman I know was told by her breeder that pugs don't shed. I about split my sides laughing over that one.
I think that it is quite possible that I am almost as militant about responsible pet ownership as Lady Sprite. I will never achieve her level because I am not a vet, but that is the only thing that could make me more so. Don't even get me started on commercial pet foods........