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From: ayers@convex.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Pet shoppe clarification - (nf)
Message-ID: <47500002@convex.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 17-Aug-84 11:46:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: convex.47500002
Posted: Fri Aug 17 11:46:00 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 19-Aug-84 02:22:51 EDT
Lines: 75
Nf-ID: #N:convex:47500002:000:2872
Nf-From: convex!ayers    Aug 17 10:46:00 1984

#N:convex:47500002:000:2872
convex!ayers    Aug 17 10:46:00 1984

The following appeared on net.wanted:

	I'm thinking about getting an afghan (sp ?) puppy, but
	I live in southern Ca. and I've never seen one down here
	and they're never in the papers or pet stores.  Does anyone
	know where I can get one, or why I might not want to ?
	I like the looks of hounds, so other suggestions would
	also be appreciated.

	Mike

	How to reach me:
	via UUCP:
	{allegra,cbosgd,hplabs,ihnp4,orstcs,sdcsvax,ucla-s,akgua}!sdcrdcf!mike
	via SNAIL MAIL:
	   Mike Williams
	   Mail drop 02-B160
	   System Development Corp.
	   5151 Camino Ruiz
	   Camarillo, CA. 93010
	via BELL or the ilk:
	   (805) 987-6811 x4529
/* End of text from convex:net.wanted */

I replied ...Go to a breeder, not a pet store... and have been getting 
a lot of "Why's" in the mail.  Rather than rewrite to each one, I'm 
posting my standard reply here.

**********************   More on Pet Shoppes   ***************************
**************************************************************************

I'm afraid that I have to look at this from a dog breeder's point of view.

Not only is disease a big problem, but ONLY those dogs not good enough 
for showing (known as `pet quality') are dumped (and `dumped' IS the word) 
into pet stores.  You can get the same quality dog at the same price (often
less) from a breeder who raises and sells both show dogs and pets, and you 
can see where the dog came from.  

This is MOST important.

Not only is it a good idea to check out the temperment of the dog's parents, 
but it is a MUST to see what kind of surroundings the dog and it's parents 
`normally' live in.  There are breeders who RAISE animals in cages no larger
than the ones you see in the pet stores (shocking, but all-too-often true).  
Those animals usually get NO (I repeat, NO) exercise at all.  Think about 
the mental and physical consequences on a baby--or even on an adult (think 
POW)....

On top of that, the pet stores themselves seldom (read `almost never') provide
any stimulating interaction (or exercise) for the animals they sell.  

I realize that there ARE exceptions, but given all the above, why take a 
chance?  And also, why help perpetuate the overall business, when reputable 
breeders serve the same function in a much more `humane' (read `caring') 
atmosphere...?  

[Oops!  I think I may have been flaming... :-)]

No, I am not a breeder (my wife is) and yes I'm prejudiced.  MOST of the 
dog breeders I've met (and that's a lot) are quality people who breed dogs 
because they love dogs.  If you ever get into breeding, you'll see why 
money is not the usual focus.  [The only way to make BIG bucks is to assembly
line the dogs (as mentioned above).] But breeding is a way to justify the 
time and energy spent on what is basically a selfish, expensive, time consuming
hobby. 

[There I go again :-)]

Anything else?

				blues, II