Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: Notesfiles; site convex.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!ihnp4!inuxc!pur-ee!uiucdcs!convex!ayers 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