The Dog Chicks

Before you purchase a puppy, we ask you read through this page and visit the links provided. A Puppy Mill is any dog’s worst nightmare. Dogs kept in puppy mills are there only for the purpose of reproducing. Females are bred every heat until they are worn out. All animals are kept in small cages with little to no human contact. The parents are not screened for genetic health problems and puppies leave the mother too early so that they can get to the pet store when they are still little and cute. Puppies raised in this manner lack the proper socialization as young puppies and will display health and behavior problems later on. House training is often difficult.

If you choose to purchase a purebred puppy you should look for a reputable breeder. Finding a reputable breeder does take a little home work, but in the long run it is well worth the effort. A reputable breeder will NEVER sell puppies to a pet store no matter what a sales person may tell you. A reputable breeder will screen all inquiries from those wishing to purchase their puppies to ensure a happy home for both the puppy and the adopter. A reputable breeder breeds for the love of the breed, not to make a profit. In fact, if an animal has had proper genetic screening and medical care, it is virtually impossible to make a profit. To start your search check out www.akc.org and look for a specialty breed or all breed club in your area. A reputable breeder is usually competing with their dogs in either the Breed ring or the Obedience ring. Even if you don’t plan on showing your dog you should still look to purchase a dog from someone that is. Not every dog born in a litter is a show dog, in fact usually only 1 or 2 may make that grade and the rest are sold as loving, healthy family pets. If you are going to purchase a pure bred dog you are better off owning the brother or sister of a champion, knowing the same consideration of the breeding went into your dog as did the Champion litter mate. When looking for a reputable breeder ask as many questions of the breeder as you can. A good breeder will not be put off by questions, and in fact may ask more questions of you than you do of them. Ask about the hereditary health problems of the breed you are interested in. No breed is free of hereditary health problems but a good breeder will do their very best to limit them with health screening of the parents. Costs on purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder vary, and in many cases they may be cheaper than a pet store but in the long run you will save because you will be getting a healthier animal which means less trips to the vet and less heartache when the dog cannot be saved.

There are a number of breeders that are referred to as “back yard” breeders, or “hobby” breeders. These breeders do not screen the dogs they breed for health problems and usually have very little knowledge of the breed. The do not compete with their dogs - they are simply looking to make a quick dollar off their dog. These breeders should be avoided just as pet stores should. If you can’t afford to purchase a pure bred puppy from a reputable breeder then PLEASE check out your local shelter or rescue for a puppy. Many times pure bred pups come into these groups, simply because a baby was born or the owners moved away. There is nothing wrong with these dogs, other than a former owner who was not committed to them.

Please remember that a dog in a shelter is not necessarily there due to behavior or health problems. Most are wonderful family pets who just couldn’t stay with their families. There are private rescue organizations who specialize in specific breeds and can help you with the specific needs of the breed you are interested in. Try searching www.petfinder.com for the breed you are interested in, and you may be surprised how many you find!

http://www.nopuppymills.com

http://www.puppymills.com/

http://www.turner.com/planet/promotions/puppies/prisoners.html

I can’t tell you how much I dread the coming of the cold New England winger more every year. The fact that I have a gorgeous Border Collie who is immune to cold and damp weather forces me to rise up and embrace the *joy* of walking in the dark and in the cold.

Do I like doing this?

No, most often I don’t but there are a few nights when the sky is clear and the look of happiness on Bae’s face as she’s catching the Frisbee are enough to remind me that I did the right thing. After all, my ancestors were Norwegian farmers in the midwest and they had to deal with the cold without central heat or fleece pajamas so who am I to complain?

I’ve learned that it only seems like the worst activity in the world until you get out there and then it’s not so bad. Plus, I can avoid both myself and my Dog gaining the winter 10 pounds if I am able to keep “walking in the cold”.

Loosing a family pet is very traumatic for everyone in the family, there are a number of on-line recourses to help you and your family members through your loss. Some offer grief counseling others information and message boards. Please check these sites for more information and services offered.

? C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Hotline http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE/

? UC-Davis Pet Loss Support Hotline http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/petloss/

? Pet Bereavement message Board http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ptbereavemen

? Arizona -Companion Animal Association of Arizona www.caaainc.org

? Massachusetts Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss

? New York College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University.
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/PetLoss/

? Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement is a nonprofit association concerned people who are experienced and knowledgeable with pet death. http://www.APLB.org

? The Delta Society is a nonprofit organization that provides
information on the human-animal bond. www.deltasociety.org under
the Learn section (pet loss and bereavement).

? Various Articles by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed., on pet loss and
bereavement. can be found at www.pet-loss.net

? Washington State University College of Veterinary medicine
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/plhl/support.asp

? Pet Loss Bulletin Board
Best friends has a pet loss support forum for people dealing with pet loss. To join or visit the Prayers healing and support bulletin boards go to http://bestfriends.org/theanimals/forums/