While in L.A. this weekend, I was asked a question and answered without a pause. “What do you think about people who go to a breeder instead of adopting a shelter pet?” was the question.
I answered, to the consternation of many friends who subscribe to the “do not buy while shelter pets die” theory, I said that it’s up to the individual. If Jim’s father needs a cattle dog, he’ll get one. Probably from another farmer.
I’ve worked with dogs and cats most of my life, and spent 15 years working in shelters and spay/neuter clinics. I get shelter animals. That’s my choice. My first cat was born of Mija, my sister’s cat, fell off the 7′ shelf he was born on in her garage and Mija wouldn’t nurse him after that, so she sent him with my brother, cross-country on a plane at five weeks. It was 1987 and I had no clue about cats.
My first dog was severely abused and in the shelter for a year before she became a danger to others and herself. 
They had a staff meeting and considered euthanizing her. Luckily I was volunteering that day and a fellow volunteer turned staffer alerted me to that and the next day she was home with me. It took an intensive six months and immediate obedience training, but after six weeks she was lying on her back with legs spread out, not a frightened dog at all! And she was a constant companion and love for ten years.
Jim and I got married nearly six years ago and vowed to get a dog. I wanted a shelter dog, but a pup so I could train her and see if we could have one “normal” dog in our lives. We fell in love with Zoe, an Aussie mix, aka Runty Mutt at six weeks of age. She was the test to see if Jim could be a good Dad. He failed miserably and she loves him for it. I’m the disciplinarian and he lets her do anything she pleases. As my brother says, “she’s awfully needy” and she’s a herder so that is true.
Our good friends are adopting a purebred English Lab very soon, from a TX breeder. I’d show you a photo but they haven’t given me permission to do so. Their last Lab/Golden cross, Gus, was a sweetie who we regularly housed when they were away. He was trained as a therapy dog at the VA. This dog will be trained as well, and it’s wonderful that our friend MB does this.
My beef is after you choose the dog. Know that it needs shots, vet visits, training, a place to stay when you’re away, regular walks, good food and love. I don’t care what dog you choose or where it came from. I care that you know your responsibilities will last at least 10-15 years and you have to commit to that timetable. In my lifetime I’ve helped put four animals down. The first, my family’s Collie, I wasn’t there but gathered up her things and ran the bill and coached.
This is a phase of life every pet owner should go through (small children, perhaps not). But saying goodbye to Fido or Fluffy is a rite of passage and you will know that they had their loved one there in their final moments.
A word on cats. Nathan was a talkative joy, a Burmese/Tuxedo DSH from my sister. He lived to 13. Mick was a feisty one I had for seven years and then gave to a neighbor when I married Jim, as he’s allergic to cats. He was from the shelter, nine weeks of age, a Tuxedo DSH that loved every dog in the neighborhood (my old dog raised him) and certain dogs would run away from home and I’d get a phone call. Is so-and-so at your place? Yep. He wrestled with the Llhasa and Shih Tsu next door and let his adopted Corgi place his entire head in his mouth. A wild and crazy guy.
It was an interesting question. Another thing to keep in mind is your lifestyle and how a pet meshes with it. Don’t think a big dog can’t flourish in a small apartment. They sleep much of the time. As long as they have regular long walks or time at the dog park, they’re fine. That’s my work for tonight. Thanks for reading. Dee
