Dogs: Buy or Adopt?

Buy or Adopt - That is the question.

If you intend to breed or show your dog there is no alternative but to buy your dog from a reputable AKC-REGISTERED breeder. Should you be in a position where nothing but the best satisfies you, then buying a registered, pedigreed dog is also your best choice.

Another alternative for those wanting to acquire a fine pet is cross bred dogs. They are not for breeding or show but some of the handsomest dogs I have ever seen were mixed breeds. But, buying a mixed pup is chancy. A cute pup can mature into an ugly adult

For the rest of us ordinary people who have financial constraints, but nevertheless would like to have a pet dog there is a better choice. That is Adoption, which is not only less expensive, it sometimes permits you to have a purebred dog that you ordinarily could not afford. Not only that you generally get a pet that is housebroken and frequently at least partially obedience trained.

Adopting a young dog past puppy hood has a number of advantages, one of which is that you avoid teething problems. A puppy can be very destructive. You also know, when you choose it, what your dog's appearance will be when mature.

Another advantage to adoption is that arrangements are made or neutering at greatly reduced prices.

I have done both, bought and adopted. I had a show dog that I never showed and had several not too great experiences with breeding.

Over my lifetime I've had numerous breeds, Mutts, cross-breeds, German Shepherds, Irish setters, Cairn Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Long Haired Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos and Shi-Tzus and a Bijon Frise. Some were AKC registered, some obviously were not.

Size and Breed are individual choices based on your own taste and your home situation. Often your kids have a strong influence on a decision to buy a pet, which does not always lead to the best conclusion.

I strongly favor Dog Adoption, and that is what this article is all about.

We live in an area thatin the summer is highly populated by tourists and people with second homes. Some of these people buy their children puppies and when they leave in the fall they abandon these animals. The animal shelters become so overloaded with these pets that many have to be put to sleep.

Our dog " Suzy " is one of those dogs. We had just lost our beloved " Rina "who we had for sixteen happy years. We advertised for a small dog in a local classified ad magazine and as a result adopted "Suzy " a purebred Shi-Tzu. " Rina " was part Shi-Tzu so we were pleased to get the type dog we wanted.

"Suzy " was found abandoned, injured and suffering from malnutrition. The shelter nursed her back to health and in February 1999 we adopted her. She was approximately one year old and weighed seven pounds when we took her home. She obviously had been abused and was terrified of people, most especially men. Although she is now six and has had a happy life with us she is still nervous with strangers.

When we first got her she was an ugly duckling because she was so scrawny. In less than six months she blossomed into a gorgeous animal; she had more than doubled her weight. She is by far the best dog we have ever had the pleasure of owning, and we have had some wonderful dogs.

She's super intelligent, housebroken, has no bad habits. Some of our dogs have been destructive. Unfortunately she hates cars so she doesn't accompany my wife wherever she goes, which " Rina " always did.

Of course "Suzy " has taken over the house and as we don't restrict her she goes wherever she wants to. We have to protect our white furniture because she doesn't know when she's wet and scruffy.

She's a fussy eater and is quite bossy so we cook her food specially for her If you want to own animals these are things you have to contend with and you should consider them before you adopt or buy a pet.

For more information regarding pets and other subjects, visit http://www.caveatemptorus.com

Written by: George W. Cannata, author and publisher of the web site http://www.caveatemptorus.com July 29, 2005. You may copy this article in it's entirety so long as you include credit to the author and links to my web site.

Obesity just as dangerous for pets as for humans
Vancouver Sun,  Canada - 4 hours ago
Just as with humans, obesity in pets can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and other health complications. ...
High-Tech Vet Medicine Saving Lives of Pets and People MarketWatch
all 6 news articles

Many reluctant to evacuate without pets
United Press International - 7 hours ago
8 (UPI) -- Forty-seven percent of US adults say they would refuse disaster rescue if it meant leaving without a family pet, American Humane Association ...
Group gets pets out for storm The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com
Nearly Half of Americans Won't Flee Without Fido MarketWatch
Evacuated dogs need new homes Detroit Free Press
VetPracticeNews.com - DetNews.comall 16 news articles

New California Law Gives Pets the Care They Need When Owners Pass ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 5 hours ago
According to Antelope Valley estate planning law firm partner, Kevin L. Von Tungeln, California pet owners can now rely upon a new law to make sure their ...

Pets available
Press & Sun-Bulletin, NY - 5 hours ago
Look for pets available at Stray Haven Humane Society at www.stray.petfinder.com. * The Broome County Health Department and Front Street Dog Shelter ...
Shelters have great pets Press & Sun-Bulletin
all 2 news articles

Pets left behind in foreclosed homes
The Union of Grass Valley, CA - 4 hours ago
When a tough economy forced people to foreclose on their homes or downsize to smaller apartments, the pet population took a hit, said staff at the county's ...

Pets help train vets
Contra Costa Times, CA - 6 hours ago
Hill's Wellness Center, along with Western University's pet hospital, and the Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service mobile clinic, are all means of ...

TUNE IN TONIGHT: 'Wonder Pets!' goes Bollywood with prime-time ...
Reading Eagle, PA - 7 hours ago
Young viewers of "Wonder Pets!" are no strangers to big productions or musical influences from beyond their shores or before their time. ...

New York Daily News
Pets weather Gustav well
Detroit Free Press, United States - Sep 4, 2008
Early reconnaissance by rescuers allowed into storm-damaged areas indicates the vast majority of pets were evacuated with their owners, and thousands of ...
Tropical storm and disaster preparedness for pets Tri Parish Times
Keeping Your Pets Safe Before, During & After The Storm Local10.com
Gustav Pet Evacuations Show Katrina Lessons Learned National Geographic
Cay Compass - USA Todayall 454 news articles

Pets Bring Owners to Veterans Park
KBTX, TX - 7 hours ago
Several hundred dogs brought their masters to the Responsible Dog Ownership Day. The event was free, and provided low cost vaccinations, micro-chipping, ...
Pooches take center stage on Saturday Marshall News Messenger
all 2 news articles

Bedford’s shelter pets stars of ‘Furtastic Festival’
Lynchburg News and Advance, VA - 11 hours ago
They also have to have pets spayed or neutered within 30 days, if they are not already fixed. A local clinic will be on site Sept. ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?