Be the Change
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." ~ Edmund Burke
It is time to stop buying and breeding puppies and kittens in substandard conditions. When I say "substandard," I refer not only to physical but knowledge base. A very nice dog does not necessarily mean he/she is a good candidate for breeding. One must do homework, be aware of genetics, pedigree, and how to not breed relatives. Basically, don't breed your dog. If you are not a licensed AKC or UKC operating kennel, don't breed.
Everyone likes puppies. Puppies bought online (NEVER DO THIS) or at a pet store (NEVER DO THIS) are from PUPPY MILLS. Those selling the puppies know nothing of their true background, no matter what they tell you. Many shelters have purebred dogs for adoption. If you are set on a purebred puppy from a breeder, be sure you are able to meet the parents, ask a ton of questions, do your homework on the breed you are considering (health problems, size, temperament) and ask if the breeder is willing to take back the no longer puppy should something dastardly befall you.
I could show you lots of graphic images but what I want to impress upon you is to adopt, not shop, for your pet. We are not bad people, for the most part. However, turning a blind eye to evil, to pain, to distress is evil itself. Once, I did not know how dire the environmental situation was; I now recycle fiendishly, still learning it is not enough. Once, I took a beloved cat to a local shelter, not knowing what else to do and not being given any other direction; I now know differently and act accordingly. Evil is not the lack of knowledge. Evil is in knowing and still ignoring. I was shocked to learn many Amish have puppy mills - raising puppies as a cash crop. I no longer buy anything Amish even though I admire the craftsmanship of the furniture. I avoid Nike (though I support Livestrong) because they, once again, turn a blind eye to evil and sponsor Michael Vick, the dog killer and fighter.
Bottom line is once we know, we need to act or stop acting in ways that support evil. Breeding puppies for profit is evil, pure and simple. Most of these breeders don't think this way but keeping dogs in poor conditions till they die or worse to wring out puppies from them is evil. In Missouri, we went through the votes, discussions and amendment of Prop B last year. We know better - let's teach our friends who don't know so more lives can be saved.
Simple steps to help our dog/cat friends:
- SPAY OR NEUTER your pet or farm dog/cat. PLEASE.
- When you want to add a pet, ADOPT; we are here to help you find the right pet for your life. If one entity won't adopt to you, find out why; if you disagree, go somewhere else or appeal. As rescues, we want to find homes for our dogs and cats (and hamsters, pigeons, etc.).
- BOYCOTT pet stores who sell puppies and kittens; let them know why you won't buy anything from them; sign petitions, support your local sanctuaries and shelters.
- VOLUNTEER even a few hours or less a week at a local sanctuary or shelter. Getting dogs and cats out with a person in the sunshine or on a lap for some loving helps them become more adoptable; it also helps your health.
- THANK YOU for caring about animals as well as people.
This is Princess Sheila Sheltie who has lived with me for at least 4 years. The ten years prior to coming to me from Flawdogs Rescue in Morse Mill, MO, Sheila was a puppy mill mom, pumping out puppies. She has a severe under-bite, is very small for a Sheltie (of which I am no breed expert so if someone has a different opinion, please share) and is now blind in that whitish right eye. Sheila can still be skittish, not wanting to be picked up - wonder why? She loves to be petted and groomed, though. Sheila is aging gracefully here at Silverwalk for the rest of her life.
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