I know that I come across too strong (or rude or blunt, whatever you want to call it) more often than not it seems and I apologize. I will make an honest effort to
try to be more tactful in the future. I know there are sometimes I read back over something I said and think it may have been taken better had it been worded differently.
However, it feels like lately some people only post in the breeder section lately to point out that a post was rude or off topic, and not to add anything to the conversation, which makes them just as bad, IMO.
Most of the more...opinionated, shall we say...post (mine included) I notice come about when the topic being discussed is something that I think the majority here agree is a no-no...breeding tinies, out of standard, improper care and testing, etc etc. Correct me if I'm wrong, but we're are all members here because we love these dogs and we all only want what is best for this breed as a whole. When these controversial topics come to light, it is only natural that some people really get worked up over it.
Threads are going to go off topic from time to time--no avoiding that. It only seems to be a complaint when people don't get the answers they wanted or it something being brought to light that they didn't want to mention (like oh yeah, this prego female tied with a 15 pound male) or when it becomes a discussion about who was rude and why. For example, if someone is asking what day they should breed their female, and 5 days ago they were discussing her LP surgery, you can bet your bottom dollar that someone is probably going to bring it up and suggest that she shouldn't be bred period. Unfortunately, that kind of thing seems to be taking backseat because there are so many quick to jump in that 'that wasn't the question asked' and 'it was rude to say' and 'how dare you mention something I talked about last week.' It's really disturbing that the health and well being of the dogs is getting pushed aside because people are more concerned with who's being nice and who is being snobbish and who knows more because of where they are and how long they've been here and blah blah blah.
No one on here is perfect in everyway by everyone else's eyes. I'm certainly not, not the breeders, or pet owners or show breeders...NONE of us. Likewise, not everyone here that joins (as much as I hate to say it) does what is right for their dogs, and there is no denying that. Is it mine or anyone elses devine power to make that call and know 100% that we got it right? No, it's not. But if there is something 'fishy' I don't see why anyone should be too worried about getting jumped on and accused of being 'a snob' and 'attacking' to bring it up. Maybe that person will honestly learn something. Maybe these issues being brought up...regardless of if they were part of the original topic...will save a member here from getting a sick pup or getting scammed. But what good would come from it if no one said anything?
I remember once (not sure if it was this forum or another) there was someone looking for information about breeding her female, who most agreed should NOT be bred. (Poor health, rescue, tiny size, no info on parents) The person became very defensive when people suggested that she spay the female and love her as a pet. She and those who came to her defense were so rude that down the road, she needed help with some issues and those she'd lashed out against didn't step in. In the end, she had to have a emergency section on the poor girl, ended up losing all the pups and almost the mother. I'm sure if she could do it all over again, she'd rather have the harsh truth. What if it would have made a difference and saved her the heartache she endured? And what if others had the chance to learn and not make the same mistakes?