I don't feel guilty about seeking out a breeder dog next time around because responsible breeders aren't the problem anyway. Any reputable breeder will always take back a dog if for any reason the owner no longer can keep it, so that their dogs don't end up in the shelters. It's the puppy millers and the BYB's that are the problem, IMO, so by purchasing a dog (from a reputable breeder), you are not contributing to the problem, if that makes sense.
I know with me personally, I'm at a point in my life where a lot of things will be changing soon, and my dog(s) will always be a part of that, but a rescue may not be comfortable with my lifestyle and that's fine. The possibility that I'll be renting within the next year is very high. Within the next 10 years, I am sure there will be new relationships, there could be a baby, never know! Could be an apartment, could be a house, but there's a lot of "don't really know" yet and I completely understand that a rescue may not want to risk it not working out for whatever reason. After all, there ARE a lot of folks my age (22) who would be horrible dog owner candidates, lol. I know and I'm not one of them but the few breeders I've spoken with are very open to anything, they've gotten to know me, and feel I'd be a great home for one of their dogs.
Another reason I want a dog from a GOOD breeder is because it's something we've never done before in our family. I've always wanted to have a breeder to go back to for questions, be able to see my pups family and pedigree, and have that added resource. After I got Jackson from a BYB, I e-mailed her a picture and said how thrilled I was with my little guy, and never even got a reply. Go figure. And I have very specific wants in a dog that would be hard to come by in rescue.
Anyway, I guess all I am saying is that nobody should feel guilty or feel like they HAVE to get a rescue dog. I think it's an amazing thing and I will have a rescue dog someday when the time is right.
I'm going a little off topic, but I think there's a certain 'stigma' out there now (I see it all over FB) ... 'Adopt, Don't Shop!' etc etc, and I hate that people who get dogs from breeders are often looked down upon in today's world. Even at the dog park, I notice it. "Oh, he's a rescue" and they say it sometimes snobby (not everybody, obviously, but I've seen it happen). And I've seen people give others 'looks' when they say they got their dog from a breeder.
I think if we could work together and meet somewhere in the middle that'd be great. And I'm saying generic 'we' -- not YT specifically, lol. Like the breeder I've contacted does a lot of rescue work as well as breeding. And I guess it can be kind of an oxymoron to some people, LOL, but it's entirely possible to do both.
I'm rambling... sorry! haha. |