[SophieKatesMom]

Hi, I put my answers in Red and Bold, not to be rude but you asked a lot of questions and I wanted to make sure you could see my answers. Please note my answers only represent the rescue where I volunteer (but how on Earth could I speak for them all, no one can).

I think you will find here that most people (including me) do not have an issue with someone buying from a breeder as long as the breeder is ethical.

I usually try to avoid this debate since in my opinion it is a very personal choice. Not everyone wants to rescue, not everyone wants to adopt but as long as you make the right choice for you and family and use ethical breeders and rescues you would be getting a great new family member.


1. What type of FORMAL MEDICAL EDUCATION do breeders/rescuers have? If none, why are they allowed to care for dogs? Do they become EDUCATED through trial & Error? The rescue where I volunteer employess 2 full time Vet Techs (both graduate from UT, the Shelter Manager is a Vet Tech with an advance degree from Auburn - so there is the formal education. We as a shelter would never become "educated by triail and error" our BOD has 2 Vets currently seated and we outstanding relationships with 3 local vets.

3. What type of EXPERIENCE is REQUIRED to be a breeder/rescuer? If none, how is it determined that a person is QUALIFIED to care for Dogs? Do they become EXPERIENCED through trial & Error? We are volunteer based rescue but we have an actual shelter. Every volunteer goes through a 4 hour training (basics) and additional training with their volunteer mentor. Again "trail and error" is not part of our protocol.

4. If questions 2 and 3 cannot be answered in the affirmative, what makes them QUALIFIED to determine what a proper matching would be and what type of household would be appropriate. All of our animals are matched with a family based on the dog/cats temperment. Do we get it wrong sometimes? yes but those times we are always willing to work with the new owner or take the dog back.

5. Why do people & rescuers think it is acceptable or appropriate to approach, question, confront, or criticize those of us who DO NOT WISH TO SPAY/NEUTER, WANT to BREED, ANNNNNNND Tell us how to care for our dogs when we're just strolling along in public. Yes, We do desire helpful advise, WHEN ASKED, but isn't that crossing the line? If we asked you questions 1 and 2 would you be offended? We as adoption counsellors are trainined to educate and would be removed from the team if we ever criticized someone. Are you telling me that a rescue will criticize you when you are out in public, not at their shelter and or event? My guess is that is not the rescue speaking but the person themself. I would fully expect any breeder to interview their potential new owners also.

6. Why can't I choose to BUY a puppy I see in a store window? Don't these puppies deserve to be saved too? Not all of them cost alot of $. In fact, there are plenty that are healthy and MUCH cheaper than a rescuers adoption fee. Speaking for myself, I don't have a problem with someone buying a puppy. I do have a problem with someone buying a puppy from someone who is not ethically raising dogs for the right reason (making money alone is not the right reason for me, they need to love the breed). As far as much cheaper, we could debate this all week, most rescue make little or no profit off the adoption of a puppy considering the cost of vetting and feeding the animal. Our adoption costs are $300, that is for a fully vetted, spay/neutered with a life long subscription for a microchip. Find me some who can get a dog from a good reputable breeder at that cost?

7. Who determines when a puppy should be put down, is it a licensed Veterinarian, and DO rescuers ever question their superiors and INTERVENE on that dog's behalf if they disagree? Why is the term "put it down because it is suffering" used sooooooo loosely. Would we put a HUMAN down because they suffer? How many times do they bounce back? Why can't they die on their own? We are a no kill shelter but there have been times when we have had to help a dog passover the rainbow bridge. That decsions is NEVER made lightly and always comes from a Vet and is decided by our staff and board. Volunteers are not even allowed access to these dogs in most cases (thats how sick they are).

8. What makes a "Rescuer" THINK that a SHELTER is EVER a BETTER place for a dog than a home that may have a few slight imperfections but is available. Some of their requirements seem ridiculous to potential adopters. (NOT talking about abuse: ie: fence, stairs, balconies, gate) Why can't a few in-person, @ THEIR facility, welfare checks suffice to see how the new family is adjusting? Well I guess we think the shelter is a better place when you are surrendering your 14 lb dog who should weight 20 lbs, infested with fleas and heartworm positive. As far are our requirements, we do not do home visits, but we do require the basic such as all people living in the house need to be present, all dogs need to be present, current vet records, must be attended to outside and never off leash in an unfence area.

9. Are ALL Rescues overseen by a Licensed Veterinarian? Are there STANDARDIZED rules that are followed by ALL rescue organizations that have been APPROVED by ANIMAL VETERINARIANS, as they are CLEARLY THE ONLY TRUE EXPERTS regarding analyzing, matching, and selecting who should and should not have a dog and for what VALID reasons. I believe I answered this question regarding the rescue where I volunteer. Asking if all shelters is not really relevant, we certainly cannot speak to every shelter in the country.

10. Why is it an ABSOLUTE requirement for rescuers to visit a potential adopters home? Doesn't it prevent MANY adoptions. Wouldn't a dog want to be in ANY loving home rather than in a cage @ a FACILITY or @ a "FOSTER" home later to be shuffled to yet another place. Already answered, we don't. We have a shelter but the rescues I know that do it is because they want to meet the family and usually do not have a facility. As far as the cage, we do not keep our dogs in cages except for a night to sleep and to eat, they have freedome to indoor and outdoors with other dogs for more than 15 hours a day. We have an agility play area and a very quailified team of volunteers who work with the dogs on training (at all levels).