The cute puppies at a local pet store.

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by Shanatink

I have a hard time just going to PetSmart becasue they always have the dogs and cats from local rescue groups there and it breaks my heart, I want them all. I went on saturday and they had at least 30 cats and 20 dogs spread out all over the store in cages trying to find forever homes for these poor little guys. I seriously was about to cry and my husband could see that. He thinks I am insane, but he is sweet about it. I told him he could never buy me a bigger house becasue I would just fill it with lots and lots of dogs. I told him with all these dogs that need to be adopted there is no way I will ever be able to buy another dog from a breeder again. I feel like my next dog is definelty going to have to come from a shelter.

I know what you mean! I was in Pets Mart Saturday and they had the most adorable girl there (I think she was a lab mixed with shepherd). They named her Lady and she was so loving and sweet. I just wanted to take her home!!

[Zoey's Momma]

The pet store could've been as fithly as someone put it, because there was the owner's dog asleep in his bed behind the register! I wont be afraid to take my pups everyhere they go, and it's too hot in Louisiana at this time in order to leave them in the car with the AC on. Now about their paws contacting the floor..it's not possible. i agree with a dog should have all of their shots before they venture out into pet stores and parks, but once they are..they're just as free into meeting new people and being socialized with other dogs. All my dogs wear Gooby Dog Boots wherever they go. Scaring others about them catching this and that is wrong. I see people and their dogs in PetsMart everytime i go there. I'm stating my opnion on this matter.

[topknot]

Hey, Just check out this thread - http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46464

No you can't have them live in a bubble - just be responsible pet owners and take messages to make sure they stay healthy and happy.

I was at Pet shop to buy dog food and shampoo - several months ago and a girl came up to me with her cute dog on a leash and asked if I knew what to use if a dog has diaherra. Thank goodness I did not have my dog with me. Her dog was on the floor walking with her. She stated that she wanted to save a few bucks instead of taking it to the vet first.
T.

[JiggityJig]

Originally Posted by Zoey's Momma

I know exactly where the puppies in Pet Shops come from but in my opinion, everyone deserves a caring loving family who will love them to pieces. Even the puppies int he pet stoers deserve a chance. If had the money and had the space for another dog, I would've bought one. Everyone deserves a second chance, and a better life.

It's not the puppy's or kitten's fault where they come from! They still deserve a good home with lots of love! I'm not supporting puppy or kitten mills when I say that. I bought two kittens from pet stores, one would not have survived had I not taken him home and nursed him back to health. He was so malnourished. He needed to be fed every 3 hours around the clock and would not eat unless I held him. I feel as though I rescued both of them.

I know it's hard to turn your back on an animal that you see in need like that, but you are only perpetuating the cycle. Maybe you "save" that one animal, but you line the pockets of the puppy mills, and send them the message, "I can continue to make money selling sick animals. YEAH!"

There are no lack of needy animals in the world. If any of us feel the need to "rescue", we would do so much better to pay a visit to a local shelter, or check out Petfinder. Buying at petstores ENABLES THE ANIMAL ABUSE TO CONTINUE.

I'm not judging anyone who has innocently bought at a petstore...we got our first guinea pig at one. But once I did more research and knew better, I drove three hours to get our second from a rescue. EDUCATION and spreading the word is key.

[baby03]

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

Thank the baby. He is the one that found me! For some unknown reason, I decided to stop by a pet store that I did not usually patronize. I was headed back to the cat treat isle looking for a brand of treats that I had not been able to find (for one of my other cats). Then, I heard the little mew. I looked down and here was this adorable Himalyan kitten looking up at me, mewing, as if to say, "Lady, please take me home with you!" I held him and that was it. The clerk said, "do you know how much he costs?" I said "I don't care" and handed him the plastic. We went to the vet right after that. He is now my best friend. He is so special. You would never know that Sonney had such a rough start. I know this is a Yorkie site but I just had to share this story. I will shut up about my cats now!

Thanks for sharing such a touching story!