Not all pet shops are the same

[martym112]

I bought my precious Saffron at a family run pet shop that I'd been going to for a few years. They had been dealing with her breeder for a number of years & have lots of communication with him. (He's in Iowa, they're in Massachusetts) They've been a terrific support system for me as this was my very first dog I'd ever owned. I bring her in to see them every time she gets groomed next door & I find I'm not the only customer that returns regularly with their dog to visit. They love each & every dog that passes thru their doors & are thrilled to be updated on their individual progress. The dogs they sell (they only have a few at a time...maybe 10 or less) are clean & healthy & well cared for. I didn't really try too hard to find a breeder when I was looking for a yorkie as I knew these people & trusted them to find me a healthy baby. I was not disappointed! Saffie is healthy, gorgeous, intelligent & has a beautiful temperment. She's become my whole world!

I hate having to always defend "my shop" when people talk about pet stores having puppy mill puppies. I know puppy mills are horrible & hate the thought of those poor little creatures suffering, but I sure find it hard to imagine that EVERY pet store ONLY buys from puppy mills. I'm sure there are certain (probaly a large majority) of pet stores that do, but I really feel that some do buy right from caring breeders. Saffron is not AKC but is APRI (which I know some consider less desirable but I had no intension of breeding or showing, so it didn't matter to me...just wanted a loving pet) & although her parents were not champions, her grandparents & further back were. It doesn't seem like a puppy mill would put time & money into showing their dogs & having them become registered champions.

Anyone else have a "pet shop" puppy & feel the same way?

[red98vett]

That's great that you found one that cares like they do - when people talk about Pet Stores it's about the the majority that do buy from mills - but as you said - yours only has 10 or so dogs a year - that's one of the good ones is right - We all get passionate about Pet stores but you can understand why -

It's not shameful or anything to be proud to know one like that - There's breeders who sell more puppies than that store and there's nothing wrong with that - I think it's when we talk about the Pet Lands and the commercial stores that are in it for profit only that upsets people - those stores DO buy from mills. That's nice that you know a caring Pet Store...I know I don't but I'm in a big city.

[Laura]

I tried to defend mom&pop pet stores one time. I live in the country and out here, everyone know what everyone is doing. I have always thought I would like to own a pet store, and would love to have breeders to bring their puppies in for me to sell on consignment (cause I would get to play with all their puppies). It's just my opinion, and I think we all recognize bad places to buy puppies, dirty, runny noses, outside in the heat at a flea market. I've seen adorable families at the soccer field and walmart selling a beautiful batch of puppies that they obviously love. That's all I will say! I am sure your puppy was raised in a loving family and is a wonderful pet! :zip:

[Midge5353]

I agree with Vilette. Sometimes, many YT members get very emotional and passionate about buying from pet stores, but that is because the ones we refer to are buying from puppy mills.

I am very happy for you that you found your new baby from a wonderful place. It's nice to know that there are some great, safe, and loving pet stores out there. Good luck with your new baby!

[LIL MIS' MAGIC]

I agree...not all pet stores are bad, I am sure that your pet store was one of the better ones...but there are tons that use puppy mills and innocent people buy sick puppies just because they look cute in the window...I went into a Petland the other day for the first time, and was amazed at all the puppies they were selling...while we were there, I think we saw two puppies get a home...I wanted to stand up and scream NO!!...but I didn't, but I did make a comment out loud about how many of their poops look sickly!! Sometimes it is just that people are uninformed...but I am so glad that you were aware and knew enough to check out all the details!!!

[ingallsra]

Both my pups came from a pet store owned by two very good friends of mine. I have never seen someone more passionate about their work. They often turn people down that come in to buy a pet if the feel they are unsuitable.
I take my dogs to visit every week, and they are a terrific support system. They searched for over a year to find a breeder they were comfortable with. They even had their vet meet with the breeder's vet. I have not once seen a sick puppy in their care. They are groomed daily and let out to play several times a day. They feed premium food, such as Royal Canin, and they are vet checked regularly. Children aren't allowed to handle them due to the safety risk.
Angel and Al (the owners) often take puppies that don't get placed right away home with them every night. The puppies sleep with them and are introduced to Angel and Al's own dogs and cats.
Yes, there are many pet stores out there that are horrible in their treatment of their puppies. They don't care who they get them from or who they sell them too as long as they can turn a profit. I am very strongly against sellers like that.
I don't mind defending myself as to where I bought my puppies from as long as people are respectful about it.

[whispersmom2]

MartyM, I am glad you found a healthy adjusted Yorkie puppy in a pet shop.
Your baby is precious to you and that is evident. The pet shop you bought your Saffie from seems to be owned by caring people.
I am not speaking about your baby and I certainly do not mean to hurt your feelings. But, anytime a puppy is shipped and sold to and by a pet shop so far away from the breeder, a red flag should go up. Ask to see the paperwork. You will often see the name of the breeder plus another name-the broker that brokers 85,000 puppies a year between puppy mills and pet shops.
Your baby was lucky and did not fall into this category and now has a loving home. What more could we ask for any puppy no matter the breed?

[martym112]

I know there are some TERRIBLE pet stores out there...I've seen some! There's one place that's a chain & so notorious for it's unhealthy pets, it's referred to as Debbie's Deathland. (Instead of Debbie's Petland) And there's no doubt in my mind that they purchase from puppie mills. I guess I was just trying to find a "readers digest version" response to say to people when they act aghast that Saffie is from a pet store. I'm probaly too sensitive but I feel like they think I'm stupid & didn't know any better & should have bought from a breeder. I'd like to have a nice, non-confrontational response that would not sound defensive (even tho it probaly is) or offending anyone (as they probaly meant no offense to me) Any suggestions?

[whispersmom2]

Mercy me, I don't mind a confrontation when anyone gets feisty about my Yorkies. How about "I came, I saw, I loved, I bought!" Or, "isn't he just gorgeous? If I told you where I got him I would have to kill you!"
Or" Isaw someone who was not nice with this sweet baby and I beat them to the ground and grabbed him and ran. Please don't tell anybody!"
It is rude if they are just asking to be nosy. But, if you ask "oh, are you considering buying one?" and walk away, you have avoided the inevitable..

[martym112]

Originally Posted by whispersmom2

Mercy me, I don't mind a confrontation when anyone gets feisty about my Yorkies. How about "I came, I saw, I loved, I bought!" Or, "isn't he just gorgeous? If I told you where I got him I would have to kill you!"
Or" Isaw someone who was not nice with this sweet baby and I beat them to the ground and grabbed him and ran. Please don't tell anybody!"
It is rude if they are just asking to be nosy. But, if you ask "oh, are you considering buying one?" and walk away, you have avoided the inevitable..

LOL ! You are too funny!

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Marty~

Thank you for sharing a good pet store experience with us. I know they are out there which is why I have implored the members here not to make broad general statements like "ALL PET STORES GET THEIR PUPPIES FROM PUPPYMILLS" or "Don't buy from pet stores". I feel it is not fair to those hard working small business owners like the one you describe who run a pet store that doesn't get their puppues from a mill.

There is a thread on here which another member, Debr, started last month that you may want to read...
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7144

There is a lot of info on there about people's opinions.

You can find more good advice from reading all the threads started by Wnalegeria. She feels the smae way I do about this issue and the issue of breeders.

You might alo check out the poll I started after Debr's thread asking people "Who did you adopt your yorkie from?" There are very few members who got theirs from pet stores.

[Missy's Mommy]

Originally Posted by whispersmom2

Mercy me, I don't mind a confrontation when anyone gets feisty about my Yorkies. How about "I came, I saw, I loved, I bought!" Or, "isn't he just gorgeous? If I told you where I got him I would have to kill you!"
Or" Isaw someone who was not nice with this sweet baby and I beat them to the ground and grabbed him and ran. Please don't tell anybody!"
It is rude if they are just asking to be nosy. But, if you ask "oh, are you considering buying one?" and walk away, you have avoided the inevitable..

LOL! Thats cute, very good responses

[red98vett]

Well...this subject always gets responses.

For those who bought from pet stores - I'm happy if you have a healthy puppy - I really am.

For those LOOKING for a puppy - DO NOT BUY from Pet Stores. They BUY their puppies from mills. End of Story - That's where they get them because there is NO OTHER PLACE that sells mass puppies.

Yes - you may have a mom and pop store down the street - but the VAST majority of puppies come from puppy mills and there is NO GOOD MILL. They're nothing but the pits of hell for animals.

Defending them isn't ever going to help shut down mills.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Originally Posted by martym112

I know there are some TERRIBLE pet stores out there...I've seen some! There's one place that's a chain & so notorious for it's unhealthy pets, it's referred to as Debbie's Deathland. (Instead of Debbie's Petland) And there's no doubt in my mind that they purchase from puppie mills. I guess I was just trying to find a "readers digest version" response to say to people when they act aghast that Saffie is from a pet store. I'm probaly too sensitive but I feel like they think I'm stupid & didn't know any better & should have bought from a breeder. I'd like to have a nice, non-confrontational response that would not sound defensive (even tho it probaly is) or offending anyone (as they probaly meant no offense to me) Any suggestions?

I think it is sad that you have defend where you got her, but I would tell them that you got her from a non puppymill, mom and pop type pet shop with the most loving and caring owners.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Originally Posted by red98vett

For those LOOKING for a puppy - DO NOT BUY from Pet Stores. They BUY their puppies from mills. End of Story - That's where they get them because there is NO OTHER PLACE that sells mass puppies.
.[/B]

And for the opposite opinion...

DON'T BUY FROM PET STORES THAT GET THEIR PUPPIES FROM PUPPYMILLS!

You are smart enough to know when a place is owned by loving, caring people who are trying to find the best homes for these furbabies and those pet stores that are designed as purely "money making propositions" with no thought for the puppies or their parents.

Luckily the vast majority of people (if our survey is accurate and representative of most yorkie owners) do not patronize pet stores. Most buy from hobby breeders. We should concentrate our efforts on shutting down puppymills instead of all pet stores. If we shut down the puppy mills, the bad pet stores will go out of business.