Disappointed in Obama's decision.

[MeganS]

Personally, I think it's kind of sorry that a family dog is making such world-wide, breaking news. With all the starving, homeless people in this world. all the disease and heartbreak. There are flipping *pirates* taking hostages in the middle of the ocean, for pete's sake! and the Obama's family dog is on the main news pages. :/

JMO.

[QuickSilver]

Originally Posted by MeganS

Personally, I think it's kind of sorry that a family dog is making such world-wide, breaking news. With all the starving, homeless people in this world. all the disease and heartbreak. There are flipping *pirates* taking hostages in the middle of the ocean, for pete's sake! and the Obama's family dog is on the main news pages. :/

JMO.

I see what you're saying. My feeling is that this is a huge deal for shelter dogs, so it is news. We all have more important things to do with our time than hang out on YT, right? At yet somehow we're all still here.

[dogbert]

Didn't he say something about adopting a "mutt"?

[wildcard]

I have no problem with the example the President is making by receiving a dog from a conscientious breeder. If every one who caused puppies to be produced was willing to accept them back if their homes did not work out, we would not have animal shelters other than for the purpose of reuniting lost dogs with their owners. I think the breeder that the PWD came from is a very good example of someone who is behaving in a responsible manner as to her breeding program and I say kudos to her.

[Erin]

You do realize that this is a BREED forum with like 99% pure bred Yorkies right? I guarantee that *most* of the people on here bought their dogs from breeders because they wanted a specific breed. I also have allergies and I would hate to get a Yorkie puppy from a shelter and later find out it's part something else and I have to give it up (not that you can get one, heck around here I've been told by the shelters that any young Yorkies are snatched up by volunteers before they are ever put up for adoption). I am completely allergic to my neighbors labs yet I can live with 2 Yorkies who sleep in my bed. I would consider that "good for people with allergies" Plus, my two have enough issues as it is even without ever being in a shelter or pet store.

I'm sure they checked the shelters first, but then changed their minds when they found out about this puppy. Like anyone here wouldn't do the same. I'm THRILLED they stayed far away from anything remotely resembling a puppy mill. Actually, respectable breeders have been shot down a lot recently with the whole movement against puppy mills. I'm all for closing the puppy mills, but the average person needs to be educated that IF they want to buy a puppy and can't find/don't want a rescue, a pet store isn't the place to do it. You can seek out a reputable breeder for a puppy. And people need to know what that means. Rescue OR Reputable Breeder NOT Pet Store NOT Puppy Mill. I think that's an OK message.

I understand what you all are getting at, I mean, it's not like they would be turned down by any rescue organization. And no matter what, everyone is going to have an opinion on it. I just don't agree that it's as bad as some people think. Heck, I'm thrilled they put this much thought into it, if nothing else it might make people realize it's OK to seek out the right dog and not impulse buy!

Rather than just telling people NO PUPPY MILLS I think we need to give a list of things to look for in a breeder like: No more than 1-2 breeds, hand raised/socialized, make sure the mom isn't bred every cycle, make sure you SEE the mom and where the puppies are kept, don't buy a pup before 8-10-12 weeks, make sure the "breeder" is also the "owner" on the papers (to avoid brokers), health guarantee, OFA/lineage, legit papers (AKC vs APRI) etc. etc. etc. Otherwise, do people really know what a puppy mill is? I had a friend tell me she "thought" she "probably" bought her dog from a puppy mill and then described the stacked cages and the smell and I asked, how could you "think" it was anything else???

Sorry for the rambling

For the record, Sam was re-homed to us, though personally and not through a shelter. I'm just sayin, "rescue" is not the only way to go.

[MeganS]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

I see what you're saying. My feeling is that this is a huge deal for shelter dogs, so it is news. We all have more important things to do with our time than hang out on YT, right? At yet somehow we're all still here.

Oh I agree that it's important for shelter dogs and everyting. What bugs me about the buzz is that it isn't about shelter dogs or puppy mills or things like that, it is about the actual dog itself. If it were about the dogs in shelters, or going to a good breeder instead of a pet store, then I would 100% thrilled that it's in the news!

I will say it's nice to see positive things in the news for a change, but I definitely do just think that there are bigger issues in the world than what kind of dog the Obamas have.

[KimberlySRN]

Originally Posted by juliaw04

To be honest, I think we should just be happy that two little girls get the opportunity to experience the joy that a dog can bring to life. In my opinion, there are bigger issues out there to worry about than whether or not the president's puppy is a rescue.

I agree also. I know that he was talking about rescue dogs and that is good because maybe people will look at them before they go to a petstore or puppymill, but I don't look negatively on the fact that he found a dog that fits his family. As everyone always says on here, it is up to the person bring a dog into THEIR home as to where they get it, that is why education and getting the word out is great... I agree that a reputable breeder or a rescue are the way to go.

[Rae Rae]

From what I understand, they were planning to adopt from a rescue, then found out about this little guy, and the girls met him and fell in love with him. This dog still has been given a second chance, and that's what matters! It's not like they said they were going to adopt from a rescue, then scouted out breeders. Also, when the girls met this dog and fell in love, how could he say no to them! Sometimes when your looking for a dog, things take unexpected turns. I know when I got my first yorkie I was constantly looking for breeders, than I found an ad in the paper for a 6month old boy who needed to be rehomed, I went and met him, fell in love with him, and he's now mine!

One more thing I wanted to ad, I agree with others that they shouldn't be judged. And they also could've taken another route and gone to a pet store, so they are still doing the right thing, atleast IMO.

[MIZBROWN]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

No, of course not. We're not just talking about a random citizen though, we're talking about a world leader. He has many more resources at his command to find a perfect rescue dog. Do we imagine that Obama is calling shelters in his area and putting his name on waiting lists? I highly doubt it. My guess is that when he said he wanted a rescued PWD, every rescue with that breed in the country got in line to offer their dogs up. He literally has a staff of people to check the dog out and train it. I expect more from him because it should be much easier for him to get a rescue; because he IS the President, and should be held to a higher standard of behavior; AND because he said he wanted to get a rescue.

Exactly...he does have a lot more resources than the average person, so what makes you think he didn't use them?? How do you know that he didn't have his name on any waiting lists?? It sounds pretty judgemental to me to put him in a higher moral category than you would put yourself. He's not GOD! Understandable that he's the President, however, let's keep in mind he's still a normal person, with a normal family trying his best to make positive change for our society. And, obivously if he SAID he wanted to get a rescue, their must have been some reason for them not doing so. In which, Im sure was the best choice for him and his family. Besides, I think I will hold him more accountable for the more pressing issues of the world, i.e: war, hunger, medical...etc... NOT A DOG

Kinda curious, what rescue did you get your pup from

[QuickSilver]

Originally Posted by MIZBROWN

Exactly...he does have a lot more resources than the average person, so what makes you think he didn't use them?? How do you know that he didn't have his name on any waiting lists?? It sounds pretty judgemental to me to put him in a higher moral category than you would put yourself. He's not GOD! Understandable that he's the President, however, let's keep in mind he's still a normal person, with a normal family trying his best to make positive change for our society. And, obivously if he SAID he wanted to get a rescue, their must have been some reason for them not doing so. In which, Im sure was the best choice for him and his family. Besides, I think I will hold him more accountable for the more pressing issues of the world, i.e: war, hunger, medical...etc... NOT A DOG

Kinda curious, what rescue did you get your pup from

No need to get snippy. We're all friends here, right?

I adopted Thor from a friend of mine who moved to New York. So according to Obama's criteria, I guess I have a rescue.

I plan on getting another dog in another 6 to 12 months. Never say never, but at this point, I would rather wait another year or more to get the right dog from a rescue or shelter than get one from a breeder.

I have no problem with other people going to breeders. It's just not my style. Yes, I hold the President to a higher moral standard than Joe Schmoe. He's supposed to be a leader. If he wanted to be ordinary, he wouldn't have run for office.

I understand that other people care about other issues more than animal welfare, and I respect that. For me, animal welfare is my thing. This is the issue I put my money and attention towards.

[MsFamousHepburn]

Originally Posted by amandawash

I am NOT an Obama supporter in the least, but I don't understand why that family should have to adopt. I have two rescues, a lab and a golden, and my two yorkies. I don't know that I will ever rescue again, although it does feel good and I know I saved at least the lab's life. However, at this point, it is pretty frustrating having to deal with all of his health issue's stemming from poor breeding. Our golden also has hip problems, which is due to the fact she was locked in a tiny crate for the first year of her life and her hips didn't develop properly. I am also dealing with my yorkie who just had bilateral luxating patella surgery, which our surgeon stated was genetic.

Needless to say, I will only purchase from a REPUTABLE breeder in the future, as this heartbreak is too much.

I think when there are children involved it is a lot scarier to adopt than to purchase a puppy and mold it into the perfect family dog. Oh, and BTW, there is no truly hypoallergenic dog. While some do not shed hair, they are always shedding dander which is a huge allergen.

Agree 100%. I am NOT AT ALL an Obama supporter in anyway! But when it comes to having pets and children; it would seem to be a much wiser decision to purchase from a reputable breeder. At least the girls will have their pet around for a long time

[msjagg]

I'm just happy that the kids got their dog that the President promised them. Bo is a cutie and everyone seems really happy with him. Malina does'nt seem to be allergic to him, So, Yay!! I think we as a Nation have alot more to worry about than the White House Dog and whether it was a rescue and it was not a Yorkie. There are 2 wars going on over-seas, young people are getting killed protecting our Country, North Korea wants to test a Nuclear Bomb, and more Americans are laid off and losing their jobs since the Depression!!! Enough about the dog and Lets worry about what reallly is important going on in this world!! Please Pray for our Soldiers and their families, my Nephew is in Afganistan. Pray for the homeless people and children in our own Country and Pray for a Better and Brighter Future ahead for us all!! God Bless America...
IMO...

[jrsygal37]

Originally Posted by MIZBROWN

Kinda curious, what rescue did you get your pup from

I realize that this was for Quicksilver, but since I was the one that started this whole mess I'd like to answer. I have five in all. Bella, I got at five weeks old from a woman in our neighborhood that just wanted to dump her littler of pups. She was getting rid of them at 5 weeks old. Bella, was near death when I brought her home. He whole body was head to toe in fleas, and was listless when I took her. A lot of love and a lot of care and a lot of money paid off. She's now 5 yrs. old and fine. Noel, came to me at a little under a year old. She was the product of a small puppymill and broker (When their pups were not producing) and she originated from an Amish puppymill in PA in which she was not only sick but also beaten. She was sold, then turned in after it was found out she was not a pure bred. It took six months before my husband could touch her and another almost 4 yrs. before she would allow a stranger to go near her without cowering and peeing. Then we have Tia. Tia came to me malnurished. Next, Lilly. Lilly was turned into rescue after someone bought her from a petstore. She was sick with coccidia and other things and I guess the buyer had a heart so rather then get his money back from the store he ate it and turned her into rescue. She was less then 2 lbs. when I got her. Lastly, we have Beans. yes, I paid $400 Beans, so I guess technically I bought him but he was a rescue in my book. I found him living in a 9x12 plastic carrier, amaciated and being tormented by a 4 yr. old, a pitbull and a boxer. We've had Beans since Septemeber. You still can't tough his feet, you still can't go near him with a brush or a comb because the home he came from either beat him with the comb or brush or just simply decided to rip out the knots he had rather then gently comb them. Since he can't talk, we can only guess by his reactions to things. So, if your point was to ask whether I bought my dogs or rescued them. I rescued. That doesn't make me better then anyone else. That's just what I chose to do. But for the record my first Yorkie was purchased. He was purchased from a small puppymill in NJ. He would have been 11 yrs. old this year but we lost him to cancer at 10 yrs. old. Back then I wasn't educated and I made the mistake many make and bought from the wrong place. He's the reason I'm now involved with rescue. Again, this whole thread was not to start a big argument and it was not to knock president Obama. I think we all have a right to our opinions and I still stick with mine.

Elaine

[Sugar's Mom]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

I realize that this was for Quicksilver, but since I was the one that started this whole mess I'd like to answer. I have five in all. Bella, I got at five weeks old from a woman in our neighborhood that just wanted to dump her littler of pups. She was getting rid of them at 5 weeks old. Bella, was near death when I brought her home. He whole body was head to toe in fleas, and was listless when I took her. A lot of love and a lot of care and a lot of money paid off. She's now 5 yrs. old and fine. Noel, came to me at a little under a year old. She was the product of a small puppymill and broker (When their pups were not producing) and she originated from an Amish puppymill in PA in which she was not only sick but also beaten. She was sold, then turned in after it was found out she was not a pure bred. It took six months before my husband could touch her and another almost 4 yrs. before she would allow a stranger to go near her without cowering and peeing. Then we have Tia. Tia came to me malnurished. Next, Lilly. Lilly was turned into rescue after someone bought her from a petstore. She was sick with coccidia and other things and I guess the buyer had a heart so rather then get his money back from the store he ate it and turned her into rescue. She was less then 2 lbs. when I got her. Lastly, we have Beans. yes, I paid $400 Beans, so I guess technically I bought him but he was a rescue in my book. I found him living in a 9x12 plastic carrier, amaciated and being tormented by a 4 yr. old, a pitbull and a boxer. We've had Beans since Septemeber. You still can't tough his feet, you still can't go near him with a brush or a comb because the home he came from either beat him with the comb or brush or just simply decided to rip out the knots he had rather then gently comb them. Since he can't talk, we can only guess by his reactions to things. So, if your point was to ask whether I bought my dogs or rescued them. I rescued. That doesn't make me better then anyone else. That's just what I chose to do. But for the record my first Yorkie was purchased. He was purchased from a small puppymill in NJ. He would have been 11 yrs. old this year but we lost him to cancer at 10 yrs. old. Back then I wasn't educated and I made the mistake many make and bought from the wrong place. He's the reason I'm now involved with rescue. Again, this whole thread was not to start a big argument and it was not to knock president Obama. I think we all have a right to our opinions and I still stick with mine.

Elaine

Elaine, you know I love ya, girl and we are friends but what bugs me is how a few rescue involved people are always talking down to breeders or those who don't get their dog from rescues like it is something awful. I have seen almost war on here because a rescue person gets so on their pedestal that if you aren't in rescue you are horrible and woe is you if you buy a dog instead of rescuing one. That is just wrong. Rescue is not for everyone but it doesn't mean that people who buy or breed, like myself, are horrible people. Yes I know there are millinons of dogs in shelters all over the U.S. You can thank the unethical breeders AND the UNEDUCATED buyers for that. If I weren't a breeder, I wouldn't hesitate to buiy from a rescue or shelter. In fact, I have many times in the past when my needs were different from what they are at this point in my life. You, yourself, are to be commended for what you do. You are a very special person.

[roxies_mom]

Originally Posted by JoshieBoy

I agree.

I agree as well. That will be the day someone dictates to me what kind and where I can get my families pet. I have always done rescue dogs and Roxie is the first dog that wasn't. I would hate to be in the public eye having everything I did scrutinized. If he'd have gotten a rescue dog I'm sure there would have been people not happy with that too.