Question - Out of Curiosity.....
 

I've been here a long time and leaned alot just from being online about certain things - One thing is the big shelter problem. I knew it was bad but never knew it is as bad as it really is. And it is BAD.

My girls are older ....back when I looked for a yorkie I never even considered rescue - I didn't know I COULD consider it. People weren't mass breeding yorkies then.....:(

As a kid all my pets were shelters/strays but lately I've really thought about what I would do IF I were ever to get another dog. (I'm not) BUT - my decision would be.

I would get a rescue. I would never 'purchase' another pet.

I almost feel guilty for 'buying' my girls. I CHOOSE the yorkie breed and back then - they weren't in shelters like now - as with many other small breeds - they're now in shelters and maybe saved before a larger dog... but still there none the less .....and it really SUCKS.

There are so many dogs needing homes.....it's always been this way...the problem is just growing and growing with no end in site. :(

It's horrible to think of the thousands of great dogs killed everyday because so many freakin people are breeding due to the money they make.

What would you do ? IF faced with a decision to add another pet to your family - (yorkie or otherwise) ..............would you buy or SAVE ?

This is such a great topic. Here are the stats, just for our COUNTY:

**98,000 pets enter shelters every year in Maricopa County
**53,000 are euthanised every year in Macricopa County

FIFTY THREE THOUSAND animals are killed here, annually. Just in our county. Staggering.

When I bought Wylie, I think I supported a very bad breeder. When I bought Marcel, I tried to make a better decision by purchasing from a show breeder.

I think it's *so* important that we support those who are {truly} preserving the breed, otherwise, we will lose our beloved yorkie. But I also think, if we love the breed, it is now also our responsibility (as animal lovers) to speak up and help clean up the horrid mess that continues to be made by puppy mills, uneducated buyers, etcetera. And we can do this by supporting Rescues, shelters, advocacy groups who expose Mills, buyers, and yes, through adoption too :)!

And...we must protect those who are protecting the breed :).

{and just an aside...to clarify my perspective, I am a 20-yr PETA member, AND I support good breeders and having pets and I support all kinds of animal charities, most of which are direct care; before anyone thinks poorly of me for being in PETA, one might consider that it could also be beneficial to *have* members like me in PETA who do NOT agree w/ their entire agenda and will work to effect change ;)....}

I'm with you V......I will never buy another pet again. I would give some unfortunate pet a home........There are times I have looked at my boys and felt guilty about the ones that probably died in the shelter because of my purchases...... Don't get me wrong, I love my boys dearly but I don't know why I never considered shelters at the time....I do now.....


I've often wondered about all the breeders who continue to breed knowing that the shelters are full....Do they not care?.....Do they feel they don't add to the problem?....Is it all about making money for themselves? .....How can they continue to produce litter after litter knowing this problem exists?.....:(

I can understand the millers, money is the motivator for them but the "ethical" breeders I find the most confusing.......Why not stop for awhile, give it a rest. When millions of dogs are dying and being abused and neglected it's time to reevaluate their decisions concerning breeding.......

V,

I understand what you mean. Most of us have a true love for the animal and it breaks our hearts when we see so many in shelters/rescue. Especially, when we look in their little faces and begin to let our minds wander as to what horrible things they were subjected to.

Now on the other side of the coin, some rescues work out very well, and others don't. One has to consider that some of them have personality issues and/or health issues, are you prepared for that.

I have a dear friend who found a beautiful yorkie in a shelter. She fell in love with him and visted him every day until he was released to her. Their relationship was marvelous, they had bonded from their first encounter. By the way, she had a yorkie girl at home. Anyway, she took him home, did all the right things to acclimate him into the house and he was very playful and she began to allow him more freedom. Until one evening, she heard her Mia screaming.....she ran and found both of them in another room; Mia on her back and Jack had her by the throat attempting to tear her apart. Needless to say she rehomed Jack. Found him a lovely home with people that were more experienced in rehabing a rescue.

So, many things to consider.....love and caring versus ability.

Another sad statistic:

"The national average: Only one in ten animals remains with its adoptive family for life. The remaining nine get tossed around through multiple homes, taken to the pound, lost, or worse."

:(:(:(

This is also why it's important to support Rescues who truly make an effort to *match* the right animal, to the right home!

I know that if I was to get another dog it would be a Yorkie. It is really hard to get the the Yorkies or any other breed from the rescues. My sister wanted another Cairn for a playment for her Vegas. She went through Pet Finder and was able to locate a quite a few rescues. She applied filled out many forms gave her references (which each person was contacted) had phone interviews, house study (someone came to check out home and existing pets). When she selected a Cairn she wanted to rescue the dog was brought to her home to see how he would fit in. My sister did end up with her rescue and has had him for 3 years. He came with a lot of problems since he was a puppy mill breeder and had been crated gor 4 years but now is a great pet and a perfect companion for her dog. She saids it was a lot of work but worth while. Even though I have owned dogs my whole life and a Yorkies for the past 15 years I don't think I would be able to get a dog through a rescue because my yard is not fenced in. We have 5 acres on a country road. My yorkie never runs loose. I have a pen for her or she's on a leash. That wouldn't matter to the rescue. Your yard has to be fenced in. Why do they make it so difficult to rescue when there are alot of good people and good homes out there?

OMG....Ann, that statistic....9 out of 10...it just makes me sick! I knew it had to be bad, but had no idea it was that high a number.

What is wrong with people that they don't take pet ownership seriously? Do we value life so little anymore that pets can be treated like a freakin handbag....I'm tired of this one, need a different color, it's too big, too small, I've got too many, there is a new *popular* style now, etc...

I watch CL everyday and it's not unusual anymore to see at least one yorkie listed and many times there are several. The excuses people use for giving them up makes me want to reach through my computer screen and SLAP them! Just yesterday there was a 3 y/o female "for free", the girl didn't have time to take care of her anymore....the sadder part is I know someone probably got her and they'll be breeding her now.:mad:

Sorry Vee, I'm OT in a way, to answer your question, I'm not looking but if I were it would be a rescue.

My family's first 2 dogs were saves: a 2-year Cockapoo that was returned to its breeder, and a gorgeous Airedale whose owner died. The family was going to take the Airedale to a pound where she would have been put down in a week. :(

Before I bought Maximo, I registered with a local Scottish Terrier rescue and nothing ever came of it. I waited 3 years. Then I spent a year looking for a Yorkie rescue and couldn't find one that didn't have severe health problems. Then I saw Maximo's picture and knew he was the one, so I ended up purchasing my pup from a breeder/exhibitor (is that the correct term? :)). I feel good about supporting a breeder who truly loves her dogs and strives to uphold breed standard.

I recently decided to give Maximo a pal and once again I considered a rescue. Like you, Red98vett, I am learning more and more about all of the dogs in need. However, I have Maximo and his other caretaker (a senior senior citizen) to consider. My circumstances are such that I decided to purchase Maximo's 7-month old brother from the same breeder.

Rescuing a dog is a great and noble thing -- Ivy Lucille's picture thread "What a Difference 3 years makes" showing little rescued Mo had me in tears. I admire people who take on that awesome responsibility and challenge of rehabilitating a dog in need. Rescuing is not an easy choice, and it isn't right for everyone.

WOW! I knew it was high, but I had no idea that only 1 in 10 says with its adoptive family for life.

Three years ago I adopted a 6-year old Westie of Craig's List. I have never regretted it. I often wonder about what she thinks about the move. Does she remember her original mama? Does she miss her? How would she react if she saw her again?

When I bought Edie, my Yorkie, in Maine in 2000, I first did some checking at the Humane Society. I wanted a SMALL dog, but not necessarily a Yorkie. The thing was, the small dogs never lasted more than a minute in the shelter there! So I ended up buying Edie.

If I had been living in Arizona back then, there would have been plenty of small dogs to choose from. But in Maine, they don't have ENOUGH dogs to go around. They end up trucking dogs up from the South for adoption. It's good because they really don't have to euthanize dogs, unless they are dangerous or cannot be socialized for some reason.

I live in a rural area of the south. Our local animal shelter has a new director. A local vet sold her practice and runs our shelter now. We are now considered a no kill shelter.(unless absolutley necessary) We have a rolling rescue and they take a shipment every few months up north.

V, please don't feel guilty. It would be a wonderful world if we could save them all, but we can't. We do have choices, and those choices should never be made because of any guilty feelings. If I wanted another Yorkie, I'd go to a really great breeder, and get a healthy one that I wouldn't have to spend tons of money on to keep well or alive, but thank the Lord there are folks all over the world that can afford to take in the old seniors and others with all their issues and health problems. I think if you want to do something to help the ones in need, then join a few rescues, and become a foster mom, or transport, or donate. Each rescue has a list of things you can choose from. You can help out quite a bit more this way than you could with just adopting one. I'm no longer on the rescues, but it doesn't stop me for picking up the ones (doesn't have to be Yorkies) that need a home, "or else," and finding them a forever home. Right now I have a 11 year old deaf Shih-Tzu that was going to be PTS because no one either wanted her or couldn't keep her because of other non friendly dogs. Her owner, who was very old, died and left her homeless. I won't let her go till I've found a good match for her. Before her was a tiny Yorkie I picked up, had spayed and found a fantastic home for. Before her was a 3 month old long haired Doxie, and on and on.
We all do what we can, and every little bit really helps. Even if you want to send new toys and clothes to any of the rescues so they can sell them it would be great. This way they are able to take in even more needy pets.
With getting the word out there about puppy-mills, BYB, and spay and neuter, I think a dent in the right direction has been made, but we can't stop yelling.
When Oprah did two segments on puppy-mills, she cried and cried at the horrible abuse that goes on in there. Instead of adopting one, she went a giant leap further and aired these mills on her show, which made a major impact. Most of the Omish have had to sell their mills and the others are being talked to and made to either comply with rules or get shut down as well. They can't afford the rules, so it looks like it will be a complete success!!
My point is there are many, many ways to help out.

:thumbup::thumbup: Great post.

I totally agree - great post YorkieDaze - you made excellent posts - I really read what I said again carefully - and I guess I was speaking more for my own self -

we're just seeing so many more yorkies in shelters - it hits you in the heart when you can look down and see one (your own) happy and safe

V good thread. and its so sad.
People have been mass breeding yorkies and every other breed for many many years. I think we just see more of it because of being on the net.

I have bought 3 animals all the rest have been rescues or re homes. and there have been over 300 dogs & cat at my home. not all at once LOL;)

I cant say Ill never buy another Yorkie. but I do know that I wont turn down a rescue either.

I love the people who own the shelter by us. its now owned by a lady and her Family the town people make donations and she is a lady who loves all animals , I have seen her crawl in their cages sit on the hard floor while holding them in her arms.

Oprah just adopted 2 purebred Springer Spaniel puppies from a shelter for her birthday.

I adopted Max from a rescue. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I decided to get another dog. I wish I could rescue them all, but between the grooming, the best food, meds and insurance, I can't afford more than one at this time. :(

Great thread V but I doubt you will get many breeders to say I am not going to breed for a year and when I do it will only be 1 or 2 litters a year. I would guess almost 90% of breeders do it for extra income into the home..and since they do not have to pay a penalty for their dogs ending up in a shelter or rescue it will continue. I have said this before...I think they should be responsible for the costs and NO they do not get the dogs back because I think some of them would kill the animals...

I think there is tons of things different people can do to help the little ones that don't have homes from donating time, donating $$$, sewing beds, collecting dog food, fostering, adopting, writing letters to their senators & lawmakers to change the laws and the list goes on and on. Each person can help out in their own way as there is plenty to do.

Very interesting topic V!!! All my life our animals came from the local animal shelter. Until my aunt wanted to give my daughter a ragdoll kitten for her graduation present and specifically found a breeder who would breed for her and allow to purchase every kitten for friends and family, I never thought about buying.

However, when I decided I wanted a yorkie I did not know what a rescue organization was, let alone how to use one - and I specically wanted a puppy.

I've heard both good and bad about going through rescues. It appears that many of the yorkies in rescues are there because of pretty major health issues or neglect - though not all of them. If I didn't already have a yorkie, I might consider going through a rescue. But, I don't think I would add to my yorkie family this way, though I would go with a rehomed yorkie if it weren't for behavior issues. And, having one with health issues - I know firsthand just how expensive it is to keep them as healthy as possible.

I applaud all those who work with rescue organizations and those who adopt these babies as well. I also applaud those breeders who are responsible and truly love their babies.

You lost me there...who should not get the dogs back because some of them would kill the animals? I'm sorry I just don't understand. Could you clarify? :)

Also, does anyone know the statistics re shelter dogs? Are the majority of them from puppy mills and pet stores and what percentage come from reputable breeders? I would be very interested in knowing. :)

What a great post, I think you have it all covered, I just want to know if you are now or have ever been a member of the communist party? :D

Seriously, this is a great topic and close to my heart. I didn't believe in supporting any breeders for a long time. My dogs were pound dogs, and I had no preference in what kind they were, there are always plenty of cute dogs at the pound. As the years grew on I did want a special type of dog, I'm older now, and this will probably be my last dog. I needed a smaller dog under 20 pounds, and I decided to learn more about what was available. I actually didn't even realize that there were breeders who really loved the breed, and bred not for the purpose of supplementing their income, but actually because they had something to offer the breed. So now I see nothing wrong with supporting this type of breeder. I am concerned about what the next few years will bring. In a bad economy more and more people seem to be breeding, and rescues are turning away dogs. It seems like it's changed so much here in the past year. It use to be we could link a picture of a dog who needed adoption and within a week he'd be adopted, and some sort of YT train would be set up to get him to his new owner, now the rescue section has page after page of threads, and not too many people seem to be responding to them. I hate to see people made to feel guilty about buying a dog, and I'd hate to see people rescue when their heart isn't really into it. It doesn't seem fair to the dog. It's a tough situation.

One of the definitions of a "reputable breeder" is someone who will take the dog back at any time. We can't even sell Joey without his breeder's permission. So there are no reputable breeder's dogs in shelters, this doesn't mean that there aren't cute adorable dogs in shelters, but the breeders who produced them were selling dogs, not placing them in good homes. Most breeders will act like they are discriminating, but few really are, if you have the money, they will sell you a dog. A breeder has not done a through enough job, if a dog needs rehoming.

When I bought my first dog I was ignorant and bought her from BYB. When I decided to get another dog I went looking at shelters (here in Houston). I have three boy's and one other dog and alot (almost all) were deny to me because of behavioral problems. They needed someone at home most of the time and no children. I almost cried of joy when I found one that was good with children and other pet. But there were like 100 inquiries in front of me. I send my application to so many places but my condition (of having kids) kept me from a rescue.
I'm not saying it's wrong because I can fully understand why. But not everyone is able too or lucky enough.

I agree with you all but this part, reputable breeders can not keep track of every single dog as much as they hope to some move and never keep in contact. there for some that do end up rehomed/shelters and its very sad.
but any dog is sad to see in a shelter.

I'm sorry, but I define reputable breeder differently than you do. I think they should know where there offspring has gone, and they should keep in touch. If they have really done their job right, the dog will never be placed in a rescue. I have very high standards for what I call a reputable breeder.

Either that or you could just send Joey to my house! :D (j/k)

Lol, I have to get his breeders permission first, it's in the contract!

I have very high standards for what I call a reputable breeder too.and I have only seen a few at that.
but even reputable breeders get ill/die they can only hope and pray that they have picked the best owners. but some times sadly to say some do get through the cracks and gets away there for never knowing what happened to that pup. there was a thread on a breeder here not long ago about not being able to find one of her pups owners. its sad but it does happen.

I have kept updated with every breeder/pre owner I got my babies from.

the world has gone crazy if you ask me. everyone breeding dogs trying to make money off them. its sad and makes me ill to think about it. what about the poor dogs.

The point I was trying to make is that if you are going to support a breeder you should find one with the highest standards possible, one that you know isn't adding to the over population of dogs. I wouldn't feel right about owning a purebred if I hadn't done this. If one of her dogs slips through the cracks, and she dies, and it ends up in a rescue, at least it will probably be beautiful, and healthy too, which makes it much easier to adopt.

Wasn't sure what you meant by "everyone breeding dogs trying to make money off them." Do you mean that you think everyone who's breeding is trying to make money off their dogs, or were you saying "there are so many breeders breeding dogs trying to make money off them?"

I was saying to many people thinking about making a fast buck off these dogs by breeding them. more and more BYB and puppy mills. not talking about good breeders.

Yeah, I agree completely, I mean you see it here all the time, and some people seem like very nice people too, and they don't understand that this is a huge problem; they think they just found a nifty little way to suppliment their income.