Help for Foreclosure Pets

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is currently taking grant applications from qualifying rescue organizations and animal shelters. The goal is to help people who are affected by the current sub-prime mortgage crises to keep their family pets. Grants will start being handed out at the end of April. You can access information by going directly to their site at: http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/grant_program_to_help_families_care_for_pets_032608.html

Of further note, on Friday, April 4th, Oprah Winfrey is speaking out against puppy mills. She will be a powerful advocate in shutting down these deplorable, factory style breeding businesses. Be sure to check times in your area and tune in for what will be an important show.
There are many responsible dog and cat breeders and they are not to be confused with puppy mills. If you are looking for a purebred dog or cat, information on how to find a compassionate and responsible breeder can be found at: http://www.hsus.org/

Looking through the classified ads section of our local papers, I have noticed that there have been a growing number of small mixed breeds being offered for relatively large sums of money. Most of us are familiar with Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross) and when we first heard it, we chuckled. Now the pets’ section is filled with puppies of mixed origin at purebred prices: Bichon Havanese cross puppies - $525, Pincher Chihahua pups - $300, Many puppies- terrier crosses and Chihuahuas $300 to $400, Bichon Shih Tzu puppies - $450, Jack Russell Poodle (Jackoodle) 9 months old - $500, (Chiweenies) Minature Dachshund Chihuahua puppies $450, White female Shih Tzu Jack Russell cross - $300. On and on it goes. It is easy to see what an enticement these prices offer to people wanting to make a fast buck from the indiscriminate breeding of their animals and before you know it, a puppy mill is born.
I’m not saying accidents don’t happen, they shouldn't’ but sometimes they do. Most responsible pet owners who are not planning to breed purebred dogs (or cats) will have their pets neutered or spayed. I once had a lovely, well bred Persian cat from champion stock. I had planned on breeding her and watched her very closely to make certain she couldn't get out and meet with any neighborhood tomcats. In spite of my diligence, she still managed to zip out the door like a blue-cream streak of fur. It was not until she was 10 feet away from the door that she demonstrated she was in heat. Although I tried most the night, there was no enticing her back in. Her kittens were beautiful and all four were eventually placed in wonderful homes… Realizing my inability to ensure she would not get out on her next heat and not wanting to cage her, I had her spayed.
Accidental breeding is unlikely in the aforementioned ads for mixed breed puppies. The breeding of these dogs is undoubtedly deliberate. One ad went on to offer ‘stud services’ for their mixed breed dog. This kind of haphazard breeding often results in a multitude of problems for pets and their owners, not the least of which are health problems, and a variety disabling deformities.
Mr. Rutgar, our own rescued Jack Russell terrier and Dachshund cross, has deformed front legs that may cause him problems later in life. The people he was taken from wanted $400 for him but because of the abuse and neglect that was also happening to him, he was surrendered to us with no money changing hands.
I am not opposed to charging something for ‘accidental’ puppies or kittens. After all in this society, everything has value and I don’t believe we do the animals any service by offering them ‘free to a good home.’ If some monetary value isn’t placed on them, then they are taken as valueless and that doesn’t necessarily translate to a ‘good home.’
What I am opposed to is selling these pets at purebred prices that motivates irresponsible and bad breeding practices purely for profit.
Stop the suffering. Don’t buy dogs from puppy mills or pet stores, many are supplied their animals from these same puppy factories. Remember too, the countless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens waiting for adoption at your local animal shelters waiting for their forever homes. You’ll be glad you did.
Stop in for a visit to our website: http://www.plumentails.com/ and take a look around at our pet furniture with an eco-friendly paw print.