Buy or Adopt - That is the question.
If you intend to breed or show your dog there is no alternative but to buy your dog from a reputable AKC-REGISTERED breeder. Should you be in a position where nothing but the best satisfies you, then buying a registered, pedigreed dog is also your best choice.
Another alternative for those wanting to acquire a fine pet is cross bred dogs. They are not for breeding or show but some of the handsomest dogs I have ever seen were mixed breeds. But, buying a mixed pup is chancy. A cute pup can mature into an ugly adult
For the rest of us ordinary people who have financial constraints, but nevertheless would like to have a pet dog there is a better choice. That is Adoption, which is not only less expensive, it sometimes permits you to have a purebred dog that you ordinarily could not afford. Not only that you generally get a pet that is housebroken and frequently at least partially obedience trained.
Adopting a young dog past puppy hood has a number of advantages, one of which is that you avoid teething problems. A puppy can be very destructive. You also know, when you choose it, what your dog's appearance will be when mature.
Another advantage to adoption is that arrangements are made or neutering at greatly reduced prices.
I have done both, bought and adopted. I had a show dog that I never showed and had several not too great experiences with breeding.
Over my lifetime I've had numerous breeds, Mutts, cross-breeds, German Shepherds, Irish setters, Cairn Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Long Haired Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos and Shi-Tzus and a Bijon Frise. Some were AKC registered, some obviously were not.
Size and Breed are individual choices based on your own taste and your home situation. Often your kids have a strong influence on a decision to buy a pet, which does not always lead to the best conclusion.
I strongly favor Dog Adoption, and that is what this article is all about.
We live in an area thatin the summer is highly populated by tourists and people with second homes. Some of these people buy their children puppies and when they leave in the fall they abandon these animals. The animal shelters become so overloaded with these pets that many have to be put to sleep.
Our dog " Suzy " is one of those dogs. We had just lost our beloved " Rina "who we had for sixteen happy years. We advertised for a small dog in a local classified ad magazine and as a result adopted "Suzy " a purebred Shi-Tzu. " Rina " was part Shi-Tzu so we were pleased to get the type dog we wanted.
"Suzy " was found abandoned, injured and suffering from malnutrition. The shelter nursed her back to health and in February 1999 we adopted her. She was approximately one year old and weighed seven pounds when we took her home. She obviously had been abused and was terrified of people, most especially men. Although she is now six and has had a happy life with us she is still nervous with strangers.
When we first got her she was an ugly duckling because she was so scrawny. In less than six months she blossomed into a gorgeous animal; she had more than doubled her weight. She is by far the best dog we have ever had the pleasure of owning, and we have had some wonderful dogs.
She's super intelligent, housebroken, has no bad habits. Some of our dogs have been destructive. Unfortunately she hates cars so she doesn't accompany my wife wherever she goes, which " Rina " always did.
Of course "Suzy " has taken over the house and as we don't restrict her she goes wherever she wants to. We have to protect our white furniture because she doesn't know when she's wet and scruffy.
She's a fussy eater and is quite bossy so we cook her food specially for her If you want to own animals these are things you have to contend with and you should consider them before you adopt or buy a pet.
For more information regarding pets and other subjects, visit http://www.caveatemptorus.com
Written by: George W. Cannata, author and publisher of the web site http://www.caveatemptorus.com July 29, 2005. You may copy this article in it's entirety so long as you include credit to the author and links to my web site.
best cleaning company Highland Park ..Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important... Read More
Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner.... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
Many people feel that taking the time to train their... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Does that sound familiar? Hopefully... Read More
If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species... Read More
There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More
Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A... Read More
Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More
Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More
Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More
What happens when we die? In our society, death is... Read More
Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can... Read More
Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More
"On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
Pet |