Las Vegas shelter kills 1,000 dogs, cats - Page 2

hodie Your story is amazing and wish you hte best. I have had GSD's for over twenty years and have breed two litters. The only time I have breed is when I want to keep a pup. My current female is 7 years old and even though she is the best female I have ever owned I have never bred her due to being afraid I can not find good homes for the other pups. I would rather just buy a pup than do anything to increase the dog problem.

DesertRanger, It is a difficult ethical decision to decide to breed a dog when one realizes how many unwanted dogs there are in the United States. I have some excellent dogs, and I am asked almost weekly to sell a pup. Unfortunately, often the first thing out of someone's mouth is how aggressive their last GSD was *(and they liked the fact it had attempted or had bitten someone) or how much land they have (most often meaning they will let the dog run free) or in talking they describe wanting a dog that is really a rug that licks. I laugh each time I read how breeders only place pups with the very best homes. Most place pups with the first person who shows them the money. In my opinion, appropriate homes for real GSDs with drive are hard to find. And finding people who are responsible to the teeth is difficult. The fact that breeders continue to breed many, many litters when they know they cannot find appropriate homes says it all. At the root of all the problems with breed specific legislation and other intrusive legislation, unwanted animals, strays, shelters putting down millions of dogs each year is not the animal rights people as some suggest, but breeders instead. Yes, there are some fringe elements in the AR group, but there are just as many in other groups including people who think it appropriate to breed litter after litter after litter, year after year and can ethically justify doing it. When it comes to it, these people breed for one reason, despite what they say, and that is the income it brings them. If your female is really excellent, you should consider breeding her to the best male you can find. Just be prepared to keep the pups until the right homes are found. I know you will make sure the pups go to loving, forever homes where they will get the intellectual and physical stimulation they need. People like you and I cannot stop the train, despite what we do. But in feeling the responsibility as we do, we can and do continue to cheat ourselves and probably that is something we should not do. Good luck.

Hodie, I just think your story is interesting and could be valuable to new breeders or even those considering becoming a breeder. Also, I know you won't brag on yourself and you are the epitome of someone who really cares about the breed. Unless people listen we will be controlled by future breed specific legislation rather than having control of our own breeds future. Thanks for what you do.

Thank you spook101, whoever you are. You are very kind.

thanks hodie..