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WHY PEOPLE GIVE UP THEIR DOGS, MORE REASONS WHY PEOPLE GIVE UP THEIR DOGS
This letter was actually to someone that wanted to breed their dog, but I find it also appropriate to put here:
Dear,"xxxx"
Hi..It's Chipper's Mom, Robin, again.You had said, in a post to the board, that your baby Bichon is 6 months old, and coming in season, and you were wanting to breed her. I softly discouraged it, because of her tender young age.I got a very sweet note from you asking, when I thought WAS the right time to breed her.Well, here goes, and I want you to know, that I am writing this with all of the love, that I have, in my heart, for both you and your precious baby bichon, Matte..
I have a history of being a dog rescuer.I have rescued over 1000 in my lifetime, and either found them all homes, or returned them to their frantic owners. On a few occasions, I held them, in my arms, as they passed over to the Rainbow Bridge, to severely injured to recover. On another few occasions, I have kept them, and that may explain, why I have 5 dogs now!
I have seen the despicable things, done in the puppy mills, to dogs, seen only as livestock, with not a name, but only a number.
I have watched the vet, doing surgery, on little females, who had so many litters, that their uteruses were like jelly. I have seen females, who have had numerous c-sections, and by the looks of the scars, probably on a kitchen table. Some people in the puppy mill business, don't spend money for vets, much less anethesia.
I have been in shelters, and have yet to have been in one, that wasn't over-crowded.
I have looked into the eyes and soul, of a man, who daily, makes a choice WHO lives and WHO dies, at the shelter. It is ususally decided, by how many days, a furbaby has been there, usually three.
I have seen an incinerator..filled to the brink..with unloved, unwanted, bodies..of dogs, that I am sure, when they were young..were cute little puppies..that had owners. Owner's that never dreamed , that THEIR puppy, would end up here. I am sure some of them must have thought.."But I have a pure-breed..and I just want her to have ONE litter." I'm sure that other's must have thought,"I only want my children to experience the miracle of birth". But here is the truth.The cold, hard, honest truth.
Everyday, hundreds of thousands of dogs, and cats, kittens, and puppies, are killed..for the simple fact, that no one wants them. I know that this may upset some of the folks on this board..but the truth is..there ARE Bichons, just like our sweet babies..that are put in with the rest of the unwanted dogs..and euthinized..because no one wants them.
This would be my plea, to you. Please, leave the breeding of the Bichons Frise, to reputatable breeders, who know about things like backgrounds, and bloodlines. About genetics, and inheritable diseases. Please..I beg you, with a humble and loving heart..please have your sweet baby Matte, spayed...so that you will NOT be the one..to add any MORE unwanted babies, to that incinerator, I just told you about.
I know in your mind, you may be thinking.."Oh I would NEVER sell, my puppies to anyone but GOOD people".The problem is..let's say, that you have 5 puppies..and find all of them homes. Six months pass..and we see on the AOL Bichon Board, someone asking for a male..to breed with their female, because she is 6 months old, and coming in season.Another 6 months goes by. In five years, we may have THOUSANDS of Bichons..because of the very first litter..Can you PROMISE me..that EACH and EVERY one of those..will have loving homes?.I wonder,..how many of those Bichons...may end up in the shelter..wagging their little tails, smiling up at the man...who has just told them.."Come on little one.. it is day three." And the sweet little Bichon baby happily raises up, to be picked up..for the last time.
Love, Robin Pressnall
-------------------------------------------------------And here was her reply..
Subj: Re: Looking for a Male
Date: 2/26/99 4:19:22 AM !!!First Boot!!!
From: xxxxx
To: Pup3
Your letter really got to me. I wasn't sure if I should mate her being there are so many dogs that get put to sleep. To let you know I talked it over with the family and have decided to get our Mattie fixed. Your letter just confirmed in my heart what I already knew was the right thing to do. Thank you
SHELTER DOGS COME IN A GREAT VARIETY!
All ages, sizes, shapes, breeds, and breed mixes! Here is a sampling of photos from various shelters demonstrating the great variety to choose from. If you go to a local shelter and they don't have what you're looking for, put your name on a waiting list or inquire at a local rescue group for a particular breed you're interested in.
(Boxer)
(Greyhound)
(Cocker Spaniels)
