 Charlie Bear here. (That’s my photo that Mom Peep fell in love with when she found me online at www.adoptapet.com.)I’m here to talk about a controversial subject. Adopt a dog or buy? Mom Peep didn’t want to do this post and here’s why: 1. She’s never had a pedigree anything, always a muttigree (like me!). 2. All of the dogs and cats she has had in her lifetime have been found abandoned or have come from shelters or rescues. 3. She likes to save lives. But I told Mom that there are two sides to everything. So here’s what she’s allowing me to do: she said I can write about adoption versus buying and lay out the pros and cons to each as Dr. Jon from PetPlace so nicely did in his newsletter. Then you can see what YOU think, and offer us some comments when you are done reading. Here’s what Dr. Jon of PetPlace has to say: There are pros and cons to both adopting and buying. Which one is right for you depends on several factors. With some of the information in this newsletter you’ll be ready to find the best solution for your family. First, let’s talk about adoption. I am a huge fan of rescue pets. Adopting a shelter dog can be a wonderful experience both for you and your dog. Shelter dogs are not “bad” dogs or the ones that no one wanted. Rather, most of them are loving and well-behaved animals who were simply given up by their owners for circumstances outside of their control. The biggest reason that many people cite for adopting is that it literally saves a life. Adopting a dog means that they do not have to be euthanized, or will not remain in a kennel if your local shelter is a no-kill facility. You can certainly find puppies in rescue and at shelters but expect to see many more adults. That means that your future dog has had lots of experiences, and might have some bad memories or personality quirks that you will need to work through together. On the other hand, that might mean that they will come to you with some training as well. The dog’s parents, and their history, are almost always unknown so you don’t have an idea of what they might be facing as they grow older. You will have less of an idea of any potential health problems, any behavioral issues, or even their size as your puppy matures. Now, what about getting a dog from a breeder? The biggest issue is making sure that the breeder you visit is a responsible one. The needs of the dog should be the highest priority and your puppy should be happy, healthy, and come from a loving home. You will almost certainly pay much more for a responsibly bred puppy than for one from a shelter. The breeders might also require puppy classes, several trips to visit them and the dogs, and might ask you questions about your own preparedness for the new family member. Choosing a dog from a breeder also doesn’t have the benefit of directly saving a life or making room in the shelter for another dog, as adopting does. When you decide to adopt or buy a puppy, take all these things into consideration. Remember that both adoption and buying a dog involve a lot of research and preparation. But it’s worth it – make the right decision and your dog is sure to become your good friend and companion for many years to come. Until next time, P.S. – Before your decision be sure to read up about how to properly care for your puppy once you bring him home. You can get educated at our guide to puppy adoption where you will find breed guides, a crash course in puppy care, and much more. |
Charlie Bear here again. Check out the great articles. Educate yourself and then make a decision. And please, support the closure of puppy mills, where dogs are not treated well at all and disease runs rampant.
My vote, as you probably know, would be to ADOPT from a rescue or shelter. I wouldn’t be here today if a rescuer hadn’t found me, given me a chance in a foster home, and then helped me to find my forever home with my peeps. I am so thankful to Ryo and Sara for loving me.
Woofs & Wiggles to you all,
Charlie Bear
Charlie Bear, my peeps was the first one to see me for i had only been put in the shelter the day before from wandering on the streets of town, there were several after her but i am happy she got me. She is very happy with me but i had some issues and after almost 4 years i still have a few such as barking and jumping up on people but i look at her when she scolds me and her heart just melts with love for me. She has bought a dog before but he was from a loving home but his real mom had let another breed get in the pen with her and he was what came from that ‘Break In’ thus could not get full price for him, but he was a loving sport also. As Dr. Jon says, good points also to both ways.
High Fives & Wiggles to both ways,
Beaugie..
Beaugie,
Yup, I still do some things, too, that Mom Peep gives the scowl about. Like barking at people on the street, or spinning around and chasing my tail (I thought I’d be over that by now!!). Oh, well, Mom says we all have our little quirks.
So happy your Mom Peep got to you before the others. I’d say you were a pot of gold!
Wiggles and Woofs,
Charlie Bear
We were apprehensive about getting a young dog from the shelter but our little terrier was just the cutest thing ever! We didn’t want to house train and were leaning towards an older dog, in hopes of finding one that wouldn’t take too long to learn, if they didn’t already know the trick. Low and behold, when Caper got home, first thing she did was go outside and do her thing. Never had a problem with her! So glad we went with a puppy from the shelter instead of buying one from a breeder.
Carrie,
I hear you…Mom Peep was apprehensive about getting me, too! But I was housetrained as well at just over a year old. There are some really good benefits from getting a slightly older (or even way older) dog and that’s one of them. So happy you adopted from a shelter and saved a life!
Hugs and Wiggles,
Charlie Bear
We weren’t puppies; we were full grown and set in our ways when our peep got us from the shelter and the SPCA. We’re so glad she took a chance on us and now loves us to death. We love her to death too. Thanks, Mom Peep, for your unfailing love.
Skippy and Bailey
Skippy and Bailey,
How sweet of you to thank your Mom Peep for her unfailing love! You’ve gotta give it to them…they stick their necks out to love us. Thank God for their big hearts.
Wiggles & Woofs to you,
Charlie Bear
Very interesting post, Charlie Bear. My daughter Katie got an adorable morkie from a petstore. She was on clearance. Her only behavior problem they’re working through is that she was used to using her crate for the bathroom. Slowly, slowly, she’s getting better.
Lots of love in this post!
Julie,
A Morkie — that’s a Maltese and a Yorkie, right? They’re super cute. I think it’s great that Katie rescued her from a wire cage existence. All dogs need forever homes.
Love and Wiggles to you,
Charlie Bear