Shop? Adopt? There's a 3rd Option

I'm a member of many online groups, communities and bulletin boards -- both personally and professionally. Because of this I get all kinds of email. Some I find interesting and pass along. Some I feel don't apply to me and I quietly hit delete. Then there are some that just piss. me. off. I got one Anti-Puppy Mill message a couple weeks back that had me swearing like a sailor. I don't like puppy mills (who does?) so I read it. Most of it was informative. Then I got to this part:

Please urge your friends and family to adopt — even if they have their hearts set on a purebreed dog there are rescues for most all breeds. Check them out. Don’t shop pet stores.

Really?! First of all, it's purebred. (Sorry, Grammar Nazi strikes again.) And then there's the gross misconception that you either get a dog from a puppy mill stocked pet store or you get it from a rescue/shelter. I'd like to remind everybody that there is a third option: RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS.

I've had many dogs throughout my lifetime (and cats. and birds. and rodents. and reptiles. and fish. but I digress . . . ) and I've acquired them many different ways. Eli and Logan were from the pound. Sitka and Pepper were "free to a good home" puppies. (I actually found Pepper in the Pennysaver!) Roxy was a foster failure. Jedi was purchased from a breeder (who is now a dear friend of mine). All of these dogs are precious to me, and all of them have a special place in my heart. So why is it that I have to justify my decision to pay for Jedi? Not that it's anybody's business, but:

• I wanted a show-quality dog. I've wanted to show dogs (you know, like Westminster) since I was nine years old. A dog must be registered/pedigreed to do that, which means you have to know the dog's history. And to compete in conformation, a dog must be intact. Papers or not, I don't know any shelter that would adopt out a dog with reproductive organs.
• I wanted a dog that met the AKC breed standard. Every breed has a blueprint of the ideal dog called a breed standard. A responsible breeder doesn't breed dogs that are too big/small, has bad joints, bowed legs, poor movement, missing teeth, is a funky color or knowingly carries other unhealthily/undesirable recessive genes. If -- despite a breeder's efforts -- an "out-of-standard" puppy is born it is spayed/neutered (so it won't pass on those traits) and placed in a loving home to live out it's life as a beloved pet.
• I wanted an idea of what I was getting. Dogs were bred for different purposes, so some behaviors are innate to certain breeds. For example: beagles bay, dachshunds dig, greyhounds run, collies herd -- whether you want them to or not! The problem (and joy) of mixed breeds is that you never know which breed-related characteristics are going to be present.
• I wanted a puppy. Puppies are hard to come by in shelters, especially purebred puppies -- unless you count the sickly, unsocialized, poorly-bred ones confiscated in the latest puppy mill raid.
• I wanted a dog that came from healthy stock. Pepper's hip dysplasia and Logan's heart problems adversely affected their quality of life. It was painful to watch. Jedi's ancestors were all tested for a slew of genetic problems. Responsible breeders ensured that. No, the tests aren't a guarantee that my dog will be problem free, but it does stack the deck in my favor.
• I wanted a dog with an even temperament. A responsible breeder doesn't breed unstable, fearful or aggressive dogs. I got to spend time with Jedi's mother and half-brother before he was even born. Both have beautiful temperaments so I had a good idea what to expect. Plus, the breeder knew her pups intimately so she was able to help me find the right one to fit my family.
• I wanted a dog that was well-socialized. My responsible breeder started working with the puppies at birth. By 8-weeks old they had been touched extensively, cuddled continuously, exposed to everyday household noises and various surfaces, they ran outside, climbed a puppy-sized jungle gym and played with dozens of toys. The puppies went to their new homes strong, curious and confident. Conversely, Roxy's life before us was horrible. She was a mess when we got her and it took years for her to trust us. I didn't have the time or energy to do that again.

This moment was worth the wait!

Yes, I had a lot of criteria. But I have the right to be picky. It's MY money. I earned it. I can spend it however I want. My friends don't have to justify holding out for a new Volvo or a Coach purse. They're not chastised because there are already so many other cars out there. (So what if they're all Kias?) And why buy a new purse when there are perfectly good knock-off bags at the flea market just waiting for a new home? Granted, dogs aren't cars or purses, but a dog is a long-term commitment. What's wrong with waiting for the right dog? And by the same token, what's wrong with someone ethically and lovingly breeding the happy, healthy dog that I want? I assure you, my breeder's pups are never unwanted (she has a waiting list) and they'll never see the inside of a shelter (she will take back the dog at any time for any reason).

In society's push to promote the rescue and adoption of homeless animals (of which I am a BIG proponent) it seems that all deliberate dog breeders have been vilified -- regardless of their intentions. Responsible breeders have been lumped in with puppy mills and unscrupulous dog owners looking to make a quick buck. This is so sad . . . and so wrong! I know people who think it should be illegal to intentionally create ANY puppy. Many rescuers think it's vulgar to make money selling pets (though if you call it an "adoption fee" and make a profit it's OK.) But let's think this through: If we don't have puppies being born -- period -- dogs will cease to exist. I doubt that will ever happen, but if we don't have responsible breeders out there breeding happy, healthy dogs then all we will have to choose from are dogs from puppy mills and backyard breeders. (BTW, where do you think those purebred dogs in the shelters and rescue groups are coming from? Hint: Not the responsible breeders with 10-page contracts and regular check-ups.)

Ok, yes, I'm a little touchy about this subject. I actually lost "friends" when I paid for a puppy. I thought my animal community colleges would be happy that I was getting another dog, especially after the devastating loss of Logan. Some did, but not everybody. Others berated me. Belittled me. Un-friended me on Facebook. (Seriously, I've eaten hamburgers in front of vegetarians and gotten less venom.) I ask that you please think of me and Jedi before mindlessly spouting out "Adopt. Don't Shop." There is a third option.

This guy is from a responsible breeder
and I will be forever grateful to her.

OK, the rant is over. You may now return to your regularly scheduled program. -- K

From Pet Owner to Dog Show Junkie

Yes, another book review! At only 124 pages, Showing Kunga: From Pet Owner to Dog Show Junkie is short but very informative. I really enjoyed this book, probably because showing dogs has always been a dream of mine. The author, Alxe Noden, wanted a blue great Dane. Worried about puppy mills and backyard breeders, she started researching the Internet. Alxe figured that a breeder who also shows would be more concerned with a puppy's health and temperament. The author felt that by choosing one of these puppies perhaps she could avoid some of the health problems often associated with great Danes. Once she got her puppy, Alxe joined a local great Dane dog club to learn more about the breed and hang out with other dog people. Hey, that's why I joined my dog club!! Alxe starting showing her dog for fun and got hooked. The author does a nice job sharing the ups and downs of showing from a newbie's point of view. I really liked how she articulated her reasoning for using a breeder instead of a breed rescue. This reminded me of an article I read a couple months back called Responsible Dog Breeders Are Rare, But I Found One and So Can You. I really liked this article. I have noticed that in Society's push to promote the rescue and adoption of homeless animals (of which I am a BIG proponent) it seems that all deliberate dog breeders have been vilified -- regardless of their intentions. Responsible breeders have been lumped in with puppy mills. This is so sad . . . and so wrong! Another interesting article that discusses painting all breeders with the same broad brush is What I Learned at the Dog Show from Humane Watch. I stumbled upon this article when wrestling with my Puppy Pining last summer. I highly recommend both articles to everybody in the animal community.

I wish everyone could travel to the Northside and meet my breeder. They would immediately see the difference between her operation and that of a puppy mill or backyard breeder. Her puppies are not living in the small wires cage depicted in the HSUS commercials. Instead, the entire dining room has been transformed into a puppy nursery. The puppies are mentally stimulated with toys, simple mazes and various objects to climb in and on. At five weeks old they have already been introduced to the concepts of crate and potty training. Everything from daily weight gain to super dog training is monitored and recorded on color-coded charts. The puppies are loved on constantly and each ne gets at least a half-hour of individual cuddle time daily. Breeder and her husband dote on the puppies like stereotypical grandparents. They have cute little puppy stories like "We've nicknamed that one Magellan because he is always the first to explore new things." No, this is not a woman callously breeding puppies to make an easy profit. This is a woman who is carefully breeding the best German shepherd puppies possible, for health and temperament as well as beauty. Breeder put more time and thought into finding the right sire for my puppy than I did into selecting a father for my children. (Sorry boys! I'm glad it worked out.)

So I guess what I'm trying to say is:

Spay, Neuter, Adopt -- Good.

Puppy mills and indiscriminate breeding -- Bad.

Not all breeders are the same; it's wrong to imply otherwise.

* My breeder is awesome!!! *

Enough of my ranting. Let's look at more puppy pictures! -- K



Blue and Purple above, Yellow (I think) below. I love them all!

Super Dogs

Last May the GSD Club members took a field trip to Williston, Florida to tour The Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs facility. It was amazing to see everything those dogs can do. We got to see the kennels, heard many success stories and were given a demonstration of the types of services these dogs provide -- everything from opening refrigerators to calling 911. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the founder tell us that they use German shepherds almost exclusively. When sharing some of the training methods, we were told that they use the "Super Dog" (also called "Bio-Sensor") training with their newborn puppies. My future Breeder said she uses the same method with her puppies. So you know I had to look it up!

Probably the most informative article I found on it was Early Neurological Stimulation by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. The author advocates intentionally stressing puppies for three minutes once daily during the first 10 days of life, well before their ears and eyes are open. Five separate exercises are performed.   

1. Tactile stimulation – for 3-5 seconds, while holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. Dr. Battaglia states that it's not necessary to see that the pup feels the tickle. 

2. Head held erect – using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground (straight up) so that its head is directly above its tail for 3 - 5 seconds.

3. Head pointed down – holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground for 3 - 5 seconds.

4. Supine position – the handler holds the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling for 3-5 seconds. The pup is allowed to sleep while on its back.  

5. Thermal stimulation – for 3-5 seconds the pup is placed feet down on a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. The pup is not restrained from moving. 

 

So why are these puppies being stressed? According to the research:

This mild form of stress is sufficient to stimulate hormonal, adrenal and pituitary systems. When tested later as adults, these same animals were better able to withstand stress than littermates who were not exposed to the same early stress exercises . . . When tested for differences in health and disease, the stressed animals were found to be more resistant to certain forms of cancer and infectious diseases and could withstand terminal starvation and exposure to cold for longer periods than their non-stressed littermates.
 

So does this actually work? I've found many, many breeders online who swear by it. I only found one skeptic at Bio-Sensor is Bad Science. However, this author's biggest complaint seemed to be with the term "Bio-Sensor" and he didn't have any evidence to refute the claims made by a Labrador breeder of:

• Improved Cardiovascular Performance
• Stronger Heart Beats
• Stronger Adrenal Glands
• More Tolerance to Stress
• Greater Lifetime Resistance to Disease

The dissenting author didn't say that there was any actual harm done to the puppies by this handling either. My feelings are: Then what why not? What does it hurt? If nothing else, these dogs are used to being handled. I've seen fearful, poorly socialized dogs in my line of work, and it breaks my heart.

One reason I chose to get a puppy from Breeder was our similar feelings on handling and socialization. I love the fact that my puppy was born in the house and is being raised in the dining room. Although he comes from Champion bloodlines, he's being initiated into the lifestyle of beloved pet. By the time he joins our family he'll be use to cooing, kisses and belly rubs. It'll be perfectly normal for him to have his feet touched, ears checked and mouth opened. Because he's being raised in the house, Puppy won't be phased by the sounds of the microwave, the vacuum cleaner or Jeopardy on TV. 

Breeder and I had a long talk during that field trip last spring. She was trying to find a suitable stud for Zasha; I was fascinated by the logistics of artificial insemination. Logan was still with us and I wasn't even considering bringing home a puppy. (Honestly, it would have broken his heart.) We had no idea at the time that Zasha's heat cycle would be delayed by three months, or that Logan's heart would give out a month later. Maybe I should name the puppy Happenstance. Whatever his name, I should be getting another newsletter from Breeder today! I'll share, promise. Until then, -- K

 

 

More Puppy Pictures

Right now they are just tiny eating-sleeping-pooping machines, but they are so cute! My breeder (yeah, that still feels weird) just called to give me an update. Everybody is doing well and growing quickly. She put the phone into the whelping box so I could hear the puppies whining and grunting. I can't wait to see them! Unfortunately, that's going to be while. Puppies have very weak immune systems, so she's refusing visitors for the first month to keep them as germ free as possible. As an ACO I understand completely, and I totally respect her decision. Mentally I get this. However, the emotional part of me just wants to get in there and kiss all those fur-babies! Thankfully, Breeder is a kind woman and sends me pictures. I love looking at them, even if they are just sleeping little furballs. I know that at least one of my readers is interested in all this puppy business (Hi Mom!) so I'll continue to share my puppy obsession as news comes in. Until next time, -- K

P.S. Take a look at the craftsmanship of the whelping box. Breeder's husband has got some talent!

Doing what newborns do best -- eating and sleeping

Almost There!

I spent Thursday evening with a very pregnant Zasha. Hubby took a few pictures to document how big she's gotten. Her milk has already come in! I guess that's a good sign. I was told that if you're really careful you can feel puppies moving around inside her. I tried, but I couldn't feel anything. *sigh*

Zasha and I spent most of the night snuggling. She has the sweetest disposition and was soaking up the all the affection. With her huge belly in the way, there are a few spots that she can no longer reach. She would position herself so I could rub her belly and scratch her chest. When I would stop she'd stare at me with big, brown eyes and guilt me into starting up again.

Trump wasn't about to be ignored during all this. He kept bringing spitty toys for me to throw. (Notice the polka dotted pig in the picture?) Trump also likes belly rubs and would say thank you with a good ear licking. He's almost two, but has a lot of puppy in him. He and Hubby chased each other around the house and had us all laughing.

Zasha went in for x-rays on Friday. The vet counted seven puppies! They can come any day now. I can't wait. I hope my puppy has a temperament as nice as his mother and half-brother.

Date with a Turkey Baster

So while we were sleeping, FedEx was shipping some very important cargo to Florida -- half my future puppy's DNA. Yesterday, somewhere in California, CHAMPION MAR HAVEN'S LAST COWBOY SONG (below) provided a "sample." I don't know the details, so I imagine a dark room with National Geographic videos and Barry White playing in the background. I'm sure it was more clinical than that.*

Today that sample is going to be surgically implanted into the beautiful Zasha. No, there's not really a turkey baster involved. Made you look though, hunh? Cross your fingers. If all goes well there will be puppies in October! Stay tuned, there will be updates. -- K

Cowboy. Isn't he gorgeous?!

 

 

*WARNING: DO NOT Google "dog semen collection". There are pictures!!! It's disturbing.