I need to vent!!!!!
 asking me where he came from. I , without thinking told them ,as we are very proud of our Murphy boy, and they proceeded to tell me he came from a puppy mill!!! OK They really never heard of the place he came from, or dealt with them,but assumed  since he was from the midwest and she had a website he came from a mill. They also told me it was "Because of people like you we have to do rescue". What a nice warm welcome this was!!! I never got a word in edge wise because their mouths were flapping a mile a minute. Then they told me his coat was not good his feet were not either,He had just been to the groomer the day before and looked wonderful. According to our Vet he is a very sound sheepie. They then proceede to put him through the paces, walking him around on lead, touching him all over, which was fine because Murphy is such a well behaved 8 mos. old he never moved a muscle wlhile they were going over him. They also told me do not waste your money on showing him!! We only have showed him aouple times, for something to do till we could start showing him in agility and obedience, it was a way for us to spend time with him, we did not buy him for show. They made us feel if we did not have a rescue dog or a high and mighty show dog we had no business having a sheepie. They also frowned on us finding him online, I am sure ther are many puppy mills that have websites, and there are also just as many of the so called "reputable breeders" who have them also. I have since also met someone on this forum who got his sheepie from the same place, went and checked it out and said I could be rest assured it was agood place. I have the utmost respect for rescue people, they do a wonreful job, but please do not be judging my baby I came there and spent money to help their cause, and felt I was attacked before they even knew my name or my sheepies. I hope I have not offended anyone, this was just a way for me to let out the HURT& ANGER I still feel. I also was not the only who was subjected to this behavior. Also on a brighter note, my new puppy will be arriving today, yes from the same breeder who we absolutely love. Thank you for letting me get rid of all this, you guys are the greatest  |
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| I tell you I'd be venting also!
The only thing I have to say in "those" people's defense is that they have the right idea just the wrong target!!! Carl and I have discussed this between us many times. If you have more than one breed of dog that you enjoy and are breeding (in a responsible manner with all the tests and "matched matings") are you a backyard breeder? If you don't have a kennel license and never show a single dog? What if you have a website and show off your dogs and puppies? What does that mean? Are you just in it for the money? What makes you a puppy mill? I can't address anything about the breeder you got your sweetie from. If you made the visit...did the research....and felt comfortable....who is to say that they aren't wonderful....after all ....you ARE going back to them. They must have done something correctly. I love the people that do rescue. It takes a special person to be able to devote so much time, energy and yes, money. I'm sure we all want what is best for our breed BUT I find many often judge on few facts with high emotional output. Is the person that has to relinquish their dog to rescue "bad"? I don't think so...better rescue than dump dropping...just ask anyone in the country how many animals end up on their doorsteps! Most are very caring people in bad circumstances. If a backyard breeder is someone that breeds and sells dogs out of their home...has more than one breed they fancy and you can find them on a website....guess what? I'M A BACKYARD BREEDER!!!! Now if you look at the other side....we test our dogs before breeding.....we are in constant contact with other breeders....learning and improving our knowlege to make the breed better. We care for our dogs (please read four-footed kids)...they are part of our family...they don't reside in filth(please excuse my fluff bunnies!), they get regular exercise and they eat nutritious food (sometimes they eat better than we do!). I could go on and on because this always hits a nerve with me. But one thing that helps me to stay calm is that I know that the people that attacked you have their hearts in the right place. Just some of us when we feel so strongly about things LEAP before we LOOK! We JUDGE before we KNOW everything. The best part is that YOU know that you are fine. Your puppers are fine. And just maybe next time the "do-gooders" will think before they attack. Let us all remember...a closed mouth gathers no foot! We won't talk about a closed mind. |
| Loried,
As you noticed those involved in Rescue are very passionate about their cause and truly care about the welfare of the dogs. But, as is the case with many pursing a legitmate cause, that passion can sometimes lead to generalizations and presumptions that are not necessarily correct and which can be inadvertantly hurtful. You are right to want to vent and "clear the air". I hope that those who made the hurtful presumptions and comments have also had the time to re-think their words and will be more careful and learn the truth before proposing to offer such comments again. That being said I would ask you to cut them some slack as they see the aftermath of some very horrific situations, sometimes they even have to intervene while the dog is in the worst of conditions and mal-treatment. Witnessing such trauma can have a long lasting effects and inadvertantly lead to hasty actions. Michele and I attended the 2002 picnic and found the vast majority of NEOESR members to be of excellent character and I don't believe they would every deliberately hurt feelings or denigrate any dog, regardless of background, conditon or pedigree. Those who said "people such as you are the reason we do rescue" do not represent the love and understanding of the group as a whole. I do however agree with you that the generalization that website = puppy mill is incorrect, prejudicial and quite simply irrational. This generalization simply MUST stop. Evaluate facts rather than presume the worst or summarily stereotype people. Jere Marder (Lambluv) who is generally recognized as one of if not the best OES breeder in the US has an excellent and reasonably expansive website. Would anyone dare to call her a "puppy miller" due to the simple fact that she has a website - I think not. Apply that evaluation to all, some will be puppy millers, some will not! No matter what other people say about your dog remember that he is always the best dog in the world to you. Virgil, in spite of his recently completed championship has not won a BIS or even his group. But when I look at, and interact with, him he is the best and most important dog in the world. When I turn to Martin he is the best and most important as is the case with all of our pack. I commend you on your efforts at showing Murphy as "something to do... a way to spend time with him". By spending time with him you are building the strongest bonds possible, stretching his socialization skills and keeping him both mentally and physically fit. Believe me the dogs don't care if they are "high and mighty show" dogs, "just pets" or "rescue" dogs. Yes, they adapt to those roles, often very well but what they really seek and respond to is your love, acceptance and guidance. Murphy is healthy and sound, well behaved and part of your family. That and your approval are all he desires. Enjoy him and your new puppy. Please watch over the early interactions between Murphy and the new puppy and help Murphy through what can sometimes be a difficult transition from only dog to one of the pack. While physical aggression is not common it can happen but more likely Murphy may feel displaced and become reclusive or not eat well for a time. Remember to set aside "Murphy and Mommy time" without the pup and constantly re-assure Murphy when he is in the puppy's presence. With effort on your part the transition can be excellent and the dogs will grow close to you and each other in a defined strong pack structure. Congratulations and good luck. 
Carl |
| Ok, what's up with this? Really, Carl is at work and I'm at home and we haven't communicated with each other!
You'd think we were married or think alike...oh yeah, we are and often times do! |
| No wonder you need to vent! Unfortunately, it is very easy for some people to make statements and judge people (and their beautiful sheepdogs) without realizing how painful it is to those hearing these comments.
However, you must be very proud of Murphy to stand so patiently while all those strangers touched him and walked him around (Cassiopia would have been doing handsprings if this happenend to her). As for putting him in obedience and agility shows - go for it! It will help develop the bound between you. And as you said, you didn't get him for show. You got him for the love of the breed. And many people have websites nowdays - I'm not sure why having one makes a breeder a puppy mill. Maybe someone else can explain that to us. Now that I've said that, I hope that we get to meet you, Murphy and your new puppy at the next picnic (we could't get to it this year due to a niece deciding to get married on the 4th - she should have picked a better day). Jennifer, Baxter, Cassiopia and Sharkey |
| I have to agree with what Carl, Jennifer, and Michelle have had to say. Passion often can lead to irrational leaps of judgement, and I hope that you are able to forgive these people for such hurtful behavior. after all- as long as your baby is healthy- who cares if he or she is not a specimen for best in show? Not every dog is going to be a prime example of our breed's standard (after all, we live in an imperfect world)- it is health that counts in the end for our pet animals. I hope that your trip to the picnic was not ruined by this encounter!
I agree with Carl's statement regarding websites- this idea is simply ridiculous! Especially when you consider that some of our breed's top winning, most responsible kennels have websites!!! I feel it is a great way to promote your kennel, and to provide information about the breed! I love being able to sit down at my computer and look at kennels from New York to Texas, to Washington state! Anyways, I'm sorry you had such a bad encounter, but chin up- we love and accept all our oes owners and pups! Big hugs to you and your bobtail! Karen |
| I'm so sorry you were treated that way... makes me glad I didn't go....
in the purebred dog world many people are judged, criticized, and even attacked before they've had a chance to put their foot down. It's awful, and in some ways I am ashamed to be a part of "that" part of the dog world, however, all I can do is hope that things can change. It used to be all about the dogs, it has become all about the people in a lot of cases. It NEEDS to be all about the dogs. There are many wonderful people too though, we've met many on this forum, I've met some at dog shows.... you were unfortunate to have several in the other state of mind at once and it must have been not only hurtful and overwhelming, it would have made me angry too. As Carl said though, it is important to keep in mind that while their ignorance is not an excuse, they really have seen the worst of the worse, and have put everything into saving as many as they can. When they assume a dog is from less than a reputable breeder (even if incorrectly) it must make their blood boil too, as they would feel every pup sold is supporting that less than reputable breeder, and adding to the pool of dogs who eventually need rescue or break their owners hearts with health problems and behavioral problems. It sounds like Murphy is a wonderful boy in a wonderful home... you know that, so it matters not what anyone else thinks, even though comments such as you were the target of are hurtful, it will pass. |
| Hi,
I sympathize with you and agree with the others. How awful you must have felt - especially since all of us consider our furballs to be family members. I can't see anyone commenting on a child the way they did with Murphy. I have one of each in my home: Merlin, the expensive show dog purchased from a reputable breeder recommened to me by the AKC. Panda, the rescue from the puppymill in Hong Kong. Blue, the stray that I adopted from a shelter. Each of my boys are precious to me and I love them all equally, and I'd be heartbroken if anyone said what was said to you. Give Murphey a big hug from me and tell him I think he's just perfect the way he is. :O) Marianne |
| I agree with basically everything that has been said. I would also like to add that the very folks that criticize typically are exclusivist if that's a word and the very thing they fear the most they are perpetuating.
It would be like in the human world only getting and breeding movie stars, sure they are good looking and have correct bone structure, but if the gene pool is small you increase the chances of bringing dorment faults out of the shadows. In my conversations with many in the sheepdog world I have only had 2 or 3 that understand genitics enough to welcome a top quality animal outside the well known circles. So those that are inadvertenty inbreeding at to high a percentage are possibly doing more harm than a backyard breeder. From the genetic perspective and this group discourages top quality owners and we then get fewer of the right people in our world. Every time I hear sheedogs are aggressive or that they are not good around young children I cringe, they do benefit from an experienced owner as do all large dogs. The practice of breeding to high profile lines only is good and bad. We all need to look for top dogs outside the circle that have a decent recorded history. And this is where the problem lies until we have a system of varified history from breeding animals and their siblings we will never meet the standard of health, temperment and genetic diversity. Should the AKC or the CKC? have a health standard for show dogs and breeeding animals. At first blush it seems so. In re-reading this it is a little more abrasive than I meant it to be, so take it with the proverbial grain of salt, I meant it to be gentle and informative. |
| I also agree with a lot of what has been said. I understand the argument of not buying puppies from lousy beginnings like puppy mills, irresponsible breeders, etc., and I see the point that buying from those type of places only perpetuates them. However, by not buying from them is sort of like the vegetarians ridding the rest of the world of the meat eaters. I realize that's a broad analogy. In the quest to stop bad breeding, what should happen to the "bad bred" dogs in the mean time? (This is no reference to Murphy or anyone else's dog, per say, by the way). What happens to them? I got Clyde from a pet store, although I had an idea of his background already. (from best I could piece together, the owners didn't want the work that went along with him and didn't want to return him to the breeder so they sold him to the pet store instead. Nice, huh?).
I felt horrible about doing it but is it fair for him to suffer either? I felt terrible getting him from there because I felt like that was just supporting all the negativity that goes along with buying from pet stores. I didn't want to "support" pet stores by buying him but should I have left him there? In a cage too small, sitting in his own excrement? I knew I could give him a good home and give him the attention and care that he needed. I knew that I wouldn't throw in the towel if I didn't feel like putting up with puppy stuff or having to clean up after him or groom him. My biggest concern about leaving him there was he was sweet, fluffy, adorable puppy that would look awfully attractive to most people-- until he got bigger and would be even more work to train and groom. Where would that have got him? Given away to a shelter, wild and untrained? Or kept and neglected? So did I really go the wrong thing by giving him a good home? My groomer made me feel better about it when she summed it up as it just being a very expensive rescue. Bottom line, Clyde is a healthy, bouncy, friendly boy that everyone loves. In overall health and body, he'd rival any show dog-- his lines actually go back to champion dogs in Denmark, Germany and Poland. I never filed papers becuase they looked like they had been altered (something looked fishy when it came to breeder's name, as if it had been changedand I had planned to neuter him anyway. He's growing up beautifully-- he weighed 75 pounds at the vet yesterday at 8 1/2 months-- no fat the vet says, he just right! His coat is great and so is his hearing and eyesight. I don't think I've ever had a dog that loved me more. He just loves to be close to me all the time and give kisses and not even so I'll pet him or give him attention! I don't regret getting him for a second. I could never deny Clyde a great home based on principles like "he's in a pet store and shouldn't be bought." He's a living animal that has feelings. I don't know what I'd do without him now! |
| I agree whole-heartedly with ButterStotch. Yes, we would all love the puppy mills to close down, but what happens to the puppies born in the meantime? These people have to understand that not everyone buys their dogs to show. Some, like me, just want them as pets. If they're good dogs, it doesn't matter where they came from.
Drez was from a puppy mill in PA. We are her second owners, the first ones bought her from the mill. She is a beautiful dog, in all respects. She's super friendly, loving, playful. I could not, in my wildest dreams, imagine her being a stray, left to fend for herself. Yes, she has hip problems, but they just surfaced within the past year or so. Would I hesitate to rescue a dog like her again? Never!! She's the light of our lives, and a piece of our hearts will be missing when she goes. Enjoy your time with Murphy and your new puppy, and love them to death!! And I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of them both!! Chris |
| OK Lorie, Let me put my two cents in for Murphy, since I'm the one that had first hand knowledge of the breeder. I guess I'm upset, but to somewhat used to the midwestern snubbing by the folks on the east and west coast. Our Cardinals are one of the best teams in baseball, but when you listen to the national news, its always the east coast teams that get the headlines.
Before I bought Barney, I visited with the breeder, brought along the OES checklist of what to look for in a breeder and discussed them point by point with the breeder. There responses were forthright and positive. I was impressed by the surroundings; I met both parents of the litter and had my pick of the entire litter. My son and daughter were with me and could vouch for their integrity and committment to the breed. In our initial phone conversations and subsequent visits the breeder was as interested in the placement and wellfare of her pups. Finally, of the 11 pups in the litter, one of them whom they named "George" was a runt. A sweet little guy, whom they might have put down if they were a mill; but they loved him and insisted he was not for sale at that time. They wanted him for their own. They were breeding OES for over 25 years. No champions because they found out as you did, that some of the politics in the show circuits was disgusting. Yet I think that each of their many pups were champions for their owners. By coincidence, the father of one of my neighbors owns a 7 year OES from the same breeder. Yes, I'm aware that Missouri has a reputation for puppy mills, and this was my first concern in the interview. In my search for a breeder I did run across one in Kentucky that advertised pups from a half dozen breeds - in my opinion that's a puppy mill. I'm sorry you had to endure such a humiliating encounter, but on the positive side, log into OES.org and you're in the company of 1000+ owners whose dogs are all champions. Horay for Murphy!!!!!! |
| I am so sorry you were treated this way. I havent been online in a while as we just moved. Well, Norm moved a bit farther than me (he is now in Iraq) and i am in our New home.
I can remember when I first brought my 2 over from the UK. I was asked "whats wrong american dogs aren't good enough for you"? I still get this from a lot of breeders. I am PROUD of my guys and what I am accomplishing with them. Know that you have the best in your home! Don't let anyone push you around. I think in their heads they THINK they are being right in their comments and don't realize how much they hurt. I have a website and I can assure you I am not a puppymill nor back yard breeder! Ali & the crew at gwynedd http://www.gbwebs.com/gwynedd |
Hi everyone, I thank all of you so very much for all of your responses, the anger and hurt I have felt has somewhat subsided. My husband and I have even joked about it a little bit, sometimes we call Murphy , Murphy Miller. I know these people have seen so many horrible, horrible things, but to judge my dog was way off base. After all I was ther to help support their cause. When I was buying Murphy, the breeder checked me out in the same amount of detail as I did her. Numerous phone calls until the 8 wks. were up until I could get him, she called me 4 times on my way to pick him up at the airport, and 2 times more that night. We stay in contact all the time. Murphy was not the first oes for me I had one 15 yrs ago. Ibought that one through an OESCA "reputable breeder". The dog came from a puppy mill in PA. It was the worst tempered dog I have ever seen in my life!! That breeder is STILL RECOGNIZED AS A REPUTABLE BREEDER I do not know if I will attend next year,I did meet alot of wonderful people They should have made a video of what happened to me and titled it, "How Not To Raise Money For Your Cause."  On a happier note, Bella arrived just fine, she is gorgeous, Has Murpph's wonderful temperament, I have had my hands all over her, my hands in her mouth, have brushed her, taken food away, and she is just as happy go lucky as he is thus far. We introduced them on neutral ground, Murphy loves her to pieces he is so loving towards her, it is almost as if he were mothering her. When they play, he so very careful to not step on her or be too rough. And what I did wish they could have known was that we did show Murphy once and he took a first in his breed and fourth in group, and also has his CGC. Well my venting is done, I will let this go. You guys do not know how much you lifted my spirits, thank you you are the best  |
| Lorie,
Congrats on Bella! Can't wait to see pictures! What fun you're in for! Chris |
| Oh Lori, be sure you know about naming her Bella! My Bella She is hell on wheels believe me!
Ali  |
| Loried, we went through a bit of the same at the Philly picnic this year, but
I hadn't brought it up here because I figured we were the only ones! My husband was a bit miffed about the attitude he got from some. I guess I can see where some of it comes from, but please! I even had one person tell me over the phone "oh a lot of dogs come to rescue from that breeder" before I had even given a name!! She had NO IDEA who I was referring to! I did my homework, checked the testing records, made sure everything was up to date and legit... so I was totally satisfied with my choice. There were no questions the breeders wouldn't answer with honesty or provide paperwork for, along with the info for the vet so I could double check. I know there are a few here who would consider my breeders 'backyard breeders'. Frankly, I don't care. They did not research my breeders. I just don't care for the elitistness (if that is a word) or snippy attitude of some of them. Don't misunderstand me, I know they are not all that way! I know I am a responsible owner, and I know I did my homework before I bought. I just ends up being hurtful when someone who doesn't know me from Adam questions or talks down about my breeders or my dogs. I totally understand how you feel! I don't think I will put myself or my dogs in that position again. We actually stopped traffic last night on the main street while walking the puppy! Then we went past a corner ice cream shop and about 7 people stopped us and ogled him and one woman actually screamed. It always amazes me how much attention this little guy attracts! Poor Tucker missed out tho, he was home sleeping in the AC! Shellie |
Shellie wrote: We actually stopped traffic last night on the main street while walking
the puppy! Then we went past a corner ice cream shop and about 7 people stopped us and ogled him and one woman actually screamed. It always amazes me how much attention this little guy attracts! Poor Tucker missed out tho, he was home sleeping in the AC! Shellie Lol. If you want some serious attention at an ice cream shop, feed your sheepie an ice cream cone. I got Clyde a baby yogurt cone and we had a crowd of about 15 people hang out to watch like it was the coolest thing ever! |
Shellie wrote: We actually stopped traffic last night on the main street while walking
the puppy! Then we went past a corner ice cream shop and about 7 people stopped us and ogled him and one woman actually screamed. It always amazes me how much attention this little guy attracts! Awesome!!! It's nice to get all that attention, isn't it? Makes you feel very special.... I wish I got a sheepie before I got married, that would get me lots of phone numbers (Danita, DON'T READ THIS!!!! )
Hey, I understand how anyone would feel if out of the sudden someone shows up and tells you that your dog is no good and that because of you there's rescue dogs!!!! I'll probably punch the guy right in the nose if someone told me something like that right off the bat after meeting us. I guess there's a lot of passion when it comes to rescue dogs. Danita and I have a very hard time approaching people who we see that have their sheepies neglected. It's really difficult to try to give a message without being rude or nosy. So far we've had very good response from the people we approach, but standars, passion and the will to help do not justify being rude just because. I know I would not take any unfounded rude comments about my dogs, advise is OK and even welcome, and maybe even some criticism if I'm showing my dog off, but if someone tells me such things as the ones I've heard after helping sheepies and taking good care of ours... Man!!! I'm glad here in the forum everyone is very open and welcomes everyone who is interested and willing to participate, wether you own a purebreed, a rescue, a mix or even a cat, That speaks greatly about the community and makes me feel like home  |
| The issue is respect....
Our first OES was a mix. As a pup he was a bundle of energy. We went to our second vet appointment, the vet said- this dog is too hyper, he should be put to sleep. He was approximately 16 weeks old at the time. The vet further pointed out his imperfections, such as his tail. I scooped him up and we found a new vet. Although my pup still feared going into the vets office, the new vet and staff loved him. Prince would settle in on the examination table, and allow the staff to examine him, give injections or treatments. He was a wonderful beautiful sheepdog who was a faithful and loving dog. At 12 years old he developed a fast moving cancer. We are still indebted to Dr. Breem and his staff for their professional and expert care during our 12 year journey with Prince. He met my standard for Old English Sheepdogs. I'm sorry to say the first vet did not meet my concept of a caring veterinary professional.... I never let anothers opinion overrule what is in my heart, Prince we will always love you ! Loried, I am very sorry about your experience at the picnic.... |
| Shellie, my heart goes out to you for what you endured at the Philly picnic, too.
Maybe it's just because to me, a dog is a pet and not a show dog, that I don't really CARE where the dog came from. Could also be why we've always rescued rather than buying a puppy. When I meet a new person and their dog for the first time, I would NEVER think to ask where the dog came from. Even if I were into the show scene, I couldn't do that because I think that's just rude. Just take the dog at face value! Arrgghh! Maybe I'm glad I couldn't get to the Philly picnic now. My puppy mill dog would have raised quite a few eyebrows!! But she's the world to us, and that's all that matters. Chris |
Lol. It kind of makes you wonder what kind of pressure these peoples' kids are under if they're this high strung about dogs...  |
| Lori-
I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience. To be that rude to someone is unforgivable and you deserve better, and these people should know better. All that matters is Murphy is healthy and happy, and it's obvious he is well loved. |
| Hey LoriD, I'm glad you posted your vent. As you know, I too had a similar experience at the NE picnic. During my first encounter (at the registration table), I was asked if Willow was a rescue. When I said, "no", the person taking my donation rolled her eyes. On top of that, the first person I met told me Willow was overweight. She is 80lbs of pure perfection according to my vet. I agree with what many of the people have said in their responses to your post, people in the rescue business provide a valuable service and should be commended, but that does not give them the right to judge other's dogs. Our dogs are our babies, and we love them no matter what. Our love in unconditional as is the love our dogs show us. Hold your head high. Murphy is a beautiful sheepie and I am so happy to have met him and you. I know I won't be going to the NE picnic again, but I will definitely be at the Philly picnic. I had a very positive experience there and am looking forward to seeing everyone again next year. To the person who had a not so good encounter at the Philly picnic, be sure to find me next year as I would love to shower your dog with love, affection, and lots of compliments!! |
| What a TEEEERRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIBBBBBBBLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEE experience!!!! I am so sorry that there are such unkind people out there.
I know for a FACT that my new puppy was born in my breeders living room.......... does that make her a LIVING ROOM BREEDER???? Is that better than a backyard breeder????????
I learned a long time ago that I did not have thick enough skin to be involved in the world of dog shows and breeding. My dogs are my children and I love them not matter what their fur looks like or how long the bridge of their nose is. I say PHOOOEY on them!!!! |
| <---- Intergra *sorry - would post under original name but I have forgotten my password and my e-mail address that was attached to it has been stolen*.
I understand where you are comming from - my fiance's step mom had some nice things to say about Momo being from a puppy mill too - even though she didn't have the name or anything. I keep finding that some dog people have these odd tendencies to be passionate about their dogs to the point of irritating others with uneeded/useless information about why/how you are just the worst doggy parent of all time. It can range from puppy mills to the food you feed them. I've had a lady tell me I got Momo as a status symbol (because I asked about different dogs before I made my choice on OES - go figure), had people gripe at me endlessly for making her walk on the lead (because dogs should be free), for not letting her jump, for crating her, spaying her, not breeding her and the list goes on... because of these things I am considered a very cruel by some people. I try to avoid topics in raising pups or breeders in my conversations with other people. If they seem overly interested in my (our) breeder - I just hand them her card and let them figure it out for themselves. I spent the first month of Momo's time here - completely miserable because I couldn't enjoy myself because other people had something to say about what I was doing or where I bought her from. I felt like I was walking on eggshells any time I pat her head - wondering if I was petting her enough - or whenever I spanked her - if I was being cruel. It lead her to be somewhat of a wild thing for the first couple weeks - I knew she sensed my unease and was trying to see if she could dominate me. I always did what I was supposed to - but without feeling. I decided to just shut those people out and not allow them to stick their nose into my life. My dog is a pet - not a breeding factory, not some delicate flower or a science project... she is a dog and supposed to be a joy to me. Once I shut them out - I was sudenly happy and loved having my dog... and to her dismay she realized I wasn't going to be a wuss anymore in my thoughts.
(I actually haven't posted my thoughts until now because I thought that I might have gotten a horrible reaction from the way I felt at the start. And just in case that did happen - I didn't want to add to my feelings of unease around Momo until I could figure out how to enjoy Momo for myself rather than someone else's perception of how I should love her). If people want to compliment your dog - then let them. If they start witching at you about problems that don't even exist with your dog - take your dog and leave. They have no idea what they are talking about because they do NOT know who you are. People can have their opinions - but that doesn't give them the right to force it on others the way they did. There is a difference between being informative and being condescending after all. Even if you did buy from a puppy mill - I would still consider their approach disgustingly rude. |
| Now for a little philosophy. Isn't every dog (or pet) a rescue? When a breeder has a litter of pups, aren't they put up for sale in the hopes that people will buy them? What happens if supply exceeds demand? The buyer may choose a pup based on parents background, but the actual temperament and health is at best a probability, and if the new owner doesn't raise the dog properly, even the best of genes will not make up for lack of proper training.
It's great to read all the replies from forum members; I think we're the ones who have our head on straight. |
ButtersStotch wrote: Lol. It kind of makes you wonder what kind of pressure these peoples' kids are under if they're this high strung about dogs...
2 words - Military school. Reason: For breathing out of their right nostril instead of the right and left simultaneously. Darn those hellions! |
I'm so sorry for how you were treated.  Jasper is the child of family pets. I felt VERY comfortable buying him from them though. We talked with them several times, and they always questioned us also to make sure we would provide him a good home & were fit for a sheepie. They love his parents so much, and I know the love was passed down to the puppies from birth until now even. We still e-mail each other every couple of weeks with updates. If I don't send an update or pics, they'll e-mail me and ask how he's doing. I don't mind that at all. I love keeping in touch with them, learning more about his parents (they send us pics of them also), and letting them watch their grandbaby grow. I know I've bought puppies from reputable breeders before, and they keep in contact with you once or twice after you get the puppy, but after that nothing... (not saying they're all that way, just my personal experience - obviously not sheepie breeders since Jasper is our first ). I love the relationship we have with Jasper's breeders, and I know they went into this with the best of intentions. They had some gorgeous puppies too, which is a given since his parents are beautiful. Jasper was a pill for a couple of months there, but now he's the sweetest, most loveable and gentle creature.
We've yet to hear anything negative about Jasper. They're not too common in our area, and everyone is just awed by him. Right now, the most common thing we're hearing is "How does he see?" from adults and "He doesn't have eyes." from kids - lol I really need to start putting his hair up...although he can see fine (too well!!!) Everyone always asks where we got him because he's so beautiful. We tell them North Dakota and they usually stop there because they can't run out and buy one. We've actually had 4 people tell us that - our electric guy, our neighbor, someone who stopped us to talk while we were walking with him, and the fed ex guy. They definitely get attention, and they love every bit of it!
Jasper is part of our family, and even if I had no idea where he came from, I wouldn't love him any less. I think people tend to forget that people do LOVE them and think of them as part of the family. I think of Jasper as a child. I even refer to him to the parents as their furgrandchild, and I refer to our parents as Grandma and Grandpa to him - lol He thinks he's part human anyway.
As long as the pet is loved, well mannered, healthy, and taken care of...what does it really matter where it come from? Regardless of whether it was a stray, rescue, backyard breeder, or a dog from a Westminster best of show winner? You made the decision to make it a member of your family, and it is loved regardless of where it come from. I've had all kinds of dogs (and all kinds of pets really - from pigs to cows to horses to guinea pigs/hamsters to birds...you name it, I've probably owned it at one time lol), and they've all come from different walks of life from friends' pets "accidents", the pound, we had a horse from a rescue group once, backyard breeders, to reputable breeders - and I can tell you I loved them all! I had a few favorites, but I have loved each animal that has come into my life - even the guinea pigs and hamsters (probably because they were really tamed). I guess I just enjoyed my fish since it wasn't something I could pet or snuggle with, but I still felt a sense of loss when one passed away. Anyway, I've been rambling (effects of being awake at 2 AM when you've been chasing two toddlers all day!), but my point is people should be more careful of what they say...especially when it comes to something as personal and loved as pets. People should remember the golden rule: If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all! I know I'm already trying my best to drill it into my boys' heads. |
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