...There is No Excuse...

There will always be a debate between the factions regarding adopted versus "breeder" dogs. Granted, puppy mills are horrendous things and should be shut down. Responsible breeders often require spay/neuter contacts on their pet dogs to help prevent unwanted puppies. And now in many states there are laws requiring dogs and cats adopted from animal shelters be altered before going home.

Bottom line is, regardless of where you obtain your dog, the problem isn't so much the source of the puppy, it's the owner who chooses not to alter their pet. Cost is no longer a valid excuse because many communities now have low/reduced cost/free spay/neuter programs (see our links page for a list) to allow lower income families to do the right thing.

Irresponsible owners, owners who allow their dogs to run, who fail to properly care for their dogs, are ultimately to blame for pet overpopulation. These people claim to love animals but most have never had to pull a shift in a shelter euthanasia room putting down litter after litter of otherwise cute and healthy puppies simply because there is no more room for them.

"But my dog is never outside!" What happens if it runs through the door when you come in from getting the mail? What if your kids accidentally drop the leash and it bolts? What if it digs under the fence or another dog jumps your fence?

Unless you are breeding professionally to improve the breed, spay or neuter your dog. Period. The health benefits alone should convince you it's the right thing to do. If you want puppies, go to your local shelter and take a look at their stock or put your name on a waiting list for the next batch that comes in. Or volunteer to be a foster family for puppies to prevent them from meeting an all too common fate.

And if that's not enough to convince you, ask to look in their body freezer.

--Lesli Richardson, Editor