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I was a small breeder–one or perhaps two litters a year. It was hard work. The puppy whelping box occupied a guest bedroom and a family member usually spent the first ten days sleeping close to the puppies. And so selling that furry youngster and parting with him is one of the hardest things a breeder has to do. I have known breeders to deny there is a litter at home if they don’t know the could-be owner and refuse even to sell to another breeder. However, I am sure many of you have purchased your wonderful dog from a small breeder. You may know the person as a friend or have personal knowledge of and respect for their dedication to the breed, concern for the well-being of their dogs, or the bloodlines and pedigree may be the attraction–probably this fits most of us! The late handler “Laddie” Carswell chose my Cooper. He convinced the breeder my home would fit Cooper and so the puppy was flown from Wisconsin to Long Island and then was driven to me. We became soulmates until the day he passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Howard Huber picked Cagney for me and I remember the first time I saw her I was shocked. This was definitely not a puppy I would have picked. But, her bright eyes and indomitable will marked my life for 14 years and her ashes reside in my livingroom. I wouldn’t have missed living with her for anything in the world. I relate these stories because the AKC needs you to sign a petition to protect small breeders.
Yes, small breeders are endangered. You can do your part by going to www.akc.org/petition and following the simple directions there.
We need to protect the breeder who does not sell to pet stores, whose puppies do not become residents of shelters or strays. Although many of you turn to a shelter to find your next companion you can prevent overcrowded shelters by encouraging the small breeder and not giving a market to commercial breeders. And, although many may believe the AKC favors large breeders for economic reasons this AKC drive to protect the small breeder is evidence of its concern for the welfare of all dogs and all who love dogs. Sign the petition and make a difference.
911 SAVES PETS, TOO. I recently met an ambulance driver whose Irish Setter, Murphy, accompanies him to fires and accidents. Both dog and owner would have shared a “high five” over the news that now in Columbia and Montour counties if an accident/fire scene involves a pet in distress or temporarily without an owner, a call to 911 will bring pet help. But Murphy and master will have to forget the high fives until after Murphy’s paw heals. He hurt it climbing trees! And, may I emphasize strongly the paw injury was an accident–it doesn’t count as a 911 incident.
The 911 dispatcher needs to call CART which then answers the call with a pet-trained volunteer who can render first aid and can transport the pet to the nearest veterinarian, emergency center or family member. Since this year over 5,000 dogs will enter AKC dog shows on the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds this is a another layer of protection for visitors and guest dogs –not to count the numerous tourists and resident pets, both dogs, cats and other small companions. And remember the Columbia/Montour Tourist Promotion Agency has a brochure for pet owners traveling in the area.
And if you are taking advantage of one of the walking trails for you and your best friend the walk may be good for you, but it doesn’t benefit your dog. The latest study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association on weight loss and walking shows increasing the amount a dog walks does NOT lead to a corresponding weight loss. The study was monitored via a pedometer.
Jun 24, 2012 | | Uncategorized