You Didn't Rescue A Pup, You Funded An Unscrupulous Breeder

I hear this more often than I care to say and it pains me every time. A person visits a breeder and finds abhorrent conditions. They purchase the pup in order to ‘rescue’ it from those conditions. Sometimes there are lasting issues with the pup, and thankfully sometimes it’s healthy and unphased by its rough beginning in life. 

Although I love the intentions of the person who took on the pup, they’ve also succeeded in financially supporting a breeder with poor practices. The operation has been funded and can grow resulting in more pups living under these conditions. The cycle will continue. 

The better option, although it may be more difficult emotionally, is to rescue all the dogs in that breeder’s care by walking away from the pup and contacting the authorities. In doing this, you’ll not only save the current parents and pups, you’ll make it more difficult for the breeder to continue these practices because animal Control will either force the breeder to clean up his or her act or will actually take possession of the pups. 

The next step is to get the word out through local news outlets and social media that the breeder was closed down and the pups have been moved to the local shelter in need of homes. That sort of attention often spurs the public to either adopt or donate to the shelter. 

If you’re set on one of those pups, let the authorities know you’d like to be first on the list to adopt. Yes, it’s another hoop to jump through, but you’ll give your hard earned dollars directly to the shelter - a truly good cause - rather than in the hands of the person who will only use it to continue exploiting their dogs. 

Please stand up for pups living like this. If you’re ever in a situation where you see poor breeding conditions and don’t have the heart to make the call, send the information to mdalman4@gmail.com and I’ll make the call for you. Pictures, the name of the breeder, location, phone number will all be useful. 

Share this article - together we can work toward lowering shelter populations and demand breeders adhere to better breeding practices.  Read 9 Tips For Finding The Right Breeder.