Over the last few weeks I have been discussing puppy mills and how the only way they and forprofit backyard breeders are going to go away is if we stop purchasing their stock.
This does present an uncomfortable ethical question of what happens to those puppies if no one is going to buy them?
I don't have an answer that anyone wants to hear.
But I can say that making responsible choices regarding where you get your new or next dog will be a step in the right direction, ensuring that all dogs find good, lifetime homes and are not neglected, abused, abandoned or culled.
There really are a plethora of ethical and responsible options for adopting or purchasing a dog.
The first decision to make is whether you want a purebred or a mixed breed. There are pros and cons to both and it is a personal decision that you should make without being influenced by other people's personal agendas regarding dog adoption.
If you choose to go the route of a purebred, where should you start?
I have had personal success with my purebreds by following the leads I have gotten through word of mouth.
Ten years ago I fell in love with the personality of a German shorthaired pointer in my obedience class and asked about the breeder. Piper has been a joy, true to the personality of her breed and still very healthy. Twelve years ago my German shepherd came my way via the Vancouver Police Department dog squad when I used to work with them. Zumi was not suitable for their program and I came into possession of her.
An often overlooked responsible way to find a purebred dog is through situations like how I got Zumi - working dogs that come from healthy bloodlines but just didn't make the grade. B.C. Guide Dogs is one of them. After being raised, socialized, and trained up the wazoo, the dogs that don't end up becoming service dogs are turned over for adoption. Usually it's for simple reasons, like not liking elevators, not liking the harness or too dog-friendly, etc. Dogs that are disqualified from their program often range in age.
There are also senior dogs that are turned over after they retire. This is because their owner is receiving a new service dog and can't keep the senior service dog any longer. These amazingly trained senior dogs need a forever retirement home.
Private rescues are also another responsible way to find a new dog.
Mixed breeds typically tend to be associated with rescues more than purebreds, but there are plenty of breed-specific rescues around. Simply Google your breed of choice and the word "rescue" and begin your search.
I belong to two great rescues, one for herding dogs and another for pointers, and get regular updates via Facebook regarding dogs for adoption.
I've talked about local shelters and rescues in the past. Dogs range in age, breed, mix and temperament. Raider, my border collie cattle dog cross (plus a few others in there), came into my home via a private rescue. His first two foster homes couldn't cope with his 12-week-old energy. After three days in my home he became a permanent fixture and is one of the coolest dogs I have ever had in my life.
Classified ads offer dogs for sale or adoption. If you choose this route make sure you go to the home of the seller and view how the dog is being cared for. Do not agree to a pup via email or phone and then make the exchange in a parking lot without viewing your young or adult dog first.
On occasion I do a rehome assessment on dogs that can no longer be cared for and the owners have asked for help in finding a new home. Trainers, like myself, occasionally get involved in the rehoming of dogs. This is another way to make a responsible choice on acquiring a dog.
The bottom line here is to consider the big picture when you decide to get your dog.
There are many ethical and responsible options that are small steps to ensuring a good lifetime home for all dogs.
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her through her website k9kinship.com.
