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A Real Conflict for Me

TWW

Well-Known Member
Well kninda hit the wall yesterday and most likely worst day for someone to give me the adopt don't shop speech.

Took Mouse to Petsmart not knowing there having there big adoption weekend.

For the average person getting there first dog, hey adopting is a great way as long as you do research.
Even then a person need to look at energy and needs, along with there ability to do certain things with the type they get.
Well was aproached by a group of people that asked me where I got my dog he was lovely in how he acted and he looked great.
Said he was what is known as a English mastiff but actually it was just Mastiff and I got him from a breeder outside Pittsburgh.

You would have thought I killed someone, as he was not a adpoted dog.
Being me I told them he was breed for a certain temper and job, and getting a dog fom a rescue or the dog pound did not give me the best hope of getting what I wanted in my dog.

Next was preached to as to dogs dieing and the many great things about rescueing a dog.

Sorry but Mouse has done ton for the wife and guards her like no other dog I have had, granted I have never been presented with the current matters.

Most likely what made matters worse is that he rescued her again Saturday when she lost her balance going to the restroom and fell into the tub.
He knocked open the door and she used him grabbing his fur to get out the tub.
She's black and blue on her right side but she fell around 1:30pm and i did not get home till 6:30pm if not for him she would have been there for 5 hours.

With the past things he has done , I'll always be a person who looks for the Mastiff I want with the correct temper and breeding.

Guess a lot of this is me just venting on the people who are so closed minded in the rescue community.
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DennasMom

Well-Known Member
Mouse is such a Good Dog!

Don't let the rescue groups get to you. They don't consider themselves "big business"... but we've seen the underside of the "rescues" also... it's not all ice cream and sprinkles!

Responsible breeders are the ones keeping healthy, well-tempered dogs with known "skills" out there to do all the amazing jobs we love seeing dogs engage in. It's a Big Job, and I, for one, am VERY glad there are people willing to tackle the work and heartache of rearing healthy litters of purebred puppies. If I've learned nothing else from my time on this forum, it's how Hard it is to be a good breeder (mentally, physically and legally).

Sure, a rescued pup here or there can step up and do some of these jobs, too... but it takes a eagle-eye to spot the diamond in the ruff in the shelter, and gobs and gobs of training to get the dog prepped for duty.
Our dog-walker adopted a "good" dog from a rescue, only to find out a few months later - after the family was in love, and the dog got comfortable - that it was over-protective, jealous, and had no bite-inhibition... around her KIDS.... :(
They are now "buying" a purebred frenchie puppy... with known ancestry and upbringing. And I am glad they will finally get a dog that truly fits in their family.

You don't see puppies wasting away in rescue groups or shelters... that's the"big business" piece of the rescue agencies that THEY don't want to talk about. Puppies only last a few days to a few weeks at rescue agencies. We were able to snag our last dog - a Dane/Lab/X from a "rescue" at 7 or 8 weeks old (again... you normally don't know actual birthday information with "rescues")... as his litter landed in Home #1, just before being transferred to Home #2 - which was a different rescue where they could charge higher rates (sorry... higher "adoption fees") for the puppies. The stress of the move (where people involved were close to going to court over who was going to get this litter) and some bad contacts led the entire litter (minus our little guy) to DIE from Parvo. :(

When looking for our "mastiff/X" after that awesome rescue passed... there were Zero puppies available from the rescue groups that matched what we wanted - with the breed/energy profile we know we need - a border collie mix of any sort would be a total destructive mess in our lazy house! Since we're just two adults, we're flexible on breed traits, but only to a point... we ended up with a backyard puppy (shhhh don't let the rescue groups hear THAT tidbit!!)... she has her issues, and now I know more about genetic traits that should NOT be passed on to future generations... but we have the resources to deal with it and give our dog a good life (spoiled rotten, she is!!). Not everyone has that luxury. And, as my vet pointed out... even the best genetics and all the parental tests in the world won't guarantee you a puppy free from issues (genetic or otherwise). The "rules" of Mother Nature when it comes to biology and genetics are apparently more just "guidelines". LOL.

I'm not sure how I would have handled the same situation at PetSmart... I often gloss over Denna's background, since it took me a while to forgive myself for perpetuating what I now call a "hobby breeder"... but, our choices were limited for what we needed, too. All dogs deserve a loving home. Those that are responsibly bred are more likely to go straight to their forever home without sad stories along the way (i.e. the reason they land in the shelter/rescues).

Give Mouse a big hug for me and thank him for being such a true hero and Poster-Boy for his Breed! :)
 

TylerDurden

Well-Known Member
I‘m sorry you had to go through this. Unfortunately, those people are way too one dimensional in their thinking. You should never have to defend yourself for a very reasonable and responsible decision you have made. Ironically, the responsible people who carefully research and buy from responsible breeders are the biggest opponents of BYB, which clearly targets the same "enemies" as the rescue supporters. At the same time, why does it have to be mutually exclusive? Most people I know have had both purebred puppies as well as rescued dogs and they are not nearly as judgemental as most "rescue only" people.
I once asked two of them why they had decided to have their "own" kids when there are millions of poor children all over the world who would love to be adopted. I know, it‘s a stupid comparison, but that was the only way of making them understand why someone would ever get a purebred puppy. Again, you really shouldn‘t have to defend yourself, and certainly not feel obligated to rationalize your decision. Even if you had only picked Mouse because of his color and regardless of the job, they should never make you feel bad. That‘s totally up to you, doesn‘t make you a bad person, and certainly doesn‘t mean that you support irresponsible breeding practices.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I was just wondering how Trish was doing. I'm so grateful that you and she have Mouse. He's a one in a million dog.

Not all rescue people are like that, but unfortunately it's become more common. I find that all breed rescues seem to be more judgmental that individual breed rescues in my area. People don't understand the difference between a responsible breeder that preserves the breed and all of the others. They just lump them together. It's wrong and it's ridiculous. And Tyler? I've used that same analogy - adopting kids rather than having biological ones. Most people still don't get it.

Ultimately, these opinions from people unwilling to have an open mind should just be dismissed, but that's easier said than done. I'm so sorry you had to deal with it when you have so many other things to be concerned about.
 

Nik

Well-Known Member
Mouse is an amazing dog and is definitely where he belongs. No doubt about that.

I get very frustrated with the attitude of some rescue groups and animal proponents as well. I think a lot of their strong opinions are based on ignorance and lack of knowledge.

Tyler - I actually think the comparison is perfect. The world might be a better place if more people looked at it that way.
 

Michele

Super Moderator
Staff member
My issue with some rescues (not all of them) is that they are willing to give dogs to people, without really knowing the history of the breed (any breed, it doesn't matter). Many people know that I am a strong advocate for the american pit bull terrier. It really gets me angry when I see some rescues just adopt out this breed and they have no clue about the history. OR that they "guess" what a breed is. Some of these rescues need to put their egos aside and do what's right for the dogs in their care. Most of them, unfortunately, do not.
 

Pastor Dave

Well-Known Member
I do services at nursing homes, about one a week, and I have noticed that life is pretty normal for a lot of seniors, then a fall, broken hip, wheelchair, and into the nursing home. I have not run into the rescue people, although I do have friends with "rescued" dogs. Sorry I can help with this subject. I do love my doggies. Chev in weeds 2.jpg
 

Sheila Braund

Well-Known Member
So sorry that "rescue" person gave you a hard time....so very glad you guys have Mouse..... These dogs of ours are amazing family members......Bella has helped me get up many times now.... she even stables me on the ice this winter....I'm very grateful for these amazing dogs
 

DenyMcKusker

Well-Known Member
I don't work so when I moved out in to the hill country I decided 13 years ago I would dedicate my free time to the local rescues. You can not imagine what I have witnessed. My job was to clean pens and exercise the dogs. I was only going 1 day a week and you would not believe the condition of pens when I would arrive. The dogs NEVER get out of the 10 X 10 outdoor pens and live in filth. They are large breed dogs. I was coming home so depressed. It really upsets me. My husband asked me to dedicate my time elsewhere. So I have moved on to special needs children. This is very good. When I think of the rescues I get upset. Most of them are in it for the wrong reasons. This is why I have such a large pack. I brought home as many as I could. My last visit i Planned on an ice cream day. There is a DQ right down the road. They always discount for the dogs. The condition I found 2 of the Pitties in was unforgivable. My husband was glad I got them out. So Honey and Petunia are safe. The last thing I said to them as I loaded up the dogs was...Go ahead call the Law! The next time you have a rescue group give you any shit you should get your phone out dial my # and just hand it to them. Honey is Max's girl. Lovebirds. I attached a pic of Honey when I brought her home. It was caused by flea infestation. They were doing nothing about it. I have no idea how the Founder & Board could look at that and not help her. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggg What I tell you sadly is true. Sorry for the long post. I am very disturbed about all this!!HoneyButt.jpeg HoneyButt.jpeg true!
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I know exactly what you're saying Deny. I no longer do rescue work either, unless it's short term. I don't think anyone in rescue is in it for the wrong reasons. I think some of them just don't understand that properly bred dogs from good breeders aren't contributing to the homeless dog issue. I think they are misguided. I hope things are going well for you. It's good to see you.