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A (Designer) Dog’s Life

If the Obamas choose a hybrid, unethical breeders will try to cash in—and puppies are likely to suffer.

By Suzanne Smalley | NEWSWEEK
Published Apr 4, 2009
From the magazine issue dated Apr 13, 2009

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  • Posted By: PrinceOfSpace @ 11/11/2009 11:55:14 PM

    Gee whiz, what a bunch of whining. "Oh boo hoo, we can't treat living animals like dirt anymore. We're going to be required to give them a bare minimum of care."

  • Posted By: boredwell @ 10/05/2009 5:49:15 AM

    My parents were "kitchen" breeders. It was their passion. Not a business enterprise. They did it for love of the breed-chocolate labs-and rarely sold them preferring to match prospective owners with just the right puppy. Their success was in developing mutually beneficial and reciprocal partnerships between animal and human. It's sad to know that these mill owners have no integrity given their callousness and inhumane treatment of sentient creatures as disposable consumer products. Though there are new laws in place it takes official oversight and inspections to force compliance. Unless complaints are registered with the authorities it seems these mills will continue to flourish in the absence of vigorous and regular policing.

  • Posted By: Staggslaw @ 07/19/2009 10:06:46 AM

    We have three delightful, by though no means perfect, dogs, one of which is a rescue dog. After searching a number of breeders and agencies each time, each dog ultimately chose us, a nose in a pocket, a belly presented for rubbing, unbridled excitement, as others stayed shy. I would never buy a dog online, for the simple reason you can't tell the circumstances in which the dog was bred and cared for. Go to a shelter, or go to a breeder. Though you may not be able to see everything that's going on at a breeder, you can tell if the pups have been well cared for, and you generally meet the mother, and sometimes the father, if you ask. Blaming shelters for the sins of abandoning owners, or imposing restrictions or fees on their ability to rescue pets, would just hinder their ability to do their work. Investigate breeders, punish people for abandoning pets to the wild when they're caught, educate and encourage the public to make sure they are obtaining their pets from wholesome sources, and against purchasing pets they won't provide for through thick and thin, but don't paint with such a broad brush as to vilify and hinder good breeders, and the shelters seeking to rescue and find homes for as many as they can.

  • Posted By: Doodle Mom @ 04/19/2009 11:31:57 PM

    I am a breeder of "designer dogs" and am writing to paint a somewhat different picture. In my home live 7 sweet, loving family pets. Five of them are breeding dogs that have pups once or twice a year. Our home is their home. We have a doggie door which leads to our fenced in front yard. The dogs have access to both the house or the yard at all times. Ninety percent of the time they choose the house. More specifically the floor under my desk where I work. Our dogs live a high quality life that includes swimming in our pond, agility classes, car rides to pick the kids up from school, family movie night, frequent games of catch and lazy afternoons sleeping at my feet. Before a dog is bred they undergo numerous tests on hips, elbows, hearts, patellas and eyes. If they are found to be in superb health and pass all testing, they will be bred. Pups are born in my bedroom where they will stay for at least two weeks. I can hear them at night and get up several times to check on them. After about two weeks puppies move to our puppy play area, a designated spot off of our kitchen and centrally located. Pups are played with and we interact with them daily. Early socialization is vital to raising family pets. The pups are cared for, cleaned up after, and watched all day. Our pups are seen by our vet twice, microchipped, have vaccinations given and are spayed or neutered before they leave our home. Pups also come with a 2 year health guarantee and lifetime support. If for any reason a pup can't be kept we will always help find a home for him/her. For us, breeding dogs is not just a job. It is our love and a passion.

    I am not that uncommon. There are breeders just like me across the country. Thankfully the public is becoming aware of the horror or puppy mills and are demanding a new "breed" of breeder. For many of us it is just common sense and decent human kindness. I wouldn't dream of selling one of my pups to someone who planned to keep it in a cage all day. Why should a breeding dog deserve anything less than life as a beloved family member? Yes, I charge a high fee for my designer dogs, although not nearly as much as people think is profit. Not when you breed with your conscious and the health of your dogs in mind. Funny thing is you will find many more doodle breeders, than purebred breeders that operate the same way I do. Mills have both purebred and designer dogs. There are horrible, unethical, cruel people who breed AKC dogs too. Please don't lump all designer breeders in the same category. I just want you to be aware that there are many of us who deeply care about the welfare of our animals. Designer or purebred, all dogs deserve a quality life.

    • Posted By: sieg6529 @ 07/16/2009 12:10:02 PM

      Just because it is your passion doesn't make it right to contribute to the surplus of dogs. Have you ever worked at a shelter, and seen good designer dogs from good and reputable breeders say Hello! to Mr. Syringe because there are just too many dogs? Or see an adorable mutt meet the same fate because he was ignored in favor of some specialty mutt?

    • Posted By: Zoe99 @ 05/05/2009 5:24:40 AM

      DoodleMom, I know there are many ethical breeders out there. The question for me is, what laws do *you* think would help you keep breeding healthy, friendly family pets, and at the same time discourage the puppy mill profiteering?

      • Posted By: jenn6275 @ 07/14/2009 4:29:42 PM

        All I can say is if so many breeders are like you - than why are there so many purebreed dogs and designer dogs in shelter or rescues? A reputable breeder "cares" about each of its puppies right? Where are you and the others when a family no longer wants the puppy/dog that they purchased from you? Our pure breed rescue gets calls weekly from those surrendering their dogs. We always ask them to contact the breeder they got the dog from to see if they will take it back and be responsible for finding the dog another home. 99% of the time they wil not take the dog back. Believe it or not we even get calls from the breeders themselves who need help placing a dog that has been returned to them. OR they will send us the sick and old ones who can no longer breed.

      • Posted By: lakotasu @ 07/02/2009 2:42:30 AM

        Dear Zoe99; If you *truly* loved dogs you would stop breeding them and start *rescuing* them and finding them homes. There are over a quarter million puppies and kittens born every hour of every day in the US. The number of dogs and cats *killed* in the US is nearly that high. Please admit that the money is more important to you than the dogs because that's what motivates "breeders" to begin with. And face it...so-called "designer dogs" are basically just mongrels. I'm not saying that they are inferior, but they are NOT worth the money idiotic people are paying for them. Stop believing your own lies and face reality; you want to make money by exploiting animals, plain and simple. Oh..you may provide a better environment than a "puppy mill", but the bottom line is still money or you wouldn't do it! You are not promoting the betterment of any breed...you are making money off of people's juvenile desire to have something other people will notice. Unfortunately, it involves a living creature. Spay/neuter your dogs and find something to sell that is not alive!

    • Posted By: torahbontrager @ 04/21/2009 12:54:59 PM

      Enter Your CommentThank you, NEWSWEEK, for conducting an investigation into puppy mills and especially for not excluding the Amish from this investigation and report. That takes guts.

      I'm Amish (non-practicing) and several months ago, an animal rights activist asked me how the Amish can treat puppies so inhumanely. Like the majority of the general public, her perception of the Amish are that they are a peaceful, non-harming society and attempt to live in harmony with nature. She spoke to various practicing Amish and couldn't get an answer that made sense as to why allowing the puppies to live in such horrible conditions is compatible with their seemingly anti-violent religious beliefs.

      She spoke about one Amish guy, the kingpin of all Amish puppy mill owners, who routinely debarks the dogs he breeds by shoving a steel pipe down their throats because he can't stand to hear them bark. This Amish guy is known to violate all sorts of laws, but he makes so much money that he simply pays off the fines. Apparently, no one can stop him and no one is allowed access into his mills.

      I responded that in order to understand why this "contradictory" behavior exists, she needs to understand the religion's hierarchical structure and subsequent cycle of generational abuse that's common within the Amish. Amish religion follows a strict hierarchy: God, church elders, men, women, children and animals. The mark of a good, devout Amish is to quietly submit to authority whether that's the children submitting to their parents' wishes or the wife submitting to her husband's wishes or the husband submitting to the church elders' wishes.

      Questioning the rules of the church is strictly forbidden because it is deemed as not being content with what God has commanded. Not being allowed to question and seek knowledge to rectify contradictory church rules actively nurtures repression. There is no room for self-reflection and personal/inner development. The children grow up not being able to express themselves. Because of this inability to express themselves, they take their frustrations out on those weaker than themselves. The children, now parents, physically, verbally and in some cases, sexually abuse their (or others') children just like they were abused when they were growing up. The husband abuses his wife and children and animals, the wife abuses the children, and the children abuse the animals.


      The Amish readily unconditionally forgive outsiders (e.g., the case of the Nickel Mines school shooting in Oct. 2006) but, in most cases, they won't truly forgive and extend kindness to their own. E.g., The children are almost always physically abused in the name of discipline. Is it any wonder that these children then turn around and inflict similar abuse upon their weaker counterparts, the animals? They are only doing to the animals what is being done to them (not to mention that they're conditioned to believe that animals are unfeeling objects born to serve human

      • Posted By: torahbontrager @ 04/21/2009 12:56:50 PM

        The Amish readily unconditionally forgive outsiders (e.g., the case of the Nickel Mines school shooting in Oct. 2006) but, in most cases, they won't truly forgive and extend kindness to their own. E.g., The children are almost always physically abused in the name of discipline. Is it any wonder that these children then turn around and inflict similar abuse upon their weaker counterparts, the animals? They are only doing to the animals what is being done to them (not to mention that they're conditioned to believe that animals are unfeeling objects born to serve humans, most easily observed by their treatment and use of horses for farming and transportation). The Amish puppy mills are a prime reflection of the abuse and suffering that take place within Amish homes.

        Once again, I want to thank you, NEWSWEEK, for printing this story. You have done an invaluable service. It is crucial that the general public know what goes on behind closed doors so they become aware of the many opportunities to help alleviate suffering in all areas of Amish society.

        The next story I'd like to see is the Amish treatment of horses.

        Sincerely,
        Torah Bontrager
        http://www.escapefromtheamish.com/

  • Posted By: sieg6529 @ 07/16/2009 12:03:13 PM

    The fact that breeders still do such steady business shows that we clearly have way more money than we need. Normally, I wouldn't mind what fools do with their money, but when they abandon the animal (surrender just isn't accurate, is it?) to a county or muni shelter, then it becomes part of my tax burden, and therefore, my business. Unfortunately, if shelters started imposing some sort of punitive action on owners, which would be fair, owners would just start ditching their unwanted animals on the side of the road. Perhaps a tax credit for people who adopt and keep their animals?

  • Posted By: RRuin @ 07/15/2009 11:36:14 AM

    People have to stop and think before they get a dog. If they want a purebred dog, fine but find a reputable breeder. If not go to a local shelter and save a life. The more dogs and cats adopted form no kill shelters the more animals avoid going to kill facilities.
    Do the right thing if you want a dog.

  • Posted By: deMajos @ 04/06/2009 11:03:30 AM

    Saying that buying a dog from a breeder means a shelter dog will die makes as much sense as my mother telling me to finish my food because children are starving in China!! Wke up to H$US and PeTA's agendas or you pet lovers won't have ANY pets left to love.

    • Posted By: jenn6275 @ 07/14/2009 4:47:40 PM

      That is not a correct analogy. If you were to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue this would create an "open spot" for that shelter or rescuer to take in another dog. This would eliminate one dog from being euthanized. Yes, foster homes (such as mine) are ALWAYS full and shelters are ALWAYS full.

    • Posted By: SharkFin @ 04/09/2009 1:36:21 AM

      You are another brain dead moron that does not have the ability to have an original thought. Repeating stupid crap that dim-wits like you say, for lack of anything creative is old and tiresome. GIVE IT a REST. Caring for a dog DOES not equate to PETA. AND YES idiot, when you buy a dog from a breeder, a shelter DOES die. HOW HARD is this to figure out! People like you disgust me.

    • Posted By: cathens @ 04/06/2009 11:19:41 AM

      It's going to be ages before there are 'no more pets to love' ... millions of animals being destroyed each and every year because there are NO homes for them. It's got nothing to do with PeTA or the HSUS who both do their best to end "pet" overpopulation!! Mean time, yes, unscrupulous people breed animals to make money irrespective of animals being killed, abondoned or given up ...

  • Posted By: Odonata @ 04/05/2009 8:35:53 AM

    These problems could be easily solved. Outlaw the retail sales of dogs. Where there is no profit, there will be no breeding by the puppy millers. Responsible breeders do not sell the outlets (or to anyone they wouldn't trust with their puppies) and they rarely make a profit after the care they lavish on the puppies and the mother. Yet the animal rights activists are attacking the responsible breeders first, just because they make an easier target. H$U$, PETA and company do not understand dogs or have the best interests of dogs in mind. As Wayne Pacelle once said, "One generation and then out". They are planning to do away with pets altogether.

    • Posted By: animal_voice @ 04/05/2009 11:49:16 PM

      "Yet the animal rights activists are attacking the responsible breeders first, just because they make an easier target. H$U$, PETA and company do not understand dogs or have the best interests of dogs in mind."

      As far as I'm concerned, when you compare anyone who breeds for an exchange of money--profitable or not--and organizations whose only business is the best interest of animals, there is no doubt. Those who are connected with the AKC can share in the problem of breeding for profit.

      There cannot be a "dog breeding hobby" if the animals are relinquished for money. At that point it is a business, and it should be regulated as such.

      I question the term "responsible breeder." Just because better care is given, and they take back any dogs which they "sold" does not make them "responsible. They are business opportunists. And as long as animals are being killed by the millions, there is little room for even "responsible" breeding businesses.

      On the contrary, HSUS, PETA and the likes are the ones who truly understand dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, etc, etc. And while the hobbyists, the responsible breeders, the retailers, the mills, and the back-yarder's end goal is the $$$, these organizations are staffed by responsible people whose hearts are broken every day by the horrendous suffering and deaths of the innocent victims of the weapons of mass destruction.

      • Posted By: jenn6275 @ 07/14/2009 4:22:08 PM

        Not true. Check the pet classified ad's in Germany. There are none! It is difficult to own a dog and much, much harder to breed them. I would gladly give up owning a dog if it meant a dramatic reduction in the cases of hoarding and unethical breeding. It is unfortunate but true - there are way more ignorant dog owners and breeders than smart one's.

      • Posted By: irateredhead2008 @ 04/07/2009 12:33:20 PM

        I'm right there along with you, except for the part about lumping PETA and anything resembling their misogynistic and deceptive ilk alongside other animial welfare groups. PETA is absolutely disgusting, and not just because of their own hypocrisy and destructive, disrespectful and exploitative practices. I wish they would never, EVER be mentioned as "understanding" animals or out for animal welfare. They're animal rights, plain and simple and they'd rather kill your pets than have you own them. Even a companion animal. Let's stop giving PETA credit for being more than the bottom feeding cretins that they are.

        • Posted By: animal_voice @ 04/09/2009 1:41:44 AM

          irateredhead2008, it is plain to me that you are one of societies "sheeple." I recognize the condition because I suffered from it most of my life. I used to have a negative opinion about PETA because I trusted the opinion's of other's which proved to be very ignorant.

          A few years ago I searched for an organization to support. While there are many very worthy societies, I chose PETA for many reasons. I won't list them here, but I challenge you to do your own constructive research. Until then, I suggest you refrain from showing YOUR ignorance by making comments about PETA that clearly show you know nothing about the organization.

          On the other hand, if you are connected with an organization that has been blasted by PETA, I am confident that PETA did its homework, and that you and your association is guilty as charged.

          • Posted By: lakotasu @ 07/02/2009 4:41:44 AM

            And BTW...did you not see the ridiculous response by PETA when Obama swatted a fly? A FLY!! A disease-carrying insect that crawls all over any kind of rotting organic material and is of no benefit whatsoever to any creature! And PETA is claiming "animal cruelty" over that? I rest my case!

            • Posted By: tattoos_daddy @ 07/11/2009 12:25:46 PM

              To hell with the fly, can anyone remember the response PETA had to the Bad News Kennel Dogs when Vick was arrested. They wanted to uthenize them all. Let me tell you that no organization or government is going to tell me wether I can or cannot have or breed a specific type of pet. The power is with in the citizens of this country to determine wether or not who the buy their pets from. If you are concerned with the quality of live the animal is being brought up in, investigate. If you are unhappy with it go else where. This is the problem. Everyone allows someone else to influence or outright make their decision for them. We are human being and have free will. THINK FOR YOUR SELFS!!

          • Posted By: lakotasu @ 07/02/2009 4:04:35 AM

            I so agree with the part regarding PETA. I am an animal rights activist, but there is NO WAY I would EVER be associated with, or condone the practices of PETA. And yes, I DO know about PETA...I investigated their practices when I was thinking of joining and found them to be far too radical as well as disregarding the consequences of their practices. Example: breaking into labs to release experimental animals. I hate labs and any other use of animals for experimentation, but some of these animals have been infected with viruses and diseases and to "rescue" them potentially exposes everyone to these diseases! This is unconscionably reckless! "Physicians for Responsible Medicine" is a group that is fighting the use of animals for experiments and dissection using legal means and has been successful in ending medical school use of animals in most Universities in the US. If one wishes to be active in this area of animal welfare, this is the organization to join, but PETA just takes things too far and gives animal activists a bad name!

    • Posted By: Lisa123 @ 04/07/2009 9:42:07 AM

      I continue to see the HSUS misrepresented by tthe hobby breeding community, who are all getting drunk with the koolaide the NAIA, the AKC and others pour down their throats. The comment by W.Pacelle was taken out of context, yet it continues to be used as "proof" that the HSUS is out to end all animal ownership. Get the facts, folks, because you make yourselves look callous and foolish and not in it for the dogs..

    • Posted By: ajl1975 @ 04/06/2009 12:37:10 AM

      Odonata, you clearly have very little understanding of what HSUS does or what their goals are if you believe that. Do some research before you pick and choose your soundbites or quotes to misinterpet and spread misinformation.

  • Posted By: CCorsair @ 07/10/2009 4:55:35 PM

    you do know that "Physicians for Responsible Medicine is a fake group and they it was set up by PeTa and H$U$ and that H$U$ is part of PeTa ? oh the the "Physicians for Responsible Medicine has NO real doctors on it. Both PeTa and H$U$ had supported people that want burn down research labs even those that had done this and served time now work for H$U$ and the goal of both it to kill off every dog cat and domestic animal in the world?Oh and if you are a RN you have read the studies that if children are raised with pets they are better and most likely to have less to no allergies to pets? it was really big study and posted well maybe you missed that? I am fighting Animal right groups in my home state another they are trying to get laws passed to limit ownership of pets and kill farms and i sick and tired of these people doing this. they want fight they will get one and i will take them down one by one if need. I do not thing a few who have no background in animals should be telling law makers what it truth. Farmer who have been raising animals for many many years are now being forced to change so things that work and keep our food safe. Pet owner are losing their right to own a intact pet ever. if think I lying go look at what bills are being brought to your state and who is behind them. evil come quietly in the night to steal away what we love. and it all cover up under stories like this and other. people need to know that there is laws being made to limit what they eat and what animals they can have not for the welfare of the animal but to remove man and animal from interacting with animals and banning pets from existing ever.

    • Posted By: jenn6275 @ 07/14/2009 4:17:22 PM

      Check your facts. The Physicians for Responsible Medicine is not a FAKE group and the president, Dr. Neal Barnard is a highly respected MD. This group is made up of several MD's. This group does a lot of good. Animal testing is archaic, unreliable and wastes tax payer $$. I

  • Posted By: yosephin @ 04/08/2009 10:32:10 PM

    Bull. Unless someone has severe animal allergies resulting in asthmatic symptoms (and the parents don't clean very well or often), allergies are not as big of a deal as people make them out to be. Peruse the research literature on this topic, and you will discover that exposure to animals is actually beneficial to allergy sufferers. Also ask people who know, i.e. veterinarians (not breeders and groomers and your next-door-neighbor), and they will inform you that there is no such thing as a "hypoallergenic" animal. All animals produce dander. I fully support the Obamas, but they clearly choose to own a designer animal rather than a pound puppy.

    • Posted By: lakotasu @ 07/02/2009 4:36:24 AM

      It is not just the "dander" that causes allergies, it is also the protein in the animals saliva which is left on the coat after the animal grooms itself, therefore, hair or no hair, there is still an allergen present. For those who have asthma and related conditions, or who are highly allergic, the simple solution is to avoid owning a pet, period. As for the comment that exposure to animals is "actually beneficial to allergy sufferers", this is a careless quotation taken out of context. The following link will take you to the study results which indicates that exposure to dogs/cats during the first year of a child's life *may* decrease the incidence of asthma and related issues. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=c5987b1e-add7-403a-b817-b3efe6109265&chunkiid=24771
      The study's authors point out that their subject base was limited in demographic diversity, thus may not apply to all, hence joeywalter, you are only partially correct. Once a person has developed a full-blown allergy to either dander or the protein in the saliva, the best thing to do is find a loving home for the animal. There is some, but mostly limited success with allergy shots.

      Regarding the Obama and family, and the "hypoallergenic" qualities of certain breeds: no matter what they did they would have been criticized...that's the media garbage and "feeding frenzy" that our society as a group has developed. People are a bunch of sheep letting the media do their thinking for them. Who cares what kind of dog they settled on...would any of you be able to stand up to the same constant public scrutiny; as for hypoallergenic breeds, you are correct that there is no one breed that is completely hypoallergenic, but there are some breeds that do not freely shed their coat (all animals shed, but wire-haired and very curly coated dogs tend to retain the hair until it is "stripped" during gooming; no such thing as non-shedding dogs unless it's hairless and still there's saliva issue ) and the nature of that coat also decreases the dander factor. Frequent (weekly) bathing of the pet is essential to controlling dander and saliva exposure.

      My background to be making these statements is as follows: Veterinary technician for 15 years with extra studies in canine psychology and behavior; currently Registered Nurse for over 20 years with experience in the immune system and the allergenic response as well as other areas.

  • Posted By: Linny2 @ 04/05/2009 8:13:00 PM

    It's a fact that hybrid "Designer Dog" sales are now outstripping those of pedigree dogs. I think this is largely because all the scientific research show mutts live longer and are healthier than purebreds.

    Most people today just want a happy, healthy family pet. Say "Boxer" and they think heart disease or cancer; say "Golden Retriever" and they think hip dysplasia. The incidence and severity of inherited diseases in purebred dogs increases every year, and yet breeders continue as they've always done, with outdated practices that continuously limit genetic diversity.

    In addition, changing fashions in the show ring have caused purebred breeders to exaggerate physical characteristics that make their dogs less functional, and more prone to health problems (increasingly squashed faces causing breathing difficulties; elongated backs causing slipped discs and joint problems etc). Recently the RSPCA in the UK cut its ties with Kennel Club dog shows for, "encouraging the breeding of deformed and disabled dogs".

    However, it is possible for hybrid "Designer Dogs" to provide the best of both worlds, purebreds and mutts: the ability to carefully select the parent dogs for health and temperament, and test for inherited problems (as with purebreds), and the increased health and longevity provided by greater genetic diversity (like mutts).

    Certainly their are many puppy mills that have jumped on to the "Designer Dog" band wagon purely to make a profit. This has always happened with popular purebreds in the past (think Dalmatians and Huskies after the release of the movies "101 Dalmatians" and "Snow Dogs"). Purebred or hybrid, the puppy millers don't care. They breed whatever sells.

    However, there are also many dedicated hybrid "Designer Dog" breeders whose main aim is to produce healthy dogs, without the genetic problems that have plagued many purebreds. These are responsible and ethical breeders who simply want to provide healthy, happy family pets.

    • Posted By: lakotasu @ 07/02/2009 3:47:22 AM

      But people! You're paying a major amount of money for a mongrel!! Go to your local pound or shelter and RESCUE a dog or cat in need of a home!

    • Posted By: Texasivory2 @ 04/17/2009 11:49:34 AM

      When my daughter was growing up, we took into our home a yellow lab mix that a family was forced to get rid of because their living situation had changed. She was a wonderful, sweet natured dog, and we all loved her very much. But, as the mom in our family, I can tell you that cleaning up dog hair was a daily challenge, and trying to get dressed up for an occasion and get out the door without a pound of dog hair on you was almost impossible. We had our lovable "mutt" for many years, and I still think of her often and miss her.

      After she died, we decided we were ready for another dog (can't imagine life without one), but as the person responsible for all of the vacuuming and cleaning up, I put my foot down and said no more shedding dogs!

      After a lot of research, we decided on a Cavachon, which is a "designer dog" bred from a Bichon and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We purchased our dog from a reputable breeder, whose kennel we have visited several times. We fell madly in love with our puppy, who is smart, friendly, happy, and healthy. She adores children, and housebreaking her was a snap. Shedding is minimal; I never have dog hair on my clothes. We were so impressed with this dog, that when she was just over two years old, we went back to the same breeder and purchased another Cavachon.

      Say what you want about "designer dogs," but I can tell you my experience with them has been terrific, and I would definitely recommend at least my particular type of hybrid. Buying a hybrid is no different than buying a purebred - you look for a good, responsible breeder with good breeding stock, who cares about the animals before the profits.

      As has been said so many times in these posts, there will always be movies and other events that influence people to buy a certain breed of dog, which then leads to massive, irresponsible breeding by puppy mills. It is unfortunate, but the answer is policing the puppy mills, not telling people what kind of dog they should have or trying to force them to only take animals from shelters. As the former owner of a shelter animal we thought was fine, but who ended up delivering a serious bite to a child, I like to know where my animal came from and how it has been treated prior to my owning it. There are two sides to every coin.

  • Posted By: lakotasu @ 07/02/2009 3:20:27 AM

    Yes...do not buy from puppy mills, but also realize that all *pet shops* buy their "supplies" from these mills. Do not fool yourself into thinking you are buying from a reputable breeder when you buy from a pet shop! Pet shops buy on quantity and when the animals who are not sold grow past the "cute stage", one of several things happen depending on the pet shop. They are sold to experimental labs; they are taken out somewhere and shot and discarded...if they're lucky...if not, they're turned out to survive on their own; they are taken to the local pound or they are sold back to the puppy mills from whence they came and turned into "breeders. If you MUST have a particular breed of dog, PLEASE put your name on the list for that breed's rescue service. If you MUST have a pedigreed or "designer" (fancy mongrel!) dog, then adopt one that has been abandoned. With over 500,000 dogs and cats being born every hour of every day we as sentient beings need to stop breeding dogs and cats...period.
    I realize there are many out there who will claim, "You're taking my rights away!" Why don't you go down to the local pound or shelter on killing day? Ask to observe the kill process. Some pounds put dogs and cats in the gas chamber at the same time...the cats are torn apart before they can be euthanized. Big dogs attack little ones. There is nothing humane about this process. As for being given a "shot" to die, if the animal does not receive a pre-injection of anesthetic to block brain impulses, the animal then is totally aware of not being able to breathe. A properly euthanized animal does not stiffen up and gasp...they go quietly. This stiffening and gasping is the reaction to feeling everything! I have included this link for anyone wishing to read about the "heart shot" that a lot of places use instead of appropriate euthanasia. http://www.itchmo.com/tennessee-veterinarian-uses-cruel-and-illegal-euthanasia-method-3710 This next link is from the Humane Society of the US. It thoroughly explains what humane anesthesia is and is not. http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/policies_and_guidelines/statement_on_euthanasia.html

    I thank those of you who have taken the time to read this and go to the links. I especially thank those of you who have ignored society's misguided attitude of using animals as status symbols and have instead, adopted/rescued an animal desperately needing a home. You are angels.

  • Posted By: lesgail @ 05/07/2009 11:16:07 PM

    The best policy would be for consumers to refuse to buy from puppy mills. The owners of these facilities are in it for the money and would quickly exit the business if they could not sell their dogs. Anyone who wishes to add a dog to their family should research the breeder and see the facility along with the adult dogs. If it is not clean and dog appropiate then DO NOT BUY from them. Regardless of laws, regulations, and licenses - It is up to the consumer to protect themselves from puppy mills.

  • Posted By: torahbontrager @ 04/21/2009 12:58:14 PM

    The Amish readily unconditionally forgive outsiders (e.g., the case of the Nickel Mines school shooting in Oct. 2006) but, in most cases, they won't truly forgive and extend kindness to their own. E.g., The children are almost always physically abused in the name of discipline. Is it any wonder that these children then turn around and inflict similar abuse upon their weaker counterparts, the animals? They are only doing to the animals what is being done to them (not to mention that they're conditioned to believe that animals are unfeeling objects born to serve humans, most easily observed by their treatment and use of horses for farming and transportation). The Amish puppy mills are a prime reflection of the abuse and suffering that take place within Amish homes.

    Once again, I want to thank you, NEWSWEEK, for printing this story. You have done an invaluable service. It is crucial that the general public know what goes on behind closed doors so they become aware of the many opportunities to help alleviate suffering in all areas of Amish society.

    The next story I'd like to see is the Amish treatment of horses.

    Sincerely,
    Torah Bontrager
    http://www.escapefromtheamish.com/

  • Posted By: doodlemom @ 04/14/2009 11:22:50 AM

    Living in Northwestern PA, I have many times read the want ads for Labradoodles, Poodles, Puggles, Beagles, Maltepoos and everything else you could imagine and all at the same address, priced at an amazing $100 to $150., but no Sunday sales. With prior experience ranging from an Old English Sheepdog, German Shepherd, Doberman and a Labrador Retriever, we knew what we wanted, we knew what to expect. After extensive research on our part, (I have asthma), an application and an interview, we purchased a multi-generation Australian Labradoodle, from a reputable breeder with 35 years experience, all dogs are psychologically evaluated, DNA profiled and covered with a three year guarantee. My husband and I are now several months into a new relationship with an Australian Labradoodle named Charlie. Charlie is the most amazing dog we could have ever hoped for, he is beautiful - yes! he is lovable - yes! he is high-energy - yes! he is intelligent - yes! "Buyer Beware" comes to mind in reading the 4/13/09 story A (Designer) Dog's Life. When thinking of adding to your family, do your homework and do it well!!!

    • Posted By: simply red @ 04/14/2009 12:03:15 PM

      Thanks, for that. I wish more people were as educated in buying a pet as you were. I don't think people realize that when the so called designer dogs became popular. lots of folks went to the shelters to get something that resembled a golden. and cosequently bred it to a poodle. Who knows what they ended up with We also DNA all of our adults. I also encorage pet owners if the breeder has numerous breeds . Run. Thanks, again for being an educated pet owner.

  • Posted By: Simplyredd @ 04/14/2009 11:55:34 AM

    I read the article and was a bit taken back, First off just because a dog is " purebred" does that make it a better dog,?quite honestly if pet owners truly did their homework they would see that A lot ( not all) purebreds are so in bred they are genetic nightmares with many health issues, due to the amount of in breeding. There is a reason we as humans do not in breed. As a breeder I list questions on my site that an educated pet owner should ask. If they in fact do not do their homework Shame on them. I breed purely for the love of the animals. I resent how all the articles you read with regard to breeders only mentions "puppy Mills" what about us breeders with a conscience? I personally have all my pups spayed and neutered and microchipped before they go to their new homes. I don't know about other breeders but, with only owning 9 adults and breeding every other heat, my vet bills run me a staggering 10-12 thousand a year. What am I doing wrong, or better yet what are others doing wrong. I wish people would give the kudos to the ethical breeders and stop focusing on only puppy mills. maybe if they did people would know they have options and it just may force the puppy mills to go away. If the government would put restrictions on "pet stores" who buy most of the puppies from the Amish. There would be no impulse buying and potential pet owners would be forced to really research the Family member they are about to adopt. I encourage owners to go to the home , ask lots of questions, get referrals, call the vet, If meeting is not an option I am sure a Vet would give an honest assessment of the breeder. I further tell owners if a breeder says " meet me at a rest area or something to that effect, RUN the other way. One more point if the President gets a Pure bred dog who cares, If people feel the need to get one because He has one , Get a grip. Remember back to 101 Dalmatians, everyone had to have one.... and consequently the shelters were full of Throw away Dalmatians . They just were not the family pet they were portrayed to be on a CARTOON. A responsible pet owner should research and finds the pet that best suits the Family. And realize this is not a decision to be made lightly. It is a commitment, and not a toy that can be thrown away when it is no longer fun. Please would someone!!! anyone !!! do an article on How to know the difference between a responsible breeder and a puppymill?

  • Posted By: Simplyredd @ 04/14/2009 11:49:29 AM

    I read the article and was a bit taken back, First off just because a dog is " purebred" does that make it a better dog,?quite honestly if pet owners truly did their homework they would see that A lot ( not all) purebreds are so in bred they are genetic nightmares with many health issues, due to the amount of in breeding. There is a reason we as humans do not in breed. As a breeder I list questions on my site that an educated pet owner should ask. If they in fact do not do their homework Shame on them. I breed purely for the love of the animals. I resent how all the articles you read with regard to breeders only mentions "puppy Mills" what about us breeders with a conscience? I personally have all my pups spayed and neutered and microchipped before they go to their new homes. I don't know about other breeders but, with only owning 9 adults and breeding every other heat, my vet bills run me a staggering 10-12 thousand a year. What am I doing wrong, or better yet what are others doing wrong. I wish people would give the kudos to the ethical breeders and stop focusing on only puppy mills. maybe if they did people would know they have options and it just may force the puppy mills to go away. If the government would put restrictions on "pet stores" who buy most of the puppies from the Amish. There would be no impulse buying and potential pet owners would be forced to really research the Family member they are about to adopt. I encourage owners to go to the home , ask lots of questions, get referrals, call the vet, If meeting is not an option I am sure a Vet would give an honest assessment of the breeder. I further tell owners if a breeder says " meet me at a rest area or something to that effect, RUN the other way. One more point if the President gets a Pure bred dog who cares, If people feel the need to get one because He has one , Get a grip. Remember back to 101 Dalmatians, everyone had to have one.... and consequently the shelters were full of Throw away Dalmatians . They just were not the family pet they were portrayed to be on a CARTOON. A responsible pet owner should research and finds the pet that best suits the Family. And realize this is not a decision to be made lightly. It is a commitment, and not a toy that can be thrown away when it is no longer fun. Please would someone!!! anyone !!! do an article on How to know the difference between a responsible breeder and a puppymill?

  • Posted By: nedclark @ 04/13/2009 10:55:03 PM

    How I wish these "Stick-up-the...hiney" whiners would put a cork in it. This sort of person will always find something to be disappointed / disgusted / enraged about - as evidenced by the wringing of hands, and rending of garments over...a dog.

    So the First Family accepted the gift of a (rather rare) pure-bred from a dying man, rather than coming home with a pound-puppy. This is unlikely to cause an explosion of Portuguese Water Dog puppy-mills (although I suspect it might raise the incidence of any curly-furred canine being passed off as `one like the President got').

    The Obama???s choice does not damage the whiner's abilities (if they have any) to dedicate themselves to the worthy task of finding worthy homes for needy creatures. I would suggest that anyone who would only take on the life-task of living with a dog (or cat) because they were copying the Obamas would make an equally dubious an animal companion - whether the object of their envy had a pedigree, or was a `Heinz 57'.

  • Posted By: rescuemomct @ 04/12/2009 9:53:30 AM

    Well, so much for being committed to adopting a shelter dog. The obamas have received a Potruguese water dog puppy as a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy. I suppose that lets them off the hook. What a shame. It doesn't matter if the puppy came from a responsible humane breeder or not, the fact is there will be plenty of people looking to buy one. The same way J.Crew sells out of any item that Michelle Obama is seen wearing. A great opportunity was missed here, to set an example to do the right thing. The Obamas get an "A" for the vegetable garden at the White House and an "F" for the First Dog.

  • Posted By: rescuemomct @ 04/11/2009 8:01:15 PM

    Hey BARUKH, what amazes me is that every time people post comments to a puppy mill article, there is always one in the bunch who cries "What about human rights?". Whose rights? The pet store and puppy mill owners? Or humans in general. Why do you assume that people who are concerned about animal welfare are unconcerned about human welfare. I don't get your connection. If anything I've observed that people who have compassion for animals also have compassion for people, and people who are indifferent to animal suffering are usually selfish people who care only about themselves. Where is your comment about the article?

    Newsweek, the article was excellent. Keep them coming. Please educate more people about the truth behind pet stores, puppy mills, shelters and animal rescue. The interview with the Amish puppy miller's father was good. It shows how clueless these folks are when he compared shooting the dogs to the vet euthanizing them. He thought shooting was quicker than 15 minutes of dying at the vets. He was confusing the method used at the vets ( which is very quick by injection along with sedation) and the method used at some animal shelters, which is asphyxia with gas. The original reports of that story were that his son's puppy mill was being inspected and it was discovered that about 70 dogs were flea infested. When told he needed to have them treated by a vet he shot all of them after the inpector left. Nice people. Hey BARUKH, do you want to hold hands with these guys?
    People are very intersested in where the Obamas get the next White House dog from. If they buy a purebreed or designer breed from a "breeder" then there will be a demand for that type of dog. Many uneducated consumers will look for that breed at the nearest pet store or look on the internet for one. If the Obamas adopt from a shelter or rescue group ( which have many purebreed and mixed breed homeless dogs), then perhaps that would set an example. Maybe people would adopt rather than shop for their next pet. Obama did mention about adopting from a shelter, if he doesn't there will be many disappointed people including his good friend Oprah, who has exposed puppy mills on two of her shows.

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