~ Rescue ~
~ Breeding Responsibly ~
If you do
not support rescue,
then please, DO NOT BREED!
It is my opinion that one cannot call theirs a responsible breeding program - a program that produces puppies, lives for which the breeder MUST be responsible - without also participating in, contributing to, and supporting the efforts of Rescue. ANYONE who produces puppies is also responsible for aiding in the rescue of those companion animals in need of rescue, regardless of the reason for the breeding, even if you are breeding the most perfect bitches to the most perfect dogs.
So as a responsible breeder of puppies, and as a sheltie owner, I must do my part. I must contribute - in one manner or another - to the efforts of Rescue and the appropriate placement of the unwanted and abandoned. I contribute my time, money, energy. I provide transportation, food, more money, more time. To be honest, the greatest ongoing need of Rescue anywhere is funds. Rescue provides so many things that cost money it is difficult to enumerate them all here, but begin with food, vaccinations, spay, neuter, preventive treatments, emergency vet care, none of which is free, and many times is quite expensive indeed.
In my effort to be a responsible breeder, I offset my liability to the world of companion animals by giving everything I can to Rescue. And so must every responsible breeder contribute to Rescue. Some can contribute more than others, but all responsible breeders must contribute something, else the shame of what they are doing might well catch up to them, and come back to haunt them in ways I care not to imagine.
My goal in this is not to sell puppies, but to find the RIGHT home for the RIGHT dog - be that dog a puppy I have produced, or a dog currently in rescue foster care and available for adoption. And I oftentimes wonder how many breeders out there push only to sell their puppy to the first caller on the line?
These are strong opinions, and they are my own. Remember, they are opinions only.
God
bless the Shelties needing Rescue,
and God bless the rescuers who are there to save them every day!
For more information, please follow any of the proceeding links provided below:
The Breeder and the Puppymill
Leave the war behind!
A Breeder's Responsibility to Rescue
One breeder's opinion
Please feel free to e-mail Amy with any questions or comments
