| SHOULD YOU EVER BUY FROM A PET STORE??? |
| Reasons not to buy from a pet store: The cost is equal to or even higher than from a reputable breeder of high quality dogs. The pet store is unlikely to give you the one-on-one help that a reputable breeder will be more than happy to give you for the life of the dog. The breeder will be interested in the health and care of your dog, and how well things are going for the two of you. A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable about the genetic issues of the breed, and particularly about the specific dog you have chosen. A reputable breeder will take your dog back if you cannot keep him anytime during the dog's lifetime, as long as their situation allows it, they will be happy to assist you in some way to find another home for your dog. A puppy from a pet store/puppy mill will not have had the attention and careful handling of a puppy from a breeder. A breeder will give equal, quality attention to ALL the puppies in a litter, since a breeder will make his own choice of puppies between eight and sixteen weeks old. And last, but not least, the more people who refrain from buying from pet store/puppy mill situations, the the fewer puppies will be enter the market, purely for money. These enterprises will shut themselves down when their market dries up. Breeder-exhibitors will provide the information, support and assistance that can be vital to your enjoyment & health of your pet |
| "Where should my dog go if I can't keep him?" ALWAYS back to the breeder! A REPUTABLE BREEDER WILL PROVIDE OR FIND A GOOD HOME FOR YOUR CHERISHED PET. No one, and especially the breeder, wants their dog to go through the fear and health issues that occur when a dog is put into a 'shelter', and more often than not put 'to sleep'. And do not take it for granted that because your dog 'may' be adopted, from a shelter that the home he goes to is a good one. Generally, if the fee is paid, the dog goes. If you cannot contact your breeder, please contact another breeder of collies. Reputable breeders of collies will take any collie in, as long as they have the capability to do so. If not, they will try to assist you in finding your pet a good home. Breed specific rescues or breed clubs may also be able to help you. |
| Breeder-exhibitors are not 'better' than other breeders, but they will be more knowledgeable, and more concerned about the health and welfare of the breed they are working with and what the future holds for it as a show specimen and companion. After all, our 'showdogs' are also our companions. Preserving the beauty and health of the breed is important to us, we want to see the breed improve and flourish. Wouldn't it be nice to know that you have purchased a high quality dog from a reputable and knowledgeable breeder whose concern is the health and well-being of your dog, and who will be there if you need him? |
| HAPPINESS IS: |
| For a breeder: a phone call, a letter (especially with pictures) or an email from a puppy buyer. Remember ~ if you need some help the breeder is more than willing to give it. A permanent, loving home is the greatest pleasure for a breeder. |
| Not all dogs are created equal.... ... some puppies are not given the love, care & daily attention required to socialize them, ... some puppies are born and kept in a yard or kennel with little or no interaction with people other than feeding until they are sold, ... some puppies are placed in homes where they will be loved and cherished, and an important part of their families, ... some puppies are bred and sold to anyone who has the money to pay for him, with no consideration of what kind of life that puppy will have, with no idea if that home will be a permanent one or not. ... some puppies are born to parents that have been selected to improve the breed's health, conformation & mental abilities. ... some puppies are born because the owner had a male and a female, ... some puppies are welcomed back by their breeders if the need arises, ... some puppies end up at the humane society, shelter, or on the street - somewhere no reputable breeder wants a puppy to be -- even for a moment. |
| Before you buy that really, really cute puppy -- go home and think about it. Think about all the puppy messes you will have to clean up if you are not willing to work with and train your new puppy. Think about having a new baby in the family - a new baby that takes up A LOT of your time in the first several months, if you want that puppy to grow into a happy, well adjusted and enjoyable member of your family. Great dogs don't just happen they are created by you! |
| As usual, I cannot emphasize the GREAT IMPORTANCE of being with your puppy, or new older dog. Help him learn the rules of the house and family. A reputable breeder will make sure the puppy gets a good start, and you make sure he gets a good chance to be a great dog. |
| .. |
| Remember: When you buy from a pet shop, you are creating a market for puppy mill puppies. |
| GOOD LUCK looking for your new family member. |
| POSSIBLE SIGN OF A PUPPY MILL OPERATION: Sells numerous breeds, no guarantees or returns. |