Thanks for the info, I want to see that.

I went into Petland the other day and it was absolutely packed with people buying pets. The dogs look so pathetic. I just left - I don't think I'm going to go back there again.

I don't think I will be able to watch it. Made me cry just to see the promo for it. So sick.

Oprah's good folks. I think the average person already doesn't want to buy from a puppy mill... but they may not be clear as to how to recognize and avoid their brokers.

It's going to be difficult for me to watch it, as well, but I'm going to make myself. I want to be better educated about these practices.

I'm so glad that Oprah did the show. I was dismayed when she did the show way back when she went to a breeder and bought her fancy full blood dogs, trying to look like such a dog lover. She says that after this she's a changed woman, and will only adopt from shelters from now on. I hope so. Three cheers for the organization that bought the billboard to get her attention. For those that missed the show, a rescue group bought an ad on a billboard where she would see it, begging her to do a show about puppy mills. It worked, and she had a reporter go do a report about the problem.

I thought I knew all about puppy mills, but I did learn some new things about them from the show. I was shocked to learn about Lancaster County in Pennsylvania being the biggest offender, and they said it was the Amish running the puppy mills. I won't ever be able to buy anything Amish again. And I thought the Amish were kind to animals. Boy, was I wrong!

In addition to the puppy mill problem, she addressed the over population problem, and the massive number of animals that have to be euthanized just for being homeless. She begged people to get their pets spayed and neutered, and even had video of a dog being neutered, showing how simple it is. They talked about the health benefits to spaying and neutering, too.

Another three cheers to the Fort Worth Animal Shelter for being brave enough to invite their cameras in to show how it really is. They actually showed how they marked the cages of the dogs destined for euthanasia with a red "E". They put down up to 50 dogs a day. A DAY. The day the cameras were there, they euthanized 17 dogs. These dogs are euthanized for various reasons; some are non-socialized and too aggressive, thus un-adoptable, some require too much medical care, some just don't get adopted, and they just don't have enough room.

Even though I said I thought I "knew it all," I was in tears watching this show.

Good for the rescue group for getting Oprah's attention, good for Oprah, and good for the Fort Worth Animal shelter, who I think would like nothing more than to find homes for all the homeless dogs, rather than having to euthanize them.

Sally

I know I'll get jumped on by a lot of you but I don't see why anyone who buys"a fancy fullbooded puppy" is some kind of terrible person.It does not make you any less a dog lover.If all the people who had non purebreds were such great dog lovers why are so many ending up in shelters?I have purebreds and they are loved and cared for and I'm sure as heck never going to apologize for it.It's great that there are people rescuing dogs but everyone should be free to make their own choice with out guilt. And now you can all jump all over me. Have fun!!

beegood, I don't believe the program was saying anyone that wants a purebred dog should never buy one again. They did say check out the breeder carefully to see if they are doing testing etc. What they said loud and clear is "STAY AWAY FROM PET STORES". No reputable breeder will ever put their pups in a pet shop. Pet stores sell "puppy mill" dogs.
In a nut shell adopting from shelters, rescue groups or buying an older dog from a breeder is a wonderful way to get pets. If one wants to buy a purebred puppy buy only from the breeder that carefully screens, tests and will take back their dogs if ever necessary. I personally believe if you buy a dog toy/bone or what ever from a pet store that sells dogs you are supporting puppy mills.

Well, I won't be jumping all over you. I too have a purebred dog and she is a treasured member of the family. I spent over a year interviewing breeders before I found one whose philosophy I agreed with and who had a sire and dam that I liked the bloodlines. As a result, I have a lovely female who has points towards her CH and 2 legs on her CD titles.

I have been seriously considering a rescue (you can see my experiences on my "petfinder" thread) and I have come to the conclusion that our family is probably better suited to getting a purebred and supporting a breeder who is responsible. I haven't yet decided if this next dog will be shown in the breed ring, but it will definitely be obed trained and I will plan to put a CD title on it. All the dogs I have ever had going back to my teen years have competed in obed trials and since I enjoy that aspect, it will definitely continue.

As long as someone isn't supporting puppy mills, and giving the dog a good home then it should not matter if it is a rescue or from a responsible breeder.

Alexa

I agree DO NOT BUY FROM PET STORES ! I think puppy mills are hell on earth for these dogs and shud all be shut down no questions asked. My statement about not being a true dog lover was quoting Sally2 about Oprah.

I didn't get home in time to watch Oprah, and I'm interested to hear about the show.

We adopted a pure-bred dog from a rescue organization (we had unsuccessfully tried to find a reputable breeder) and our other dog is a mixed breed rescued by me from under a dumpster. We also have three cats from rescue. (All are great pets)

There is a new law in our state now requiring spay/neuter of pets after a certain age (I think it's 5 months), except in special cases (breeders can petition for permission). Don't know if it's easily enforceable, but I hope it helps.

I thought the show represented the responsible breeder very well and stressed how you 'wouldn't' find their dogs in a pet store. We have a local, small store that sells puppies and they claim the pups are from local breeders. Since they're mostly mixed breeds one has to assume the dogs came from 'back yard breeders', but who knows!

Until laws are passed that prevent the puppy mills, I believe there's little hope for change. Hate to sound pessimistic, but after years of trying to educate the public about the benefits of spay and neuter, I think we're not seeing a decrease in the number of animals being euthanized. Adoptions have increased but we'll never have enough homes for all the animals being bred and until there's some type of forced spay/neuter and laws to control puppy mills it will continue to big a huge problem.

Maybe Oprah doing a story will be a push for states to make some changes............

If anyone knows a way to contact Oprah, we should organize a national boycott of any pet store that sells dogs or cats. That will force them to do what Petco and PetSmart are already doing- use their space for rescues. With less demand for puppies from pet stores, many of the puppy mills will not be able to afford to stay in business.

Support laws against puppy mills, but vote with your pocketbook! If enough people participate in a national boycott, change WILL happen. Start now, and let stores know why you are no longer shopping there and encouraging others to boycott as well. We can make a difference!

I don't remember her saying that about buying from a reputable breeder...maybe I heard what I wanted to hear. I do remember her saying that you can find pure breeds at shelters.

Beegood, I'm not going to condemn you for buying a dog from a breeder. Obviously, you got the dogs that are right for you and vice-versa. That is actually a solution to the problem. People like you that adopt dogs for life are not contributing to the problem. You probably already know that there are numerous pure bred dogs available at shelters, both kill and no-kill (which are, in a round about way actually kill shelters because they can't take in all the homeless dogs and cats, so they end up at kill shelters anyway, or loose on the streets.) Those dogs come from people that think they know what they want, but then find out, for whatever reason, that the dog they adopted was not right for them, so they surrender them to shelters, or dump them on the streets. Do I wish that everyone that wants to adopt a dog go to the shelters first? Absolutely! I wouldn't ever consider buying a dog from any kind of breeder, because I am so very aware of the homeless animal situation. I've got 7 rescued cats. The thought of going to a dog or cat breeder and buying a pet seems downright absurd to me when there are so many homeless cats and dogs available. I mean, if for no other reason than why on earth pay extra for a cat or dog just so I can show it off and say it has papers? At the very least, it's a waste of money to me, and I couldn't live with myself knowing I passed up a perfectly good pet at a shelter that needed a home. But that's me.

I just hope for all of you that want a pure breed dog or cat, you search the shelters and rescue groups first. You may find your new best friend, and for a lot less money.

Sally

Here is a link that might be useful: Some info from Oprah's website

I think the show covered some fantastic points.
I have rescues as well as pets I have purchased. Not everyone purchases them to show them off and say it has papers- those are the people that usually dump them before the pet is 2 years old.
It isn't a factor of money and getting the dog- it is wanting specific breeds and well bred dogs.
For example, we hunt and need dogs that perform their job to the highest standards. We research the breeders and take our time- it took 3 years to find our last hunting companion. He is the perfect example of what we wanted and has been an excellent pet- we contribute this to a breeder that takes pride in the breed.
We also have a rescue of the same breed and we love him dearly but bless his heart is as useful as a wet noodle. We knew that when we took him and tried to work with him but past circumstances have hindered him.
I believe regardless if you want a dog from a rescue or a breeder- do your research. Know why you are wanting to add a new member to the family, learn everything -pros and cons- about the breed, decide if a rescue will fulfill your needs or if a breeder is a better selection, and research your rescues and breeders- not all have the best intentions.

I saw the Oprah show & it was very sad & depressing seeing how those poor animals have to live. I wish I had enough room, money, time, etc. to take in all of the unwanted animals, but I don't have enough of any of those things & if I did that I would probably not have a husband either... LOL!

I have a dog that came from a pet store, but only b/c it was given to my neice as a gift & she couldn't keep him, so I adopted him... But, I made my mind up several years ago that I would NEVER buy an animal from a pet store! I hated seeing how those poor dogs were treated & just wonder how my little pup was treated for the first 2 months of his life... Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

My DH & I have bought a dog from a breeder, but we went to their house & saw the condition the dogs were in, it was a great place & we got a great dog out of it. I'm not saying we won't ever do this again, but I will definitly have to think long & hard about possibly going to a rescue shelter instead.

If anyone comes up with a plan to stop these puppy mills, pls email me... I would be happy to contribute!

The preview of Good Morning America said they are rebroadcasting a portion of the Puppy Mill piece that was on Oprah. I'm glad to see there is additional coverage of this.

Alexa

I think the big draw of the pet-store-bought-puppy is instant gratification. There is a pet store down the street from where I work that sells these puppy mill pups. I know they are from puppy mills because I used to work for a nearby vet, and we were always treating dogs from this store. New owners would bring in their new dog's "papers" which were from the Hunte Corporation. A huge company that sells dogs from all sorts of mills. Most of the puppies came from Missouri and Pennslyvania. Since I live in Rhode Island, clearly they were not local breeders. Most people hadn't even considered this! They would ask (after purchasing the dog, mind you), "Do you think he's from a puppy mill, I'd hate to support that industry." I don't know how many times our vet would have to explain, you already supported that industry by spending a $1000 on your new pup! Alot of these people who had purchased these dogs didn't want to spay and neuter them either, because they were "pure breds". Another long conversation would follow from our vet trying to disuade someone from breeding a dog that they had no idea where it came from. People just see a cute, fuzzy ball of fur in a window, and buy it. Plus, there is always the lure of financing!

I am sooooo glad that Oprah finally did a show on this!!! It was long overdue, but great none the less. If it will stop someone from buying from a pet store, that is a wonderful thing.

I've read on this forum: Don't buy from a pet store for the puppy, do it for the puppy's mother.

I got an email today from the HSUS listing 7 things you can do today after watching the Oprah show. You can check out their website for information.

Of my 5 dogs, 3 are mutts and 2 are purebreds, all are rescues and 1 is a stray that found me. I have a toy poodle and a chihuahua - purebreds can definitely be found in shelters. But, if you can't find what you want, I see no problem in going to a reputable breeder.

As for the Amish, I am also thinking I may never want to go to Amish country again. We have a huge Amish population in Ohio. I recently found out that many of them sell their old, used up horses at auction. Horses that served them their whole lives don't get put out to pasture to live out their days, instead many get sent to meat auctions to be sent to Mexico or Canada. We have a farm animal sanctuary nearby that some compassionate Amish sometimes contact to take their old horses, but the majority do not.

I guess it is their way of life. It is so sad that animals mean so little to them.

I thought it was a very good program. I didn't get the impression that anyone was suggesting that buying purebred dogs is bad....as long as you do your research and find a responsible, honest, careful breeder. Those breeders do NOT furnish puppies to pet stores; you have to seek them out. It's the puppy mills that supply the pet stores.

Wish I could have seen the show, sounds like it was pretty good. The mass producers are part of the problem but there is another part to it that contributes to the problem of dogs in shelters maybe just as much that never seems to get mentioned. That is people getting a puppy and it being difficult to train or housetrain. They may be well intentioned but have little to no knowledge of dog training or behavior. They end up thinking the dog is stupid or mean or something along those lines then either give that dog away or dump it in a shelter only to go out and get another one and the circle starts all over again. I have a friend who was given a Shih Tzu puppy a few months ago. She was the 4th home for the dog and it was 6 months old! The puppy was not housetrained and had been allowed to develope some bad habits. She is now housetrained and almost all of her bad habits are gone and she has a forever home. There is no secret to having a well behaved dog but it does take time and effort on the owners part, something far to many people don't seem to realize when they get the dog. If you keep the dog in it's original home then the demand for another and another puppy would go away to a large degree and that would go a long way toward reducing the numbers of dogs produced by the puppy mills because their "product" would no longer have a ready market.

Lisa

We happen to have two purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Both guys are rescues, one from the original owner who had purchased him from a reputable breeder and the other from the North Texas Humane Society. This guy happened to be heart worm positive.A very interesting fact among reputable Corgi breeders, if you purchase a female, you are required to have her spayed by six months and sign a pledge to that effect. It is the breeders policy to control the quality of the breed. Probably breeders of other breeds have similar policies.

Regarding the heart worm positive guy, we had him immediatly treated and cured. He seems to know I saved his life as he is constantly at my side. He also "talks". Says hello, hi, yes and no. Our friends are astounded when they hear him.

I heard on the local (Phila) news last night that Main Line Rescue has gotten over $50k in donations since the show aired. THe other shelters have also gotten donations, but they didn;t mention the number of dollars.

If nothing else, it will give Main Line Rescue a decent operating budget for the near future.

Alexa

I missed the show, but also wanted to say that you CAN get purebred papered dogs through state rescue shelters if you can't afford or locate the breed you want from a reputable breeder. We purchased my first West Highland White Terrier, (Westie), through a reputable breeder, and paid a small fortune for him. (Actually, he was a birthday present from my husband).

I love this dog so much and was so happy with the breed that when the time came that I felt he needed a companion, I located a female Westie through a rescue/shelter organization in SC. She cost 1/4th of what our breeder Westie did. This second Westie was a "puppy-maker" that had been rescued from a Missouri puppy mill. All she had done in her first 4 years of life was live in a cage with six other Westies and produce litter after litter of pups to be sold to pet stores across the US. She'd never been on carpet or grass and had never had her own toys, wasn't housebroken, didn't even know how to drink water from a bowl. She was relinquished to the rescue/shelter organization because at 4 years of age, her puppy production numbers had dropped, from litters of 8-9 puppies at a time down to only 2 or 3! She was pregnant when she was rescued, and had her last litter of 2 pups on Easter Sunday last year. With these mills, a female dog's only valuable if she can produce high litter numbers.

Since we adopted her, this little Westie has learned how to play for the first time, to run around a yard unobstructed as fast as she wants, and that when a hand reaches out to her it's to pet her or caress her lovingly. It took several months to build up her confidence, and now she won't leave my side. She's the sweetest dog we've ever had, and looks just as breed perfect as her adopted brother does!

I wonder why there aren't more organized protests against pet stores that sell puppies/kittens -- I've seen some, but there should be more, IMO. Education of people is part of the equation, but stopping the source that people buy through is the other half. It is possible to shut down pet stores or get them to stop selling pets through organized protest (it's been done before -- my father worked hard through the 70's to get many of the local stores in his area to stop selling pets, and obviously many animal rescue organizations have done it). Too hard to organize effectively, perhaps?