Comments on: A Humble Cry for Compassion

By: Janie Harris

Janie Harris — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:24:24 +0000

There is nothing wrong with breeding pedigree animals IF quality of life is not compromised and they are carefully placed in loving homes with people who appreciate the unique characteristics of a particular breed. The injustice is when a breeder becomes negligent in the care and well being of the offspring INCLUDING the provision of human love and affection. Where there is no compassion there is cruelty. I raise Maine Coon cats and can say they never see the inside of a cage except when visiting the vet, they are raised inside as family members. I’d alter my foundation cats if I could not afford to care for them as the good Lord would. Nor would I continue to breed if I could not place my current litter. People like this this give reputable breeders who breed for health, temperament and excellent type a bad name. It should be done in a controlled manner within the confines of a national association & its’ code of ethics under a reputable mentor breeder. It is a travesty that this got so out of hand. Breeders should breed for excellent type, health & disposition in an effort to sustain a respected & appreciated breed, when it’s for quantity and profit this is when the animal’s well being is greatly jeapordized! Raising pedigree pets should involve a great love & passion for the breed, it should never be made into a profession by those who misuse the priviledge.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:40:20 +0000

Great story Norm, Very touching because it is so true. The stupidity and desperation for a buck will drive people to the lowest of the lowest. As you know my K9′s are adopted and I wish I could get a dozen more. I hope that your message will open the eyes of someone, somewhere and help stop the madness in at least one. Keep up the great work YALL.

By: DONNA DENLEY

DONNA DENLEY — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:26:59 +0000

Norm, as always, there stands your heart, and mine usually along with it. I do not think anything has ever made me madder or sadder than the “mill” state in this land of ours. I cannot tell you how many people I have “enlightened” when they tell me they were so sad to see the conditions of the pups at a “mill” that they just HAD to buy one so they could SAVE it! Grrrrrrr! You know where I am at on this subject . . . the mill owners ought to be treated like THEY treat their charges! Sorry folks, if you think I am a little harsh on this subject. I am the “Boxer Lady” that will, and has, gone to an adoption house and “reposessed” my pup back! PS . . . for those who don’t know me, we only have a litter when we want another child ourselves!

By: Maria

Maria — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:20:17 +0000

What a sad and unsettling subject! Norm, thank you for bringing it up.
I know people, who purchased their dogs from puppy mills and complain afterwards that the dog is not as healthy and social as they wanted them to be. Guess what they do… they “exchange” their dog for a newer, better dog…at the same puppy mill. Their comments? Oh the breeder is selling the dogs sooo cheap and I can bring them back and can get another one!!!? (That was a actual story here in Crawfordville)

By: Amy Richard

Amy Richard — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:42:23 +0000

I feel your pain. I’ve always wondered how people can treat these beautiful creatures full of unconditional love as if they were only property, or worse yet, garbage to be thrown away without a second thought. A puppy mill near me was closed down 2 years ago but I know there are more still going strong. It’s very disheartening.

By: Barbara Tysz

Barbara Tysz — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:09:18 +0000

Yes, very sad & disappointing that some of the human species act this way. Along w/that is also the testing of products on animals – how can anyone do such horrible acts? And in some cultures dogs & cats are really not domestic animals, but food & fur pelts. Oh, what a way to start a Monday….I am so grateful for my cat Maximus – he makes my day – I have heard that animals do not love, but all you have to do is look at him looking at you w/those beautiful soul-searching eyes of his & you know — animals do love. We should learn not only to treat each other w/respect, but our pets as well. And, that is the difference right there – pets – not possessions – not money making products!

By: jennifer j

jennifer j — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:00:19 +0000

Very difficult subject. I would love to get on my soap-box, but I will try to state it simply. In my opinion there are so many things wrong with the “puppy mill”, not only is it inhumane treatment of the breeder dogs, most of which are in some form of pain or crazy, but the puppies sold are at best a lifetime of problems–physical and behavioral–if they make it a lifetime. How many of the offspring are disposed of due to these illnesses? We as consumers perpetuate this problem. We can stop it. Buy from a reputable breeder (ask your veterinarian) or better yet adopt a pet from the Shelter.