Getting a dog from a breeder vs shelter

[Happy Panther]

My dumbass cat died a few weeks ago so we are in the market for a dog.

I want a golden and there are several in my neighborhood who all came from the same breeder in NC. They are all happy and healthy and beautiful dogs.

My wants a mutt from a shelter.

I think dogs are a major part of a family and I like knowing where they came from. I don't mind investing a few $$ in that.

Some people tell me its basically murder.

What say you?

[Hairless Cat]

sorry dude but you sound like a jerk with the cat comment -

[Anybodyhome]

You have several options. As a board member of my local SPCA, we always strive to place animals from within the system, but the choice is ultimately yours.

If, for whatever reason, you feel like you absolutely must have a pure bred, then a breeder is the way to go. But if brand name isn't of that much importance, check your local SPCA and any rescue organizations. Rescues are becoming more and more popular simply because they are generally privately funded, while the non-profits are struggling in this economy. My SPCA relies on rescue organizations all over the east coast and we work with everyone and anyone who can help.

The economy also costs animals, as we are seeing more and more abandoned animals simply because owners cannot afford to take care of them.

Think about it is all I'm asking.

[Happy Panther]

sorry dude but you sound like a jerk with the cat comment -

The comment was accurate. The cat was truly a dumbass.

[Happy Panther]

Think about it is all I'm asking.

I will.

[jasonluckydog]

You have several options. As a board member of my local SPCA, we always strive to place animals from within the system, but the choice is ultimately yours.

If, for whatever reason, you feel like you absolutely must have a pure bred, then a breeder is the way to go. But if brand name isn't of that much importance, check your local SPCA and any rescue organizations. Rescues are becoming more and more popular simply because they are generally privately funded, while the non-profits are struggling in this economy. My SPCA relies on rescue organizations all over the east coast and we work with everyone and anyone who can help.

The economy also costs animals, as we are seeing more and more abandoned animals simply because owners cannot afford to take care of them.

Think about it is all I'm asking.

SPCA all the way, if I get another pet I want to save a life.

[RedMage138]

Get a rescue. There may be some growing pains but like Jason said, you're saving a life. We adopted an owner surrender from an animal shelter and he's been a great pet. He was already house and crate trained, our only problem is he still nips like he's a puppy.

[Guest]

shelter/rescue dogs, all the way. I'm sure if you looked you could find a golden. have you looked at Project HALO?

[bleys]

I just heard a horrible stat that about 60-70% of animals in the Triangle are having to be put down..

go rescue..

[boo7382]

Sorry about your kitteh.

Go to the shelter definitely.

I saved my kitthehs life and it makes me feel just that teeny bit better when Sarah Mclachlan makes me feel like a complete asshole.

I always give a dollar when I go to PetSmart too..

its just good knowing you saved their life :)

[bleys]

[Mrs Pantherfan]

I have 3 rescues and one pure bred..So I go both ways :)

If stupid flippin' pet owners would learn to spay and neuter their pets..we wouldn't have such a problem

[Kettle]

both my boys are shelter animals. i didn't just walk in there and ask for them though. my wife and I went to a couple of shelters, and played with lots of dogs.

[Guest]

I have 3 rescues and one pure bred..So I go both ways :)

If stupid flippin' pet owners would learn to spay and neuter their pets..we wouldn't have such a problem

Damn, you're a dog lady!

I mean that in the right way! :)