Click here to read today's Happy Wag column about the dogs that are removed from commercial breeding operations.
Due to the timing of when we had to go to press, the specific dogs in this story have likely all been adopted. But the story still provides valuable information because I guarantee there will be another seizure of dogs. This will happen again. And again. And again.
Absolutely no question.
There are plenty of dogs that do not live their lives as pets. My two retired racing greyhounds, much like the dogs I wrote about in today's article, also had to acclimate to life as a house pet.
Until they left the track and came to Star City Greyhound Adoptions, they had no concept of furniture, carpet, stairs, cats, children or many other aspects of living with the typical family.
It did not, however, take long for my greyhounds to adjust to a life of leisure. They may have adjusted a little too well, since they monopoloze the couches and loveseats. Now when they turn hot laps, it's only when they feel like it and only around our backyard. It is breathtaking to watch them run for the love of it.
There are dogs that hunt, dogs that sniff for contraband and work with law enforcement, and dogs that herd. These are canines that are at their most content when they are working, following the instincts that are part of their nature.
I have read several books by Jon Katz, a former journalist-turned-sheep-farmer who relies on Rose, his border collie to manage his herd on Bedlam Farm. Katz writes eloquently about how Rose's calling to keep order in her flock seems outweighs any desire she has to live the life of a house pet.
My point is that not all dogs are pets, and that's OK. But most dogs, especially the toys breeds that are most often the stock of puppy mills, are indeed supposed to be pets. That is their role in the world we created for them.
No dog should live in fear and no dog should be confined. Dogs deserve better than that. They share their lives with humans and we owe it to them to make sure they are healthy, physically and mentally, fed nutritious food, and kept clean and safe.
The only way to end puppy mills is to end their profitability. If the market is no longer there, the mills shut down. So if you were ever tempted to buy a cute little puppy in a pet store, don't. You may say to yourself, "But I am saving this puppy. This dog will have a good home." Buying dogs in pet stores just perpetuates the problem. You may be taking that dog home, but you are also opening up a spot for the next puppy, and the next and the next. And be careful of Internet and newspaper ads as well.
Yes, there are responsible breeders who are dedicated to the preservation of specific breeds of dogs. These are folks who take excellent care of their dogs, who do not over-breed them and who socialize the parents and their puppies. They usually have waiting lists for their pups and scrutinize prospective owners carefully.
If you are in the market for a new pet, please take a good long look at the dogs in shelters. Yes they are usually mutts. But mutts make fantastic pets. And if you do have your heart set on a specific breed of dog, you may be able to find it, or some type of mix, just waiting for you at the Roanoke Valley SPCA, Angels of Assisi or the League for Animal Protection. Bedford, Franklin, Floyd and Montgomery Counties also have shelters, and you can peruse pictures of the pooches online.
Bookmark PetFinder on your computer and keep looking.
If you are willing to travel, you can find breed-specific rescue groups scattered all over the country online. You can reach out to Chris' Rescue Angels mentioned in the story. Or you can check out local groups like Dalmatian Rescue of Southwestern Virginia. Greyhounds are purebred dogs and you can adopt one today right here in Roanoke.
The best way to never have to read about another busted puppy mill is to remove the economic incentive that keeps them in business. Adopt a shelter or a rescue dog.
(Photo by Jeanna Duersherl/The Roanoke Times)
