April 4, 2008Dogs and dog issues on television
Winfrey has said she is dedicating this episode to Sophie, her 13-year-old cocker spaniel who died in March of a kidney infection. The talk show host acquired Sophie and many of her other dogs from breeders. After her beloved dog’s death, Winfrey has said she will adopt future pets from animal shelters. Winfrey’s decision to do a show about puppy mills has supposedly drawn the ire of John Yates of the American Sporting Dog Alliance. Here’s a link to a statement that’s all over the Internet, everywhere, that is, except the ASDA Web site. I clicked all over it, but I could not find this post. If you can find it, send me the link. In a nutshell, the ASDA gripe with this and any other report on puppy mills boils down to concern that public outcry will result in legislation that punishes responsible breeders. The American Kennel Club uses this same argument to lobby against anti-puppy mill legislation that is supported by the HSUS and other animal welfare groups. When I read all this bickering between organizations that all claim to be dedicated to the welfare of dogs, it reminds me why I like most pooches better than most people. Can’t we find common ground that protects responsible breeders while policing those who keep dogs in deplorable conditions and turn out sickly, badly-socialized dogs? Can’t we agree that we all want the same thing: healthy, happy dogs that get to put their canine skills to good use and are treated humanely by people?
The show pits a dozen dog groomers against each other for the title of “Groomer of the Year.” It’s hosted by Jai Rodriguez, formerly of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” |
.....Advertisement.....
|
...Advertisement...
...Advertisement...
Comments
[April 4, 2008 6:27 PM]
Jennifer : →http://www.RescueDirectory.comThank you Oprah! Oprah’s message: Make animal shelters your first stop!
On your show today, millions of Americans learned that
99% of pet store dogs come from mothers with ● Urine saturated matted fur ● Untreated tumors, tooth decay, blindness ● Exposure to the heat, to the cold, to flies and parasites I won’t let my dollars help keep them that way.
Oprah also stated that you CAN find the dog you want in animal shelters and pet rescue! How? Visit RescueDirectory.com to find dedicated animal lovers in your area with pets waiting for your loving arms to scoop them up right now!
[April 4, 2008 9:29 PM]
DeborahIt was very upsetting to me to watch the show although I did watch it. Seeing those wonderful dogs and puppies treated so bad and then their lives ended had me in tears. I know it is all so true but seeing it broke my heart. I believe there are very good breeders who should not be punished. I got my wonderful Cocker Spaniel that passed on in 2006 from a woman that had the parents and bred them a few times. I got my one year old dog....half Cocker and half "a little of everything" from some people that I was led to through the Cardiac Nurses at Carilion. I do hope the show today opens people's eyes to what is happening and that they learn that the shelter dogs and rescued dogs need and deserve lots of love and great homes.