Re: Back Yard Breeders/Puppy Mills
WOW information overload - but very informative. I choked up about 10 times reading through the posts though.
My friend bought her cocker spaniel from a pet shop. Her cocker was marked down 50% because she was 6 months old and had a freckled coat (customers didn't seem to like the dog's freckles). Friend later found out that her dog was bought by the pet shop from a broker. What a sad way to start out in this world. First 6 months in a small cage - with no one really paying attention to you.
Lots of the pet shops in my area have closed down. However, just means the BYB's have to post an ad in the Sunday newspaper or wait on a street corner with a crate full of puppies. I will give praise to PetSmart & Petco in my town though - both hold adoption days every Sunday for local rescue groups and have a permnanent area for adoptable cats or small dogs.
Until now I was not that educated about the differences between PM's, BYB's and reputable breeders. Now I know there are HUGE differences. I think it is great that this forum has a great mix of owners and good breeders sharing information.
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