This Month's Article

To go to a breeder or not to go to a breeder?

That is not the only question…

So it is time. The cosmic forces have aligned and feelings of magnificent expectancy are rising daily. Excitement is literally bursting through out your household. As the decision to become parents evolves into an active search, your hearts will fill with a need to find your newest addition. Whether this will be your first pet or your tenth, there are numerous considerations and cautions that should be heeded as you embark on your search.

What to look for in a breeder…

It is important to remember to be thorough when picking with a breeder. Be sure to address the following areas:

1. Certification - Are they certified? If so,great. (Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs Inc. (215)-842-2407/pennafeddogclubs@aol.com) If not, be aware that you, as the purchaser, do not have any legal recourse should your new pet have a congenital medical condition like hip dysplasia or a problematic personality disorder like extreme aggression.


2. References - Do they have references? If so, check them. You want an animal that is both beautiful on the inside as well as the outside.


3. Parents - Meet the parents. As we all remember from biology, genetics affects both the emotional and physical growth of animals just as it does in humans. Make sure that the bloodline is medically sound and that good temperament is an important consideration to the breeder.


4. History – of the breeder. Ask questions like:
   • How long have they been an active breeder?
   • Why did they choose to enter the world of breeding?
   • What attributes of this breed make them so special to the breeder?
   • Who is their veterinarian?
   If you know that the breed you are interested in does have a history of being prone to specific medical conditions, ask the breeder for certification – meaning – that a specialist has reviewed the parent’s medical propensity to develop these diseases, examples are glaucoma, heart issues, or hip conditions.
   Any good breeder will tell you they do it for the absolute love of the breed and not the money. Remember, you can always check your local better business bureau for more details on the particular breeder’s history of complaints and legal issues.
   
5. Medical Condition – Find out exactly what the breeder will be giving to your pet before it goes home with you. In particular, look for vaccinations and the associated documentation. Also look for the animals de-worming protocol. Something missed here could add up to big dollars for you along with a potentially sad experience for your family. If you have any doubts, call your veterinarian and discuss.


6. Price - Most breeds fall within a certain price range.
   Remember, as with most things in life, there is a good side and bad side. So be careful and take your time. It is up to you to protect yourself from the bad side. There are breeders who unfeelingly have batch after batch of animals solely to turn a profit. Little care is given to the condition animal. With a little research, you will be able to find a very reputable breeder who strives for perfection in every aspect of their litters.

Breeder Alternatives…

Adoption - Having dedicated one and a half years of my life to helping within an animal shelter, I am personally an advocate for adoption. However, let’s face it, there are just certain types of pets that rarely end up needing a new home. For this reason, I do also support those rare individuals who are dedicated to breeding in a conscientious and caring manner. For those not hunting for a particular breed of pet, our local shelters truly house some of the most amazing creatures.
DE Humane Society - (302)-571-0883
Chester Co. SPCA – (610)-692-6113
Lancaster Humane League – (717)-393-6551

Questions to ask a shelter:

1. Do you temperament test all animals up for adoption?
   
2. What medical prevention/treatments do your animals receive?
   
3. Why is the animal at the shelter and how long have they been there?
   
4. Are they spayed/neutered? If not where can I go to have this done?
   
5. If you have any pets at home, you must ensure that any new addition is compatible. Bring your dog to meet any possible new dogs or if you own cats, make certain that your new dog has passed the “Kitty test”.
   
6. Bring your entire family to interact with any new possibilities – some cats and dogs are deathly afraid of children.

Responsibility…

My oldest cat Milo, who is presently sitting in my lap and helping me write these thoughts, has reminded me of the single most important consideration a family needs to address before taking on the responsibility of a new pet. It is just that – the responsibility. You are making a commitment. One which requires your steadfast promise of continual love, of constant training, and to always provide healthcare in both the good times and the bad times. Our animals will be with us typically from 10 to 15 years, and as veterinary medicine expands, they will be with us for many times longer than that in the future.

Finances…

Finances are also a factor. Understand that your pets will require routine examinations, vaccinations, dentals and even surgery at some point in their lives. Accidents also occur. Be prepared to cast your dog’s leg if he/she breaks it or buy medicines if they become ill.

Research…

Also, do your research. Working for over a year within a shelter, I came to realize that one of the most common mistakes people make when choosing an animal is that they failed to learn about the breed they were bringing into their lives. Those “mistakes” inevitably end in a shelter or rescue, scared and unsure of why their family abandoned them. A pet should always be a positive addition. Go online – dive into those books and narrow down which type of animal will be a perfect match. Do you want a highly active personality or an animal with a more mellow approach to things? Do your lives have time for the required puppy training? Do you want a cat versus a dog versus a bird versus a ferret versus a rabbit and so on….

Time…

Lastly, remember this – your new addition will thrive only if you spend time with them. Our human world can often seem amazingly hectic as our lives steadily demand more and more. Our pets can bestow upon us the truly magical experience of slowing down. What can be more delicious than investigating nature with your dog during your evening walk – or – the decadence of reading just one more chapter because you couldn’t imagine disturbing the cat that is so peacefully nestled within your arms.

I hope these words have passed on some wisdom. Animals contain such beauty – in a way, our pets anchor us to the world we come from. They require that we care and are active in protecting their lives. They are a slice of the wild – a portion of nature that has chosen to spend their existence with us. Treasure them.