[Lara's mom]

This seems to be the eternal question...Whether to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt from a shelter. I have one dog who fits into each category, although I was able to adopt Bailey from the very outraged Border Collie breeder before she ended up in a shelter. Bailey's story is really rather funny. A pure bred border collie (female) lived next door to a pure bred springer spaniel (male). They were both outside in their respective backyards. The border collie was in heat. The springer spaniel sensed an opportunity in the making, dug under the fence and approx. 60 or so days later, a litter of cross-bred pups were born. The border collie breeder was absolutely horrified and was going to send all five puppies to the shelter. I rescued my Bailey for $300. I have no idea what happened to the rest of the litter. They were very cute pups. I hope they all found a good home.

Zoom ahead twelve years. I decided to adopt another dog. However, by this time my disabilities had advanced to the point where I realized I would be far better off with a much smaller dog as an addition to the family. I spent six months looking for a small puppy. I didn't care about the breed - just that the dog would be small. I checked out numerous rescue and humane societies in my area. My options were pretty bleak. The small dogs that were available for adoption were either very old or had serious health issues which would not be covered by pet insurance since they were pre-existing conditions. I just didn't have the emotional or financial resources to deal with something like that.

For that reason, I decided to look into getting a dog from a responsible breeder. Someone put me in touch with Lara's breeder and we just connected instantly. I went to see Lara who was the only puppy left because the rest of the litter was "show quality" and Lara was "pet quality" simply because she had too much black hair. JRT's must be 51% white. I fell in love with her the moment I met her!

I would have loved to rescue a dog but, I knew it just wouldn't work if I couldn't get a small one. Bailey weighs 42 pounds. I can't lift her into the tub to bathe her and there have been times when she sees a squirrel and decides a good chase is in order that she's come close to knocking me down. Lara weighs 14 pounds and I have no trouble controlling her.

I truly believe that if at all possible, the best possible solution is to adopt from a shelter. However, you have to take into account your ability to raise and keep that dog for the duration of its life. I knew that it would be a disaster for me to take on another dog as big as my Bailey. I wish I could have found my dog at a shelter but, it just wasn't to be.

I guess my point to this rambling post is that sometimes, adopting from a shelter just isn't an option, especially if you are disabled in any way.

Comments???

[Lunareclipse]

You can rescue a saint bernard. They don't do anything. They make nice pillows and foot rests and area rugs. You could decorate your whole house in them. "And the sofa's name is Bernard."

[Lara's mom]

Good grief! I have trouble with a 42 pound dog. I wouldn't stand a chance against a dog THAT big!!!

[Lunareclipse]

Yes you could. My 9 year old can walk them. Their gentleness makes up for their size.

[Lara's mom]

I'd have to rent the dog his or her own apartment!!!

[Lunareclipse]

No, just use it as an area rug.

[bostonlover]

before i got my new puppy i wanted to adopt a dog first from this shelter group but after my home visit they never contacted me back, even when i called and would leave messages. i think it had something to do with my landlord and his fears on dogs. there were 2 boxer mixes that i had gone to see on their meet the dog days and i fell in love with them but i was so heart broken when after 5 months i never heard back from them. well i got my new lil guy from the breeder and hes a great addition to the family.

but i would of rather of gave a dog who had a bad start in life a very loving home but its the resuce groups loss. i've even applied to be a foster home but same as the adoption no word back.

[Lunareclipse]

Have you tried the shelters? I got my last Saint Bernard at a shelter in Kentucky. Does your landlord allow dogs? If not and you want a dog, you'll have to move. Reputable places will not place a dog in a home where dogs are not allowed.

[Lara's mom]

I've heard many stories just like yours. It sometimes makes me wonder about certain rescue organizations...

There was a situation at the Toronto Humane Society in which a woman waited hours to adopt a cat. She had some questions as to the conditions the animals were being kept in which incidentally are deplorable. The head honcho, Tim Trow happened to overhear her and began screaming at her and told her that she would not be allowed to adopt a pet from the THS - hence the protest today at 2:00. Not all shelters and rescue organizations are created equal. The THS was a wonderful place until Tim Trow got his grubby hands on it...

[Lunareclipse]

I forgot to ask how that protest went! Did it go ok? Did everyone adopt a poor animal from that place?

[Lara's mom]

The protest went o.k. I'd have liked to have seen a better turnout. Nobody adopted any animals. They wouldn't let us in!