Puppies Anyone? Parenting versus shelters

One of the most moving scenes I have ever enjoyed is that of newborn puppies drinking their mother’s milk. They latch on to the nipple, arch their back, push their hind legs down, grab their mother’s breast, and begin the rhythm of pushing and pulling on the nipples. This has never failed to move me. Mothers don’t seem to mind. I said newborns, because once the little ones get their teeth, it’s a different story for mothers. The way each mother handles it is unique.

Without a doubt, watching newborns feed would be a joy to all breeders of their favorite animals. In my case, it was the breeding Shetland Sheepdog. My experience is small; There are many breeders with a great deal of knowledge and experience in that particular area.

I support breeders who are wise in their business practices. The ones I have met are responsible members of their communities, as they want their dogs to be. However, there is much to be said for the many animals already in shelters that are in need of a home. Increasingly, I have come to believe that their needs must be addressed. I think the fault lies with the irresponsible citizens, who get dogs without a long-term plan to care for them. Therefore, defenseless animals are forced to draw on the resources of society. It was in part these irresponsible people who dissuaded me from breeding. You cannot control where the puppies go. It takes Solomon’s wisdom to read people, and I didn’t have it.

Support good breeders, of course, but take a look at the shelters. You may find the love of your life there.

There are many animal shelters, even breed specific. I know of two shelters to the south and east of me, where abandoned animals of all kinds are housed. These places are not difficult to find, nor are the animals abandoned in registered sites, where the mortality rate is alarming. As a lady from the shelter told me, when I rescued some abandoned wild cats in my area, ‘Feed them; they are creatures of God ”. He even offered to give me food. No one is supporting her financially. Here’s another place we can help. The goodness of the heart does not fill the stomachs of so many dogs, cats, etc. Wild animals belong to nature, but domestic animals do not.

I hope that we can do our part to support animals wherever it is needed. Rescue an abandoned dog or cat, rather than buying it from a puppy store or factory.

Copyright 2009 Audrey Moorhouse