Friday, September 2, 2016

Using a Breeder When You Aren't Looking for a Puppy

As those of you who follow this blog know we started looking for another Sheltie last fall when we realized Bailey was sick and Katy would not be a happy only Sheltie. We returned to Sheltie rescue which had brought us two beautiful dogs. Sadly, the third time wasn't a charm. We were left frustrated and at loose ends. We filled out an application for another regional Sheltie rescue in the area and never even got the courtesy of an acknowledgement that our application had been received despite our attempts to confirm. We were at a loss as to where to go from here. Thankfully another Sheltie owner suggested contacting Sheltie breeders.

This confused me. I knew we didn't want a puppy. Puppies are adorable, but having raised one we knew we wanted a slightly older dog. Our friend informed me that breeders sometimes have dogs they need to place in pet homes. This was news to me, but it made sense. Even promising puppies don't always end up having success in the show ring. Show dogs are sometimes retired after their breeding days. I had no idea.

I started with the American Shetland Sheepdog Association ASSA which provides lists of member breeders by state. I wanted to make sure I didn't end up dealing with a puppy mill and I'd never worked with a breeder before. My experience had always been with rescue. This list was a great help. Most breeds have similar organizations that can be incredibly useful in finding an ethical breeder and avoiding the puppy mills.

I have to say this journey has been amazing. I began contacting breeders by email explaining my situation and that I was looking for a dog between the ages of 1-3. I shared information about our dog history, what we were looking for, and our home situation.

The first contact I made was with a breeder in my home state. She was amazing and the kind of breeder people should meet when they bash breeders. She didn't have any dogs available, but she went out of her way to help me make contact with other breeders in the area by contacting breeders she knew. We received information on dogs between the ages of 6 months to 8 years old. What was amazing was how fast some of these dogs were placed. It is important to think through your decision, but you don't always have lots of time to make the decision before someone else decides to take the dog.

What I've learned on this journey is to trust my instincts. Don't feel guilty, it doesn't help the dogs. Feeling bad for a dog isn't the reason to adopt one. It needs to be the right placement for you and the dog. If it doesn't feel right, accept that and realize there will be another dog. That has often been the hardest to accept.

Based on conversations I've had online, out on walks with the dogs, and at various rescue events, I know we aren't the only ones who have attachments to a specific breed and don't necessarily want a puppy. People are often surprised to learn about breed rescue as their only experiences with shelters are often mixed breed rescues, which rarely have the dogs they are seeking. However, there are many people who don't have breed rescues in their area and it turns out breeders can be an alternative for people like myself. It seems only fair to share this information as well.

18 comments:

  1. Breeders are grrreat! I was nearly 2 when my mom adopted me from my breeder. I wasn't available for adoption, the breeder kept me (I live outside in a pen) and let go of me easily. I wasn't trained oe housebroken, but still, breeders make great dogs!

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  2. it is really sad that many of these rescues are making it near impossible to adopt their dogs. We have heard of many such stories. I saw a story the other day about 23 shelties being rescued from a sheltie hoarder and wondered how many will get adopted - not because people don't want them but because the shelters make it too hard for people to get them - sigh

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    1. I've written a couple articles on this subject and it is sad because there are plenty of people like me who would go to Sheltie Rescue without hesitation, if they'd just work with us.

      However, after my recent experiences, when we go this route again I wouldn't hesitate to seek out a breeder unless I saw the perfect Sheltie at a rescue event that made me willing to jump through all the hoops.

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  3. It never occurred to me that people wouldn't think of getting an older dog from a breeder. That is probably because of my experience with Lil at Holmhaven Collies and my friend Joel, who used to breed Labrador Retrievers.

    The contract I signed with Holmhaven stated I would bring the pup back to Holmhaven and not drop it off at a shelter. Deacon, who crossed the bridge in 2011 was a return that came back to live with me at 5 months old. Then there was Essex's brother Buddy, who was adopted at 6 and 1/2 years old; after siring several litters at Holmhaven. I know of at least five other dogs that were adopted from Lil that were older collies. I am sure there were a lot more.

    As for Joel, his beloved black lab, Red, who crossed the bridge in January, was a return at the age of two. The breeders I know love their pups and love hearing stories about the pups from their owners. In many ways those that buy there pups are extended families. My experience has been positive.

    Dog Dad

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    1. This is why I thought it was important to write this article. I always thought of puppies when I thought of breeders. I was amazed this was an option and I thought if I didn't know others might not either.

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  4. Breeders can be a wonderful resource when you don't want a puppy, but want a particular dog breed. When all my puppies were spoken for, and a family was trying to decide if they wanted to wait for my next litter, I was able to find them the perfect puppy from a fellow breeder in another state. I hope you find your new sheltie soon!

    Also, Sheltiesonline.com often has posts about adult shelties that need to be placed.

    Good luck!

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  5. just goes to show what a bit of research can do to help find the perfect pet,good luck with your search,xx Rachel and Speedy

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  6. I enjoyed reading this post. We were the same, we wanted a whippet but knew that Elliot would never accept a fully grown dog so a puppy was the only way to go this time. We did get Dip from a breeder at 20 months old though, she was too small to have puppies so the breeder wanted a good home for her. Lots of brood bitches are given away or sold cheaply by breeders and make wonderful pets.
    Lynne

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  7. We volunteer for the French Bulldog Rescue Network. You will find a buddy soon
    Lily & Edward

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    1. I've written many times about the respect and honor I have for those in rescue, especially the amazing job Bailey's foster Mom did for him. It is an amazing calling. We still plan on participating in the yearly fundraisers we've always done for local rescues.

      Sadly, it isn't always an option and when it isn't we do need to talk about how to proceed so we find ethical, healthy options for that next pet.

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  8. This is great information! I too have been discouraged by rescue groups. I will keep this in mind for my next dog! Great idea.

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    1. This was my point in sharing because we were so discouraged and heart broken when we couldn't make a match through rescue and had no idea what to do next. Puppies are adorable, but just not an option for us, which is why rescue had always worked for us.

      I love the idea of rescue when it works, but when it doesn't it helps to know what to do next.

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  9. We are glad you have discovered a way to expand your search for the dog that is right for you.
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & mabel

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  10. I couldn't agree with you more and I THANK YOU for sharing this! As you know, we are those people who don't have a Sheltie Rescue in the area, and we didn't want to do pet transport. We were connected with a reputable breeder when we got Dakota who did exactly what you said. She couldn't show him so wanted him to have a good home. He was 8 months old when we got him and it was a great decision! I have faith the right Sheltie will find you when it is time! (((hugs))) DakotasDen

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  11. We are also so happy you have been able to find a way to expand your search ad are wishing you the best!

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  12. When I was looking for a dog, I was lucky I found exactly what I wanted (Fenris)at a nearby shelter through Pet Finder. Many of the nearby Rescues had very unrealistic requirements.

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    1. Much depends on what you are looking for and where you live. We wanted another Sheltie and I wasn't willing to compromise on that. We'd found two through Sheltie rescue previously.

      However, I didn't stop at Sheltie Rescue. I used Petfinder and several other pet search sites to look for local Shelties starting after Bailey's diagnosis last fall and while there were Shelties, none were available in our area. I checked obsessively, daily until someone suggested using a breeder.

      I love it when rescue/shelters work for people. Sadly, when it doesn't work, people need to know what other options they have to find the dog they want for their family.

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