Dogs Needing Homes

What pet store does not sell animals? Where do you get your dog food if you don't support pet stores? How do you ensure that your dogs are getting their nutrients from dog foods that have no corn, or other waste?

Doggie Styles Plus would like to take this moment to say that we do not sell dogs. The Boston Terrier puppies we mentioned for a friend are show worthy, beautiful dogs, and will find a worhty home. Those who think they will not, or do not wish to support us because you feel this condones breeding, please feel free not to support us.

But also know that our goal in these adoptions is to find homes for dogs. We take dogs out of shelters, and give them second chance. 7 of the 8 dogs Dave owns are rescues. We've already saved over 30 lives from the pound. We've done this with the help and support of our friends, and we hope to continue saving as many lives as we can. We find dogs good homes.

My husband and I live in Crestline. We're currently looking for a rescue dog to own, not a puppy though. A med. sized dog, good with kids and cats!

Feathers, Fins and Fur doesn't sell animals, except fish and feeder mice, which I'm against. They don't sell puppies, kittens, rabbits, etc. like petstores. As far as I know, they are an animal supply store, not a "petstore."

I remember buying a cat from Feathers, Fins and Fur. The trend is for "pet stores" to have adoption days, and to no longer have animals "live in the shops. Most are rescue animals, and if you are interested in a certian breed, the store will help you try to find a rescue animal of the type you are looking for or find a qualified breeder to get young animals from. Also there are breed specific rescues, such as Great Danes, Sphinx cats, etc. There are still people out there who treat their animals as disposable, and these shelters help animals become new members in families who want them.
What could possibly be wrong with that?

There is nothing wrong with pet supply stores helping to adopt out animals for rescues.. that is what Sue Ellen does at Feathers Fins and Fur. People have to fill out an adoption application, they are screened and she decides which homes are suitable. I've adopted my pets from rescues, and I have no problem paying a fee, which doesn't even compare to the amount of money the rescue has spent spaying/neutering, fostering, feeding, vet care, etc.

Pet stores that sell puppy mill dogs, kittens and other animals to ANYONE WHO WILL PAY FOR THEM is disgusting and wrong. 25-30% of dogs at shelters are purebred, probably from backyard breeders and puppy mills. I assume people remember the pet store next to the Lake Arrowhead post office that sold those puppies for thousands of dollars a few years ago? Those jerks were run out of town, and I heard they owed people quite a bit of money. Those dogs were sick, and it was horrible how apathetic the owner was. I rescued one of my bunnies from that awful place, the poor rabbit was so sick, he cost me over a thousand dollars to get well.

Anyway, I hope that this doggiestyles thing turns out to be a good thing for animals truly in need. We all know there are plenty of them..

I think this is wonderful!!! I think any effort that connects people with animals should be applauded and supported!! Anyone who would not support this effort to find homes for animals whether bred or not (actually ALL animals are bred people...thats how they get here!!!)is just not thinking! If you are not ok about planned breedings then fine...don't breed! Don't buy a dog or want one that is a particular breed with particular characteristics, bred for a specific function or task!!!...that is your choice!!! It is just simple arrogance and ignorance to be so verbal against a planned breeding!! If you want to do something about overpopulation of all pets then please, by all means advocate, support, encourage owners to spay or neuter!!! Advocate, teach, enlighten and hold accountable those that let their dogs run wild unsupervised..."sowing their seed" everywhere!! But to bash those that are responsible??? I think you have sorely missed the boat! You will NEVER convince me that ethical breeding to promote the best in a particular breed is wrong. Trust me...the breeding world is filled with people that are so uptight and controlling over their particular dogs that you will pay $1000's of dollars and still not totally own the animal. You obviously know nothing of the ethics of breeders!!! I would love to see common sense kick in here... we should be in complete support of this effort for animal adoption on this mountain!! It is about time!!!

We hope to have a variety of dogs from large to small this Friday And Saturday, July 4th and 5th. Otherwise, if there isn't an animal that you instantly love, we can adopt any dog from the San Bernardino Shelter. If you fall in love with a picture, we deliver, in otherwords. We can also visit the dog to give you an idea of temperament and demeanor by visiting the dog before you make your decision. If you are looking for a dog we can help you to rescue one either way, so whatever works for you.

"If you want to do something about overpopulation of all pets then please, by all means advocate, support, encourage owners to spay or neuter!!! Advocate, teach, enlighten and hold accountable those that let their dogs run wild unsupervised..."sowing their seed" everywhere!!"
I'm sorry, have you not seen the threads started here by numerous people that state how to get your pets altered practically for free? How often do people posts about kittens & puppies needing homes & being asked to PLEASE make sure the parents AND the pups are altered? People open their mouths to try & educate, but if you think you're above it all, of course you won't listen & all those pets will eventually end up at the pound.
2 of my dogs are BYB dogs, the other is a pound rescue. If, IF I could afford a pure bred, I would be most certainly WILLING to pay the thousands asked for, because I know that the dog is coming from someone who has done all the research, has checked & double-checked & verified the genetics of their dogs. THEY have put in thousands of dollars to ensure that their specific dog breed is sound. Folks who are selling "pure bred" pups for a few hundered dollars are the ones that scare the @#%^ outta me.

"But to bash those that are responsible??????" Who's bashing responsible pet owners?
I commend DS for doing what they're doing, I think I've said that before. It's those that are the BYB's that need to be stopped. If you didn't read the link I had posted, here's the difference:
Backyard Breeder:

1. Motive for breeding: "fun", "good for kids", "to make money". Does not screen buyers and seldom refuses to sell, even if buyer is unsuitable.

2. Breeds the family pet to any convenient pet of the same breed just to have purebred pups. Has no understanding or concern with genetics, pedigree bloodlines, or breed improvement.

3. Though the pets (sire/dam of pups) may be well loved, they were not tested for hip dysplasia or for other genetic problems such as cardiomyopathy and hypothyroidism.

4. Offers no health guarantee beyond proof of shots, if that. Unqualified to give help if problems develop.

5. Seller has little knowledge of breed history, the national breed club or of the AKC breed standard. May claim this does not matter for "just pets".

6. Pups raised in makeshift accommodations, sometimes unsanitary, indicating lack of long-term investment in breeding and lack of true care for the puppies well-being.

7. Even when selling "just pets", may produce AKC papers or "championship pedigrees" as proof of quality. Yet seller does not increase his own knowledge through participation in national, regional, or local breed clubs. Is not involved in showing their dogs to "prove" quality.

8. May be unwilling to show a buyer the entire litter or to introduce the dam of the litter. Cannot or will not compare/critique pups or pup’s ancestors.

9. Prices are at the low end of local range, since must move pups quickly. Advertises in the local newspaper classifieds.

10. No concern for the future of individual pups or the breed as a whole. Does not use AKC’s limited registration option or ask for spay/neuter contract to guard against the breeding of sub-standard pups. If you cannot keep pup, tells you to take it to a dog pound or to sell it.

Reputable Breeders:

1. Dedication to producing quality dogs is serious avocation. Has so much invested in dogs that he struggles to break even, not make a profit. Will sell pups only to approved buyers.

2. Can explain how planned breedings are used to emphasize or minimize specific qualities through linebreeding, outcrossing, or more rarely, inbreeding.

3. Does not breed dogs younger than age 2. Has breeding stock x-rayed to check for hip dysplasia, echo/doppler run for SAS, holtered within the last year for boxer cardiomyopathy (also known as ARVC) and thyroid screened. Can produce certification to prove claims.

4. Written contractural commitment to replace a dog with genetic faults or to help owner deal with problem.

5. Loves the breed and can talk at length about its background, uses, and ideal type.

6. Has an investment in dog equipment and the puppies environment is sanitary and loving.

7. Belongs to national, regional, and/or local dog clubs, indicating a love for the sport of purebred dogs. Shows their dogs as an objective test of how his stock measures up.

8. Shows litter and dam in a sanitary environment. Helps buyer evaluate and choose a pup. Explains criteria for "show prospects" versus "pet picks".

9. Prices will be at the high end of local range. Price will not reflect all that is invested in the pups. A reputable breeder never profits from the sale of puppies. Does not advertise in the newspaper. Has an established waiting list for the pups.

10. After purchase, will help you with grooming or training problems. Will take back a pup you cannot keep rather than see it disposed of inappropriately. Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement and on AKC limited registration.

To AHOLMES

We've posted a thread in GENERAL under PETS that we will be updating tomorrow for our adoption. There you'll find potential dogs for you and your husband, or please feel free to come in.

We hope to have a variety of dogs from large to small this Friday And Saturday, July 4th and 5th. Otherwise, if there isn't an animal that you instantly love, we can adopt any dog from the San Bernardino Shelter. If you fall in love with a picture, we deliver, in otherwords. We can also visit the dog to give you an idea of temperament and demeanor by visiting the dog before you make your decision. If you are looking for a dog we can help you to rescue one either way, so whatever works for you.

DogDawn...here is your post...this is what I was reacting to!!:

"So you're ok'ing the breeding of dogs? Isn't that being hypocrytical? Thankfully I know of no one personally that breeds their pets intentionally. But if I did, I should most surely not help promote their breeding. It's just adding to the outrageous overpopulation already & wih the economy being as unstable as it is, WHY would anyone risk bringing a pet into this world when it's soon to be owners may not have a home soon?
Sorry, it's just my opinion & can not agree with what you're doing."

How do you see these comments you made as supportive of the efforts these people are making to find homes for dogs?? How can you say that because someone asks $1000's of dollars for their animals that that makes them legitimate people or conscientious breeders??? How can you be so short sighted. I have read every comment on the board about spay/neutering and I am in agreement with them! What I find absolutely ridiculous is your ignorance and conclusions about breeders! Just because money is involved does not make one ethical and just because someone can spout some info about a particular breed doesn't mean much either. It takes years to understand good breeding practices, understanding color, type and pedigree info and it takes even longer to put it all to practice in your line. People have to start somewhere!!! Every "great" breeder started on a small scale...yes...in their back yards! I just will always have issues with people that think as you do! To me there is a real need for breeders but past that there is a much greater need for responsible owners. The number of dogs is NOT the issue...it is the result of the problem. If we can change how people feel about their responsibilities towards their animals and if we can assist them when life throws them a curve ball and not beat them up or belittle them for making the best out of a bad situation (whether it is a rescue dog or a pure-bred dog)thats when and how the situation will change! I have been on this board for years and watched how people get attacked for needing to re-home a pet the right way! Maybe by changing our thinking about "people" we will make a more significant difference for the "dog".

You wrote:"WHY would anyone risk bringing a pet into this world when it's soon to be owners may not have a home soon?"

Do you not think it possible if not probable that the person that spends big bucks on a dog might just be in a better financial situation to meet it's needs??? With your flawed reasoning one should not take in a rescue either.

Unfortunately there are pure bred dogs in shelters but I have spent many hours of volunteer work there and compared to the mix breeds they are few and far between and usually get placed quickly in new homes. It is the mix breeds that don't make it often...the pit mixes, the lab mixes, the shepherd mixes. They are a result of people not containing or being responsible with their animals...running the streets so to speak. I am so sick of people bashing breeders at whatever level they are on when THEY are NOT the problem. Let's keep focused on the issues so we might actually make a difference! You are right to your opinion and everyone does have one but I really disagree with you about breeders. I think it takes the focus off of where it is needed!

Perhaps my view is extremely narrow, but I have friends that have immrsed themselves in the lives of these dogs dumped at the pounds, & I have seen the heartache they go thru trying to educate people that just don't care.
Perhaps my words were incorrect for DS & their friends Boston Terrier pup that they had bred & were selling for $500, thru a source not normally used when selling pure bred dogs.
Perhaps it is true that there are more mixed dogs as opposed to pure breds in the shelters. But have you counted how many Pit Bulls there are on any given day, ad to that the PitX's that come in.
Tho in a matter of a few minutes, after DS's initial posting about the Boston pup, I was able to locate 7 Bostons that were in the pounds waiting for a home. But I digress.
But where do you think that all these mixed breeds came from? From breeders of PURE BRED dogs that really didn't give a rats ass about where their puppies ended up, or what happened to them once they left the breeders. Who sold their dogs strictly for profit. Then suddenly you have these people whose feamale dog gets knocked up by the neighborhood casanova because neither dog wasn't secured. & POOF! There's your very first Pit Bull/LabX. Or how bout the folks that are breeding these "designer" dogs? Hey wouldn't a Chihuahua (have you seen how many of these people can not even SPELL the breed name correctly? & yet their BREEDING THESE DOGS? Chiwawa, Chiquaqua, Chiuaua, Daushhound, Doxhund, Dauchund....... ), & a Dachshund look cute? Chiweenies are born!
Puggles. Maltipoos. Pompoos. Labradoodles. Pekapoos. Pomchis. You name it, they can make it for you. Do you think any of these dogs have a genetic history ptovided by the breeder? Do these breeders even know what a genetic history is?
Do you have any idea of the genetic defects most BYB puppies have?
And ya know, I was approached by someone who wanted to mate their female with our one dog Mason when we first got him. & for a split second I was like.........but then I realized how many of his breed are completely misunderstood, how many people think that this type of dog is "cool" to own & yet have no clue what it takes to keep one. How many of these dogs end up in rescues that are starting to turn away these dogs becaue there are sooo many. & who knows, Mason could even be his own granpa, the way this "breeder" was popping out the puppies. So would I be a responsible breeder if I'd have said sure? But I digress.
This is what my friends are trying to prevent. They are trying to stop the sensless breeding of any animal, be it pure bred or mixed.
They're willing to have their hearts broken time & again when a dog they're trying to recue doesn't make it out. When they have "owner surrenders" due to "no time", or "moving", or "I'm having a baby". Pick your excuse.
My friends are trying to prevent this seemingly unstoppable wave of disposable pets that are ending up in the pounds.
If Doggie Styles wants to help the mountain pets that are truly in need, then YES!!!! Go & adopt & hopefully the people who are bringing in these puppies & kittens are being educated in the seriousness of what's going on when irresponsible breeding happens. That the potential adoptive families are equally being educated in that same seriousness.
I don't know, perhaps I don't get what's in my head out well enough to express what I'm thinking & feeling. But I hope that some words make sense. I hope that someone reads this & gets their pet spayed tomorrow. I hope that someone reads this & adopts one of the THOUSANDS of dogs that are homeless & have them altered for fear of those babies dying at the pound. I can only hope that one day, we won't be having debates, arguments, clashes about this subject & we'll open up a thread in Dogs Needing Homes & see that it's only one dog that needs help.
I can only hope......

When it comes down to it, it's no one person that's responsible for dog overpopulation. It's no one person that's responsible for millions of dogs without homes. It's the responsibility of EVERY compassionate human being to do their best to see that other forms of life have a fighting chance at survival. We take dogs and cats more from people who no longer can house/afford/handle their pets and try to find them new homes that are permanent. Dave, Josa and I (Patrick) are all VERY distinct and cautious about who we allow the animals to leave with, whether it be Canine or Betta fish. We also provide ALL information needed to get the animals altered for almost free, and we try our hardest to do follow-up to make sure the new owners follow the guidelines. Short of holding them at gunpoint and making sure they take the proper measures to get their dog/cat altered, we do EVERYTHING we possibly can.

Today is the first day that I've read these topics since I started working here, and I felt the need to add my "Two cents". We have made NO profit on our adoptions, we have had a HUGE success rate, and we hope to continue making our locals happy by finding them new companions whilst saving pets from being abandoned or worse.

Due to recent events, we have decided to discontinue our pound rescues...which I think is unfortunate because they are the animals that need homes and compassion the most.

I'd also like to add that at NO time have we refused to help find other homes if the pet hasn't acclamated to it's new home to the owner's liking. If we could, we'd kennel them all. I myself am already in deep with my landlord because I have the habit of fostering animals until they find homes.

We do our best with what we have.

Enjoy your Independance Day!

Doggie-Very well said and I totally agree with the approach you use, it's very realistic and not filled with blame and ripping someone a new one. Kudos to you and your gang.

Of course no one wants to take responsibility for contributing the the pet overpopulation problem.

It's easy to justify, saying no one is to blame. Until people take responsibility on an individual basis, nothing will change.

get over yourself preacher bunny

Nope, I will never stop advocating for animals who are helpless, and are victims of thoughtless, selfish people. ABBA, you know where you can go! You are a waste of my effort.

Until people take responsibility. Period.
Thank you Bunny.

Actually, it takes people being conscious on a unified basis. We are an example of "on an individual" level.

Nationwide or even worldwide is what we need, taking it individually a step at a time.