Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Why Did She Shop, Instead of Adopt?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

A shelter dog advocate is up in arms when a family member “rescues” a dog from a breeder. The Hairy Dogfathers have some ideas on keeping the peace.

Dear Hairy Dogfathers,

My sister-in-law just “rescued” a dog from a breeder. I have recused both of my dogs from shelters. Without me, they would be dead.

I tried to explain to her that she has made a bad choice; while she “rescues” this pup, she really has only condemned the mother to years of suffering. The cycle will continue as the mother will have to breed to produce more puppies, and ultimately more profit. I support my rescue; she sees my posts on social media and pleas for help. I am so mad that she ignored these and went to a breeder for a puppy. How do I make her understand that she is part of the problem?

Related:Doggy Chaperon Woes

It’s too bad to hear that your sister-in-law doesn’t get it. All my dogs were adopted from local rescue organizations and I love them to pieces. That said, I have many friends who chose to get dogs from breeders for their own reasons.

I agree with you that it isn’t right if people claim they rescued a dog when they simply purchased it from a breeder or pet store, but in the end everyone is entitled to make their own choices. I see that you are supportive of your rescue and that is awesome. I would recommend that you focus your energy on reachable people, and don’t waste another minute on people who don’t get it and probably won’t ever get it.

Related:Poetic Poop

I get it. She got a dog from a breeder, and you take that as a personal insult. But, perhaps the loving relationship and bond she develops with this dog leads her down the righteous path to rescue! A furry warm nose and his soft puppy paws might open her eyes to empathy for shelter dogs.

The world of rescue needs less judgment, and more hands on deck. Don’t count your sister-in-law out just yet! Leave a door open to her joining in the efforts by being less preachy and not making her feel backed into a corner.

Still got some pent-up in-law rivalry going on? Why not focus your energy on training your dogs, and making them the best ambassadors for rescue you possibly can!

ADVERTISEMENT

Kevin Roberts and ‎André Lavergne are the Hairy Dogfathers. The dog-crazy couple resides in Winnipeg, where they train, teach and offer support to pet parents. If you have a pressing pooch problem and are in need of some advice, the Hairy Dogfathers want to help. Drop them a line at [email protected].

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Adoptable Dog Of Week – Lisa

Sugar and spice and everything nice – that’s what our Adoptable Dog of the Week is made from. Meet Lisa, an adult Terrier mix from Rochester, New…
Mango Madness Frozen Dog Treat Recipe

Oh my - so many mangoes! Blend a few of these summer staples together for a homemade frozen dog treat that will leave your pup panting.
Mustang Horse

Known as ""The Symbol of the American West,"" the Mustang Horse is even tempered, so they can be used for endurance and pleasure riding.
Ewokian

The Ewokian is a designer dog breed developed by crossing two toy dogs, the Havanese and the Pomeranian. Their teddy-bear look charms everybody!
Chipoo

A mix of Poodle and Chihuahua, the Chipoo is an energetic, friendly pup, who makes a great companion dog and loves to be part of a family environment.
Puggle

Lively and full of the spunk, the Puggle is a fun-loving little clown. He''ll run around and play like he was a puppy, even after he is well grownup!
Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Review

Oscar hates baths and he hates being wet - what a diva. That''s why I was happy to take the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy out for a ""dry"" run to see if it worked.
Best Dog Shirts

Dog shirts are both fashionable and practical: your pet can flaunt a fun design while staying warm and toasty during chillier days of the year.
Seahorses

Seahorses are characterized by their equine appearance. Its upper body is shaped like the head of a horse and its lower body ends in an elongated tail.
Here’s What You Should Know About Feline Pica

There''s nothing wrong if your cat likes to chew on some grass, but if she''s been eating some weird stuff, she may have Feline Pica.
Poo-Ton

The fun-loving Poo-Ton is a designer combination of the playful Toy or Miniature Poodle and the high-energy Coton de Tulear.
Can Dogs Eat Mango?

If you want to find out can dogs eat mango, if the seed of this tropical fruit is safe for pets, what to expect if your dog eats it and much more, read on!
Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Dusty

Our Upside Down Dog of the Week for Upsidedowndogs.com proves that it certainly is a dog’s life. Meet Dusty, a 7-year-old male Golden Retriever from Ph…
Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Rolly

What happen when you cross a Dachshund and Boxer? You get Rolly, our Adoptable Dog of the Week! Rolly is a young male Dachshund and Boxer mix from Mandan, No…
‘Unadoptable’ Cat Shares Special Bond With New Furever Family

There is a someone for everyone, and that''s no better proven with the story of a special-needs cat and a little girl with whom he shares a special bond.