Re: [PyrNet-L] Breeding/rescue debate

[Kshoffman@aol.com]

In a message dated 03/14/2000 11:51:06 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
txerri@baycrest.org writes:

> I am still shocked
>  that rescue and its purpose would be questioned for the sake of saving face
>  with the public.

I am shocked that you would consider serious concern over the mere thought of 
our breed on the dangerous dog lists "saving face with the public".

This issue potentially goes far deeper than "saving face with the public", 
and if others can't see that, then there is likely nothing I can do to 
convince them otherwise.

I am honestly thrilled and delighted for all of you who have nobly managed to 
save a Pyrenean life and have been privileged and lucky enough to enjoy a 
stable temperament and a lasting bond of companionship with your rescued 
Great Pyrenees.  To those who have been so fortunate, and who also happen to 
feel strongly that anyone interested in a Great Pyrenees should first and 
foremost consider a rescue, answer this question for me:

How many Great Pyrenees have *you* had to live with for several weeks and 
bond with only to end up holding their muzzled head in your hands with tears 
streaming down your face while the veterinarian puts them to death because 
they were a serious menace or threat to society and/or because they attempted 
to or actually did bite you or one of your children or one of your neighbor's 
or friend's children?

Shall I go back through my records and report how many I personally have had 
the terrible misfortune to make that dreaded decision on over the years, 
rescues versus those out of my own breeding program?

Cut me a break here folks. I've walked in BOTH pairs of shoes. Have you?  If 
not, then I suggest perhaps you don't have the whole big picture clearly 
within your range of view and that perhaps you've not truly had occasion to 
even remotely approach some of these very real boundaries.

I never once said no one should adopt a rescue dog.  My original point was we 
need more dedicated responsible accountable and caring breeders and less 
irresponsible money grubbing ignorant breeders.  We need to make education 
accessible to ALL and to make quality pets and working dogs from well-planned 
well-prioritized breeding programs affordable to many more than we presently 
are.  This would go a long way in dramatically increasing the chances for a 
successful placement for a dog's lifetime, and to that end, it would reduce 
the rescue burden.

Perhaps the only way we can stop the breeding activities of commercial 
breeders and ignorant breeders and irresponsible breeders is to take away 
their market for puppies.  I suggest as many as 50% (or more) of the dogs 
that find their way into rescue would not have slipped through the cracks if 
the necessary and appropriate good breeding genetics, screening methods, 
education, and lifelong follow-up was provided to these owners in the first 
place.

We all have our own little contributions we can make to the long-term welfare 
and betterment of this breed. I won't be made to feel wrong or guilty for 
making my own personal contribution in the manner which I have chosen, AFTER 
exploring ALL sides to this debate in a very personal hands-on way.

Kelley