Re: [PyrNet-L] Breeding/rescue debate

[clhenke@juno.com]

Actually Kelly, I did read your other letter.  As I understand it, you
are in fact a good breeder, reputable, not over-producing, at least from
what I gather by your letters.  So in truth, I have no problem with you
as a breeder.  You seem to be of the type that people should in fact be
buying from.   So I am not sure why we ended up on the other side of the
fence with this?  The only thing I have ever said was that too many
people buy a dog ( good or bad, makes no difference ) and assume they
should be breeding.  Too many  breeders sell, thinking the people should
also become breeders, instead of encouraging them not to do that.  Too
many dogs are produced, too many dogs end up in a shelter ( and
euthanized ) or rescue.

I am not sure that a dogs conformation makes a difference to how it
should be loved or cared for or even what the end results will be in it's
life.  I think it's environment determines most of that.  Having shown,
and following standards, I do appreciate good structure.  I acknowledge
show structure, although I personally may not always find it to be the
most attractive in all ways.  Also understanding that structure is often
a fad with differences in location ( longer hocks, shorter hocks,
different head types etc. )  Other than being so badly bred as to be in
pain, being a little more in or out at the shoulders, or a little more
haw showing, should not make a difference to the average person wanting a
loving pet.  But not everyone needs to be breeding.  Even show people
often have that less than perfect specimen or other breed not to be
shown, just as a pet.  I know my four are not " show quality " by any
means, and we had them altered.  Even with their breed failings they are
beautiful dogs, people never fail to admire ( I always point out that
they are not show quality and are s/n because of it, and because of
over-population and euthanasia ), but my dogs are fed well, groomed well
( well you know there is the occasional dirt from hole digging or mud to
be played in ), have incredible sparkle to their eyes and joy in their
life, the hair on their tails actually drag on the floor when in down
position, and I take personal pleasure in grooming those gorgeous tails. 
They still look like they should be show dogs, even if they are " common"
by other standards.

I have never owned a dog with a bad disposition, no matter what the
breed, so I can only assume that personality and disposition comes
largely from environment and up-bringing.  When we did show however, I
would not intentionally breed to a dog with a bad disposition, no matter
how heavily titled or popular he was.  And there are a lot of show people
who will breed to the most heavily titled dogs, forget genetics at that
point!

I have a problem with people just breeding dogs, and producing too many
of them, and seeing them die at the other end.  The vast majority of
those people do make money, because they do not put anything into the
pups.  Even $50.00 is profit to someone, if they have never spent a dime.
 I do not have a problem with good breeders, I push good breeders, if
people are interested in a dog.  But neither do I want to see anyone
buying into a breed based on current popularity, or macho attitudes, or
thinking they can get rich.  We know that good breeders are seldom in the
money!   Cindy.

Cindy Henke
clhenke@juno.com
Ennis, Texas

"All knowledge, the totality of all questions and answers, is contained
in the dog."  ~ Franz Kafka

________________________________________________________________
YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!
Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!
Try it today - there's no risk!  For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.