How much is that doggy in the window? If the window belongs to a pet store, please keep walking. Sorry to shout, but NO RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS SELL TO PET STORES. Pet store pets come from puppy mills or back yard breeders. Our Topo came from a pet store before we knew any better. We were told that the store only dealt with 'breeders' that they knew personally. Boy, were we ever stupid. She was so sick after being here two weeks that the vet gave her a 50/50 chance of living. About $1000 later in vet bills, she was finally healthy. It was then that I learned the difference between puppy mills, back yard breeders and responsible breeders. Puppy mills are the worst. Do a web search on that and you will soon be disgusted. It is hard to believe that anyone can treat another living being the way the puppy mills treat dogs. Dogs are kept in tiny cages their entire lives, in hot and freezing temperatures, fed only enough ( crappy ) food to stay alive, receive no medical care, are bred during each and every heat and when they no longer can breed, they are killed. Some are even debarked by shoving a metal rod down their throats. Sorry to bring the room down with this but I feel it is important to know who you might be supporting when you purchase a dog from a pet store.
Backyard breeders are just idiots who think their dogs are so cute that they should make some cute puppies and make a little cash while they are at it. They just put out dogs without real consideration for the future of the breed or the condition of the puppies produced. They also do more harm to their own dogs since an altered dog stands a better chance of living a healthy and longer life.
When someone tells me they are interested in getting a pet, my first suggestion is to check out the rescue agencies. There are tons of them right here in Chicago and online. We found Bowie through a site called PetFinder.com . Hell, you can find any kind of homeless pet on there, from rabbits to farm animals. You can search on area, breed, age, etc. It may take a while to find your perfect pal but you will feel great about giving a homeless pet a home and a chance at a life.
It is not all older dogs at the shelters. We found Bowie when he was only nine months old. I was more than happy to forgo the potty training! But if a puppy is what you want, please research and find a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will ask YOU a ton of questions, will usually have a waiting list for their puppies, will most likely never place an ad for their animals, will have the dog's genetic history, and will not breed 'designer dogs.' If the only question the breeder asks you is how you are going to pay them, run away. Area kennel clubs, obedience training clubs, veterinarians, groomers, boarding kennel operators, and pet supply outlets are all good sources for a breeder.
Some Chicago area pet adoption options:
www.PawsChicago.com
www.AntiCruelty.org
www.furryfriendsfoundation.com
