[Rottnbelle]

Another list that I am on recently retold a story that I have heard over and over again for years with different dogs involved. The first time I heard the story it was reported on "60 Minutes", so I know that the latest version is also true.

When you have animals to sell or adopt out please always be aware that there are unscrupulus people out there. The most recent tale which was reported on our local news was of a woman who lived in NYC. She had gotten MS and was now unable to give her active dachshund proper walks. With a breaking heart she decided it was better to find her beloved friend a home where it could have the activity and walks it needed. She placed an ad in the local paper stating that she had a pedigreed dog available for adoption. Almost immediately she heard from a woman in PA who was very interested, she said, for her family on a farm in the country. The woman was so happy to meet the young woman and her small children and to see pictures of their living situation out in the country that she place her dog in their hands.

Months later she was shocked to find out that because of an investigative reporter's efforts her dog was found to have been sold to a breeder in PA and was either going to be used for breeding or sold again, perhaps even brokered or auctioned!

The young woman who had come to get the dog does this for a living. It is worth it for her to get the out of town papers and to make the trip with her children to obtain the animals that she then sells, usually to the puppy miller who may keep the dog or may not.

This is probably one of the nicer stories - they can include dogs and cats going for food, going for fighting (bait or fighter), or being dumped.

How can you be sure when you place an animal? Find a breed club (cat fancy) who will vouch for the adopter. Be sure the animal is neutered or spayed. Take down driver's license information. Have the animal microchipped or tatooed. Get exact address information, do not accept post office boxes. Get everything agreed to in writing and have it signed and if possible notarized. Ask for references, veterinarians are good but don't just rely on that. Ask for trainers they have used, insist on the right to review the placement with the animal being removed if it is not faring well.

Sadly, many a dog has gone to what appears to be an idyllic environment but which turns out to be the opposite.

Lynn, Jugendliebe Rottweilers
Moderator, Dog Breeds, Dog Behavior, Show Ring & Grooming Tips
"Breeder of Oz the Amazing", owned and loved by Dawn Fillips
Inga at Westminster

[melrey11]

Terrible!! I have also been told that a person should NEVER list a dog (if they need to let their dog go for whatever reason) as "free to good home". ALWAYS charge an adoption fee (covers some food, a crate, vet fees, etc...) that would automatically waive any profit these jerks might be attempting to make!

[Rottnbelle]

I totally agree with adding a financial component, however, the folks that need dogs for fighting or bait dogs would gladly pay up to several thousand! Hard to believe, but it was explained to me that there is so much money bet and made or lost on dog fights (10s of Thousands) that these are considered business expenses. Sad!

I just deleted an e-mail from a friend in Australia telling of the cruelty of the Korean dog and cat meat butchers. I could not read it, my mind went further I am sure than what was relayed. Unfortunately, I was able to read these words and they are enough to haunt me for my life, "the dog licked the butcher's hand..." The cruelty and avarice involved is disgusting. Our animals bring unconditional love and acceptance even in instances such as these.

Lynn, Jugendliebe Rottweilers
Moderator, Dog Breeds, Dog Behavior, Show Ring & Grooming Tips
"Breeder of Oz the Amazing", owned and loved by Dawn Fillips
Inga at Westminster

[rotti-gal]

Selling a pedigreed dog through the newspaper can be very risky. Many a dog owner has seen the dog they thought was going to a good home on kennel web sites as stud dogs. A large kennel in Pennsylvania is famous for sending out people in search of dogs for breeding.Thankfully the breeder no longer sells rottweilers. At least they are not on his site anymore, but the dobes still are. I feel sorry for anyone who buys a dog from this con man. Inbreeding, no health ckecks for the sire or dam, I could go on and on.
The Korean custom is to "tenderize" the meat before butching the dog or cat.How sick is that?!!