I have always been a huge advocate for animal rights. I have volunteered at the same animal rescue for the past five years and honestly, I look forward to going every week. Taking animals from terrible situations and giving them the opportunity to spend forever with a new loving family is one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. All that being said, I personally own a dog that's from an AKC recognized breeder and not from a shelter, and I don't feel bad about it.
Almost two years ago, my childhood dog/best friend, Sasha, passed away after suffering from Cushing's Disease for about two years. She had facial paralysis, trouble getting around, and was extremely overweight. When she stopped being able to get up, the vet told my mom it was time we put her down. Since I was away at school, I didn't get to experience being with her as she took her last breaths, but I still felt the pain as if I was right there with them.
When I came home for a long weekend, the house felt empty and cold. None of her stuff was out anymore, there was no clicking nails on the hardwood, and no snoring that entrapped the whole room. It didn't feel like home anymore. It was just a house. Then we decided to start looking at other dogs. There were ones in the shelter where I volunteered, but none of them really clicked with my family. That's when my mom's friend from high school, and now dog breeder, said she had just had a liter and wasn't comfortable selling the runt since he had an open fontanelle and could end up being special needs. Knowing how well we took care of my passed dog, even with her disease, she offered him to us knowing that he'd have a good home no matter the circumstances.
From the first time I held this two pound little ball of fluff, now named Isaac, I could see he had a personality quite similar to my own. He was so playful and sweet, and now, a year and a half later, I couldn't imagine not having him in my life. He's not only my best friend he was the perfect choice for my parents and me. Even right now, he's snuggled up in my lap, dreaming about whatever dogs dream of.
The biggest problems we face in the American pet market are pet shops and non-reputable breeders. Most of these places and people obtain their dogs through puppy mills, similar to a "factory," where puppies are mass produced in terrible living conditions to matted and sick mothers that are killed when they can no longer serve their purpose in reproducing. From these terrible conditions, the puppies are typically sick or have health issues that will arise later in their lives. The puppy you'll likely get from these places will have no backstory or a fabricated one, health issues, and to be honest, may not even be a purebred.
The best way to make sure you're not indirectly encouraging such mistreatment to continue, is to check the AKC website and search for a reputable breeder, or go to your local shelter to find a dog in need of a loving home. Shelter dogs aren't for everyone though, so keep that in mind when looking, and really don't feel bad if one doesn't fit with your family. Bred dogs need homes too!
