Toronto Humane Society: Breed

Rescue Dogs Dept: I was so excited to see this article. I am a dog volunteer at the Toronto Humane Society, as well as the proud owner of two wonderful rescue dogs, one of whom is a recent addition to our family. I am a huge advocate of education about what's involved in owning a dog before people go out and get one. Education reduces the likelihood that the dog is returned to the breeder or, worse yet, taken to a shelter. Far too many people get a puppy, and then decide they can't keep it when it turns out the new pet requires more attention than a new piece of furniture, according to The Star. A more well-rounded article would have also included information about the great dogs and cats, rabbits, etc. that are sitting in shelters awaiting their new homes, and encouraged people to explore that route when seeking out a new companion animal. Where do you think all the shelter dogs that are pure-bred came from? Gone are the days when a shelter was filled only with mixed-breed stray dogs. You are now just as likely to find poodles, labradoodles, shih tzus, yorkies, schnauzers or any breed in a shelter. And then there are also breed-specific rescue organizations, if having a specific breed is important to you and re: Acquiring a new pet is no walk in the park, Life, March 8 I am extremely disappointed that the writer chose to focus only on those dogs that come from a breeder, with no reference at all on how to choose a responsible breeder. There are some very caring, responsible breeders out there, but unfortunately, there are far more who operate as puppy mills or backyard breeders, whose only goal is to make money with little or no regard for the well-being of the animals in their care. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.