| Ravenwood Ranch |
| Copyright 2007. Al l Rights Reserved. Created by Taylormade Web Design. Last Updated October 5, 2007. |
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| Where Quality Counts |
| Ravenwood Ranch Why Rescue? |
We live in a society where we like things to be quick, convenient, and disposable
when we are done with it. Sadly this attitude has crept into the way our society
treats our animals as well. People buy pets on an impulse from a pet store without
fully researching the breed or source. When the puppy becomes an adolescent and
starts chewing things, peeing in the house and playing too rough it is quickly given
up, tossed away like a piece of garbage. This sad reality happens all too often and
could have been avoided with a little knowledge and foresight.
The most important thing we can do is educate ourselves to be responsible pet
owners. Responsible pet owners research a species and breed that will be most
compatible with their family and lifestyle, then seek out a source for that animal.
Many people may choose to find a reputable breeder for their next pet. This is a
great idea. A reputable breeder has dedicaetd years of their life to the improvement
of the breed, they do the necessary pre-breeding health checks and only breed the
very best animals together. Reputable breeders do not breed for money, and they do
not breed animals just because the parents are registered. A reputable breeder will
show or trial their animals to be sure they fit the breed standard and excel at their
original purpose. Their animals are well cared for and healthy with sound
temperaments. A good breeder will be very fussy about where they place their
animals so be prepared to answer lots of questions about yourself and your lifestyle.
A good breeder offers health guarantees and will take the animal back later in life,
regardless of the situation. A good breeder makes a lifetime commitment to every
animal they produce. How do you find such a wonderful breeder? Do your
homework! Contact local breed associations, kennel clubs and fanciers in your
area. Begin interviewing breeders to find the right one for your family. Be sure to
find someone that you can be compatible with as you will have a relationship with
this person for the life of your pet.
There are several myths surrounding breeding animals:
Myth #1 - Breeding animals is very profitable.
Many people think that breeding pets is a great 'get rich quick' scheme. After all,
we've all seen the puppies in the pet store with $1000 price tags. The reality of
breeding is that if you do it right you will not make any money. In fact, you may
lose money. Responsible breeding is very expensive and time consuming.
Myth #2 - I paid $500 for my dog. I should have at least one litter to cover my
costs. After all, she's got papers.
Please do your pet a favour and SPAY or NEUTER them. It is beneficial to their
health, longevity and prevents producing more unwanted puppies and kitties.
The proportion of the animal population that is of breeding quality is very, very low.
Just because an animal has papers does not mean that it is breeding quality or
should be bred. Chances are that if you breed your animal you will probably lose
money if you take care of all of the important health care needs of the mother and
litter. There is also the chance that you could lose any or all of the babies, or even
the mother. How can that be worth it? The world is full of unwanted animals.
There is no reason to produce any more.
Myth #3 - I want my kids to experience the miracle of life.
So rent a video. There are other ways to get the message across without producing
more pets.
Myth #4 - So what if I'm breeding mixed breeds? They are cute and there is a
market for pet puppies and kittens.
The problem is that the pet market is already beyond saturated. There are millions
of surplus pets waiting to be adopted. For many, that day will never come.
when we are done with it. Sadly this attitude has crept into the way our society
treats our animals as well. People buy pets on an impulse from a pet store without
fully researching the breed or source. When the puppy becomes an adolescent and
starts chewing things, peeing in the house and playing too rough it is quickly given
up, tossed away like a piece of garbage. This sad reality happens all too often and
could have been avoided with a little knowledge and foresight.
The most important thing we can do is educate ourselves to be responsible pet
owners. Responsible pet owners research a species and breed that will be most
compatible with their family and lifestyle, then seek out a source for that animal.
Many people may choose to find a reputable breeder for their next pet. This is a
great idea. A reputable breeder has dedicaetd years of their life to the improvement
of the breed, they do the necessary pre-breeding health checks and only breed the
very best animals together. Reputable breeders do not breed for money, and they do
not breed animals just because the parents are registered. A reputable breeder will
show or trial their animals to be sure they fit the breed standard and excel at their
original purpose. Their animals are well cared for and healthy with sound
temperaments. A good breeder will be very fussy about where they place their
animals so be prepared to answer lots of questions about yourself and your lifestyle.
A good breeder offers health guarantees and will take the animal back later in life,
regardless of the situation. A good breeder makes a lifetime commitment to every
animal they produce. How do you find such a wonderful breeder? Do your
homework! Contact local breed associations, kennel clubs and fanciers in your
area. Begin interviewing breeders to find the right one for your family. Be sure to
find someone that you can be compatible with as you will have a relationship with
this person for the life of your pet.
There are several myths surrounding breeding animals:
Myth #1 - Breeding animals is very profitable.
Many people think that breeding pets is a great 'get rich quick' scheme. After all,
we've all seen the puppies in the pet store with $1000 price tags. The reality of
breeding is that if you do it right you will not make any money. In fact, you may
lose money. Responsible breeding is very expensive and time consuming.
Myth #2 - I paid $500 for my dog. I should have at least one litter to cover my
costs. After all, she's got papers.
Please do your pet a favour and SPAY or NEUTER them. It is beneficial to their
health, longevity and prevents producing more unwanted puppies and kitties.
The proportion of the animal population that is of breeding quality is very, very low.
Just because an animal has papers does not mean that it is breeding quality or
should be bred. Chances are that if you breed your animal you will probably lose
money if you take care of all of the important health care needs of the mother and
litter. There is also the chance that you could lose any or all of the babies, or even
the mother. How can that be worth it? The world is full of unwanted animals.
There is no reason to produce any more.
Myth #3 - I want my kids to experience the miracle of life.
So rent a video. There are other ways to get the message across without producing
more pets.
Myth #4 - So what if I'm breeding mixed breeds? They are cute and there is a
market for pet puppies and kittens.
The problem is that the pet market is already beyond saturated. There are millions
of surplus pets waiting to be adopted. For many, that day will never come.
| Why Rescue? |
A second option for finding a perfect pet is a rescue. Rescue animals are those that
have been tossed away, unwanted and are homeless. There are several myths
surrounding rescue animals:
Myth #1 - There must be something wrong with the animal if someone got rid of it.
Rescues are wonderful animals that may great pets, companions, and partners.
Most animals end up in shelters and rescue through no fault of their own. Often
times they are given up because their owners were unprepared for the responsibility
of raising and training a pet. The animal may have not have been exercised leading
to destructive behaviours that are easily remedied with regular exercise and mental
stimulation. The animal may have been mistreated in the past. The vast majority of
homeless animals looking for homes are perfectly wonderful creatures who are the
victims of unfortunate circumstances beyond their control.
Myth #2 - I don't want to get a mixed breed, I'd rather get a purebred.
Did you know you can adopt purebreds through breed rescue? Contact your local
breed association to for more information on adopting a purebred rescue. On the
other hand, mixed breeds are often wonderful animals as well. They are unique and
original. They also have hybrid vigor, often making them less susceptible to
recessive genetic disorders that some purebred animals are prone to. I have both
purebred and mixed breed rescues and my mixes have been much healthier in the
long run.
Myth #3 - I want to get a puppy/kitten so it will bond to me and I can raise it my
way.
Older rescue animals deserve a second chance to! Older animals are through the
destructive adolescent phase, are often house/litter trained and content to relax
around the home with your family. Younger animals require a lot of attention,
training and exercise which a lot of busy families don't have time for. Older animals
are just as capable of forming a tight, close bond with their humans. Often times
these animals have not experienced the joys of a warm bed and a snuggle and will
soak up any and all affection. Please consider giving the older rescues a chance as
well! If you are still set on getting a puppy or kitten there are many available
through shelters and rescue organizations.
have been tossed away, unwanted and are homeless. There are several myths
surrounding rescue animals:
Myth #1 - There must be something wrong with the animal if someone got rid of it.
Rescues are wonderful animals that may great pets, companions, and partners.
Most animals end up in shelters and rescue through no fault of their own. Often
times they are given up because their owners were unprepared for the responsibility
of raising and training a pet. The animal may have not have been exercised leading
to destructive behaviours that are easily remedied with regular exercise and mental
stimulation. The animal may have been mistreated in the past. The vast majority of
homeless animals looking for homes are perfectly wonderful creatures who are the
victims of unfortunate circumstances beyond their control.
Myth #2 - I don't want to get a mixed breed, I'd rather get a purebred.
Did you know you can adopt purebreds through breed rescue? Contact your local
breed association to for more information on adopting a purebred rescue. On the
other hand, mixed breeds are often wonderful animals as well. They are unique and
original. They also have hybrid vigor, often making them less susceptible to
recessive genetic disorders that some purebred animals are prone to. I have both
purebred and mixed breed rescues and my mixes have been much healthier in the
long run.
Myth #3 - I want to get a puppy/kitten so it will bond to me and I can raise it my
way.
Older rescue animals deserve a second chance to! Older animals are through the
destructive adolescent phase, are often house/litter trained and content to relax
around the home with your family. Younger animals require a lot of attention,
training and exercise which a lot of busy families don't have time for. Older animals
are just as capable of forming a tight, close bond with their humans. Often times
these animals have not experienced the joys of a warm bed and a snuggle and will
soak up any and all affection. Please consider giving the older rescues a chance as
well! If you are still set on getting a puppy or kitten there are many available
through shelters and rescue organizations.
| Rescue Links |
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