Taylormade Pet Care "Because Animals are a Joy!"
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(c) Tamara Taylor 2004. All rights reserved.
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Pee Wee is a smooth mini daschund that was rescued in a puppy mill bust along with
approximately 50 other dogs in a filthy abandoned house. She now has a wonderful home and
doesn't have to spend her life in a tiny cage producing puppies thanks to rescue efforts of the
Saskatoon SPCA. Read her story here.
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.
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.
Tony is a terrier mix that no one
wanted. He was abused as a pup and
had a lot of fear issues. A little TLC
and patience have helped Tony
blossom into a once-in-a- lifetime
best friend.
Luke was rescued from a farm where he
was about to be shot along with his
siblings. The litter was an accident
because his mother had not been
spayed.