re: Its about time.

Watching the Oprah special on puppymills maybe will open some peoples eyes to the fact not
all breeders are equal.
I do wish they had spent more time covering the fact that good breeders that show their dogs,
screen their homes, take back their dogs if the home can't keep them, are not adding to shelter dogs.
Not everybody wants a shep, lab, pit, border collie, or dal so going to the animal shelter is not an option.
Those mill images should haunt people and if they do not wish to support this industry, INSIST on AKC
DNA backed, puppies from breeders that are wanting to protect and promote their breed responsibly.
Even though no animal lover would find that acceptable, the key is education as to how and where they
need to get their next family member.
These are some things we should all take time to share with our non-doggy family members as to how
they should get their next puppy.

1. Breeders that are members in good standing with AKC are inspected yearly and have approved
breeding practices.

2. Find out if this breeder is a USDA licensed kennel - these are often wholesale breeders.

3. Ask if there is a written sales contract with expectations of the new owner as well, takes more than
money to get a puppy from a good breeder.

4. Is your breeder spending money on showing to make better dogs? AKC parent clubs put large grants
towards health issues of their breeds, these breeders have the future of their breed at heart.

5. Do they offer care, training, grooming, and other important information to you as the new owner?

6. Do they breed the mutts -aka designer dogs? If so keep on looking!

7. Are there 20 puppies to choose from - with no waiting ?? If so that is a BROKER not a BREEDER and they
have bought that puppy to flip at a profit.

8. Is the best thing that they have to say about the QUALITY, HEALTH, and their personal integrity as a breeder
"HEY LOOK SOMEBODY FAMOUS BOUGHT A DOG FROM ME"! - Be a smarter consumer than that.

9. Can you come to a home and visit the dogs and meet the breeder? If they will allow this you have a
breeder that cares about the placement of their puppies.

Lets not turn a blind eye to neglect or bad care of animals, children, or the elderly.
Dale