sixjollydogs

Hey...how come you haven't gone out and gotten that standard poodle yet?....and try breed rescue. :>

This is to the person who stated that not all puppies in pet stores are from puppy mills, Yes, you are right....some of them are the culls from unethical breeders. NO caring and responsible breeder is selling pups through pet stores. The person who wanted the pup made a very wise choice...go to a good and ethical breeder who really cares about the pups and where they are going. I have worked with shelter dogs for years...and the percentage of them that "have problems"....or are aggressive is has been less than the purebreds I see in my advance obedience class. Too many uncaring or uneducated backyard breeders are inbreeding or breeding for "type" to the detriment of the breeds health. ( I am not slamming breeders...only the ones who breed because they want to make $$$$ and care nothing for the breed's future. I am sure you mean well but I would suggest that you talk to folks who have gotten pet store pups....yep...some happy endings...but all too many that are not....and as already stated...each time you buy...that reinforces the cruelty of puppy mill breeding. Lastly, you might want to do some research on the genetic problems that are now showing up in some breeds due to careless breeding: Danes with bone cancer Schnauzer with eye problems Labs, shepards and some other large breeds with hip dysplasia Red rotties sold as rare when in reality they are the result of inbreeding and can have a host of genetic problems Dalmations with deafness Cockers with rage syndrome Bull dogs that can not have pups without a cesearean. Lots of others...but gives you an idea. Please do not take my remarks as a slam...if I did not value your opinion...I would not try to influence it.

Don't mean to sound like a smart-alec...but you would most likely get the best answer on this from your vet or a good local breeer.

Go to the [url]http://www.aspca.org[/url] site then click on adopt. Next...look at the breed list. They have over 1,500 border collies up for adoption.

What state are you in?

I have no idea if the BARF diet is good or bad...but...what a unfortunate name! I would think that the raw meat would present a problem with e-coli and salmonella. I have also been told that bones are dangerous. You are right though concerning commercial diets. Parts that are culled from human use go into it...and also wonder just where the sodium phenobarbital comes from. Is there any truth to the rumor that euthanized animals are put into food?

Did they also advise you to bring her in for an exam? Pepto Bismol for diabetes??? How long has your pet had the problems? I would suspect that the Pepto may have been meant as only an emergency measure until she could be brought to the vet.

Statements that getting a dog from a shelter and getting a dog from a puppy store are the same are bogus and uneducated. If you get a dog from a shelter, you are saving a life...and I assure you...we do not go out and buy somemore. Sadly, we will have more because of those who will not neuter/spay; those who want just one litter;those who buy on impulse etc. Pet stores buy from puppy mills and as long as people keep on buying this sad product....puppy mills will continue to have a market. If no one buys...then there is no market. It is a supply and demand issue. Yes, a reputable breeder is a fine source...as is a shelter. Small shelters such as we run know our dogs and their temperment.

yes...take her to the vet...she could die if you do not.