imported_Elle

well, I'm one of those hated purchasers of what you call a fad dog. Many of you WANT a certain "breed" due to whatever reasons you feel warrant your rationalization. Ok, no problem, as long as you allow others the same respect, thank you very much. I looked for a long time for a shelter dog that fit what I "wanted" for a pet - I don't give a flip if the dog is registered or not, but like you, there are certain characteristics I wanted for our family pet. So, what I found was a great little mix that is a perfect fit for our family. I paid a breeder for her. For shame, for shame, huh? I see absolutely no difference between my purchase & 99% of the purchases of purebred dogs. I guess I just don't think the majority of any of those purebred breeders pay as much attention to genetics, etc., as you all are seeming to proclaim. You know the maltese story I imagine? The previously registered maltese breeder who was found to be not only an irreputable breeder but giving those dogs hormones & viagra to keep 'em producing!! NOW, the pups won't be registered, but think of all the previous dogs from that breeder who are registered & quite likely being used to produce more registered cute little maltese - & for those of you thinking all purebreds serve a specific purpose??? Pulllleeez, what in the world does that maltese do except be a cute little lap dog, for which there are many many many other dogs, including mixes who fit that need quite nicely. -------- Quote of Black GSD:

quite humorous, imho. Purebred buyers seem to think they are privledged in a class of their own. Their reasons for purchasing seem to be ok for THEM - I so far have read basically "I bought a purebred because I WANT...". My opinion is that if you have bought a purebred then you have absolutely no right to express a negative opinion about anyone who buys a mixed. You can of course have your opinion, but how dare you assume the RIGHT to judge anyone else for doing the exact same thing you're doing. A purebred owner justifying her reasons for purchasing a purebred admitted to already having owned others who died too early due to poor genetics. Geesh. Duh. Guess what - it's cause all the purebred buyers are also encouraging breeders to breed the genetically inferior purebreds. If you insist on purchasing a dog, you should instead encourage an effort to mix MORE breeds to eliminate some of the genetic blundering. Don't be a hypocrite.

I'm sorry, I don't remember who asked the question, but imo, it's a very legitimate question that needs answered by ALL owners of purebreds who purchased their dogs, who did NOT find them at a shelter: WHY did you PURCHASE a purebred?

oh, PS - a mix I use to have - 1/2 golden, 1/4 lab & 1/4 irish setter had a huge freckle on her tongue.

I know you're angry w/ the campground & the insurance company, but what it boils down to is the general public is all too quick to take legal action about anything & everything these days. Which causes all businesses to have to cover their butts. The business is in it for a profit which is what our free enterprise is all about so can't blame them. Next time you hear of a frivalous or questionable law suit, then raise your voices.

Cassie, I agree w/ you.

breeding "cocktails" is no different than any other breeding buyers of "cocktails" are certainly no worse than buyers of "purebreds"

my golden/lab/setter mix had that & the vet said it was just like a freckle.

we put in doggie doors for our last dog, a large golden mix. It was wonderful! Except of course the inside things ending up outside & outside stuff coming in. One time a stray dog found its way inside & our dog did NOT like that at all!!! We had a big tub of water outside & in the summer our dog would go get in that, hunker down all the way, hop out & come running thru the house! Ya just can't be too concerned w/ how the house looks when you have a dog, huh :D . The cat that recently adopted us came in thru the doggie door in the screened in porch - we were all sitting out there one evening & he just came right in, made the rounds, hopping on everyone's laps, & made himself at home. We're getting ready to get a small dog. I haven't decided yet about opening up the doggie doors inside the house for her - of course, if we do, it'll have to be when she's full grown & can wear the invisible fence collar. Right now the cat is only allowed inside when someone is home but if we decide to open the doggie doors, guess we'll also be making the decision that he'll own the inside too.

this should be mandatory reading for anyone considering a pet. #10 tho - I'm not in that situation, have never been in that situation, & if I were in that situation would care for the animal. BUT is #10 a possible legitimate call? The caller might really not have any knowledge about animals & definitely might not be able to care for one for many reasons & might truly be in need of advice.

oh please devote a month to MUTTS!

no mutts???? :(

does anyone know of a good cat site similar to dogomania? I've been looking but so far haven't found anything nearly as well maintained & active. Just hate to keep posting about a cat here but since ya'll have given such wonderful tips, I can't stay away (plus, reminder, in about 4 weeks I'll be a puppy momma too!). Tugger's at the vet today for general check - everything checked out a-ok - & neutering. He has one undescended testicle so the surgery is more extensive so he'll be spending the night at the vet tonight. Like I said, I know nothing about cats so when I looked at his paws I just thought they were kind-of large. Well, he's polydactyl, meaning he has an extra toe on each paw (some cats have many extra toes!). His look like thumbs. In fact, looking at some web sites about the condition said that some cats even learn to use that extra digit like a thumb, able to pick things up w/ it!!!! hmmmm, any ideas how I can teach him? :roll:

I've had mutts & purebreds - I have to say I favor mutts. I've had some great ones. One of the best was a border collie/shepard mix; another wonderful wonderful dog was a golden/lab/setter. Of course everyone's tastes & opinions are different but I know there are some purebred breeds that I personally find quite ugly or ridiculous looking. However, there is rarely a mix that is, to me, ugly.

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

latest update - dh is such a softie - he makes all these noises about not needing another animal.... then he goes & names this little guy TUGGER, as in tugging at the heart strings! And the cat is coming when called! He follows us everywhere we go when out in the yard. will take him in to the vet early this week to be checked for leukemia & aids; he also has some sort of a lump on his side... anyone w/ a guess what that could be? If he's healthy (vet said if tested positive for leukemia or aids, will have to be put down), we'll have him neutered so we can begin letting him in the house some, plus of course start vaccines. He'll be primarily an outdoor cat tho, so will leave his claws alone (vet said the soft claws also make it too dangerous for an outside cat), & will just have him inside when we're able to be w/ him. I'll get him an indoor scratching post (altho I bought him some catnip toys which he's ignoring). Do I need a litter box inside?

I've found out she's a he, not neutered. A neighbor has also been feeding him, after avoiding it for awhile, but since he's so thin, neighbor decided to go ahead too. Neighbor has had the cat 'visiting' him a few days longer than we have. Neighbor believes someone dropped the cat off. He's such a friendly cat, I can't believe someone would have given him so much attention only to abandon him - he's got to be missing instead. So I'll try spreading the word. Still have to make a decision about what to do if owners don't show up. We're 50/50 - keep thinking of plenty of reasons not to keep him, but ...! He seems to be intelligent. Even tho he obviously wants to come in the house, he's learning he's not allowed (although, if we decide to keep him, he will be allowed inside). I don't like cats to get up on tables so this morning as we were on the porch w/ coffee & newspaper, the little "training" I did to teach him not to get on the table seemed to work! Regarding the scent glands, well, he's distributed his scent on all of us very thoroughly! He LOVES to rub him face on us & loves to be petted. I'm thinking maybe his claws are too long - it looks like he kind-of walks on his toes & he's constantly clawing, even as he walks.

thanks all of you for your helpful responses!! Reading some of the links k provided, I think, if she stays w/ us, I'll check into using the claw covers, plus of course provide her w/ posts. hmmmm, do they still get satisfied clawing a post if their nails are covered??? everyone in the family is falling for her, but alas, I just got home & she's not here. But she was here no more than an hour ago 'cause one son called & was laughing about being outside & she was following him everywhere & he couldn't get in the house! He's allergic - do I pump him full of ClarinX???? k, the puppy we'll be getting is a mutt. I'm looking forward to puppy school. I haven't had a dog for about 3 years so haven't been in the puppy stage for abuot 14 years. I think it might be a good thing I have a lousy memory :roll: I'm seeing a lot about training using clickers - that'll be new to me. w/ everyone's experience here, is that a great way to train or just a new trend? Elle

thanks for the links and info about the tuna. That was a quick way for me to decide against declawing.

We're waiting for our puppy to be old enough to come home, so I've been visiting this site, & others, for information gathering... meantime, a cat has maybe decided to adopt us. An EXTREMELY friendly cat. Obviously, a house cat, because every chance she gets, she's trying to get into our house. Because of that behavior & because she's so friendly, I'm assuming she is/has been someone's pet; but she's on the thin side. I was avoiding feeding/watering her because of not wanting to encourage her, but she's pretty much taken up residence on our back screened in porch (she can easily get in/out 'cause of the doggie door) so last night I broke down & gave her a bit of tuna & now am keeping fresh water for her. I don't know anything about cats. How much/how often do they eat? I'm going to get a cat collar & attach a note to it explaining the situation hoping her owner will see the note & try to keep her home. Except if she continues to live here, the owner won't ever see the note....a true dilemma. I wouldn't mind keeping her except I'd get her declawed so she can come inside - is that ok? I suspect she'd ruin my furniture w/ her clawing. Just this short time I've been watching her, she's clawing A LOT at the carpet we have on the porch, plus when we hold her she kneads us A LOT (ouch!) plus rubs up against us CONSTANTLY. Does that type of behavior mean anything in particular? If I go outside she follows me, weaving in my feet. Like I said, I don't know much about cats, but she doesn't seem very old - probably close to full grown, but still puppyish is how I'd have to describe her. She's really a cutie! What would ya'll do???? Elle