[glencorgi]

Maybe to get this thread segued back to topic. (?)

Originally Posted by LaRogue

To throw my two cents in...

I feel the problem lies with the BIG BUSINESS of pets.

Let's examine the 'BIG BUSINESS" of pets though - what is driving it? Not many inquiries or applications I get are looking for an old fashioned "good family dog" anymore. Think about the way those wanting to learn more about corgis phrase their introductions here. What has happened to the "family dog?" It has become a child in a fur suit, a fur kid. Think about the PetsMart commercials - one can't be a good "pet parent" if one didn't buy Fifi a Bobo. Think about the advice given for post spay/neuter care - not an e-collar, but onesies - which really aren't going to prevent a persistent canine from messing with its stitches, plus there is the risk of fibers getting mixed in with the incision for infection. What about all the strollers, carriers, clothes, toys? How much time did one put in studying and researching what they fed/feed their human child and compare that to the time spent on what to feed one's dog. The pet industry is BIG BUSINESS, driven I believe by the change of role for pets from family dog to "fur child" and instead of being a good pet owner, "pet parent" or fashion accessory du jour. Pets as fashion accessories does play into this.

I am shocked by the number of people I come across (and know) who want a dog, not because they want a healthy, happy puppy to become a member of their family, but rather because they think it's an easy way to make money.

Those have always been around and there is a link to wanting to cash in on the pet parents.

I think the efforts to educate the public on responsible ownership/breeding have made great progress-with those who may not have known better and WANT to be responsible.

Yes they have, the percentage of altered pets today vs five years ago even is proof of that.

As for the rest, I don't think all the legislation or education in the world will make a dent, as long as it is seen as profitable and an easy way to make a buck.

You hit that nail squarely on the head.

As for pet stores, I know as many as 15 years ago, some of them started trying to buy local bred puppies (byb) rather than from puppy mills, in an effort to avoid the puppy mill PR. I stopped going to pet stores that sell animals, but when I did, I was seeing a different corgi every week. Maybe that has changed now, as it has been several years in I've been in that type pet shop. I can only hope.

There are all kinds of governmental regulations when it comes to selling to pet stores and from whom the stores can buy. In my area, the number of pet stores that actually sell puppies has stayed pretty constant over the years, only two have actually endured. One is a former PetLand and gave up its franchise in the last year and the other is in a mall setting. None of the "mom & pop" type stores last very long at all. The pet supply places and specialty shops for the "pet parents" are growing in number and business though.

Debbie