Doodle in a pet store

[Karen & Maple]

So I've been looking for an obedience class for both my husband and myself to bring our 4 month old to. We've been challenged to find one that fits our schedule. While I wasn't to happy about where this class was being held (Puppy Express), the trainer seemed good (retired cop K-9 trainer). I didn't want to delay any more on getting started, especially with socialization. His company is independent and he holds the class at different locations each night in the area. I've never been in this place, only snarled every time I drove by, assuming they sell puppy mill pups. Thursdays work best for us,it very close to our house, so I agreed. Anyways sure enough, we went tonight, and find a 6 month old Doodle in one the glass pens. He's obviously a standard who barely fits in the cage. And while I'm not happy about any of the puppies being in this store, this really bothered us. He was much older and bigger than the other puppies. I asked the trainer if he knew where these puppies come from. He said to the best of his knowledge they are not from mills. Most where AKC certified. I was pleasantly surprised to find the store was clean, and I did like that they carry high quality holistic food (such as the ones on our list). But still, something didn't smell right. Not sure if there's anything that can be done. Not sure of the arrangement this trainer has with this store. I hope we're not supporting mills in some way.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I am so confused about what your position here is. Are you saying that you are advocating puppies being sold in pet stores or are you advocating not lying about the truth about where pet store puppies come from? No one here who is advocating for the HEALTH and WELL-BEING of the PUPPIES is lying about anything. 

I, for one, certainly hope that what I have said here while advocating for the animals comes back around to me. 

[Brittney & Cally]

Just curious, did your friends see these pups IN the pet store after they sold/gave them up?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

That was exactly my point...those pups could have ended up anywhere.

[Brittney & Cally]

It could have been someone posing as a pet store! Could have gone to puppy mills, dog fighting or who knows where! I agree Laurie!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Class B animal dealers also respond to newspaper ads for puppies for sale, (or free to good home) and resell them to the labs for testing of products. :(

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laboratory_animal_sources

[Brittney & Cally]

:( Forgot about that. :( So true though, it seems to me that all things seem to point that this is who responded and took their puppies.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Rose, What reputable breeder is going to sell her pups to a pup store? How would anyone screen for potential puppy mill pups? These people do not announce that is where their puppies come from? By the very nature of their business they are cruel, dishonest, cagey, and resourceful. I also don't see how you can continue to support your stand based on ONE person who sold some puppies to someone claiming to be a shop owner. All the evidence points to Pet stores selling puppy mill dogs and saying you have no problem with pet stores selling puppies really bothers me. Every pet store I have ever been in have these puppies in wire cages, being left alone at night when the store closes, and feces and urine sometimes in the cages. I find that inhumane and very sad. You are free to believe whatever you want, but I stand by what I believe and by what the majority of the evidence supports and that is that puppies sold in pet stores come from Puppy Mills.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

What "reason", Rose?! 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

It seems you have all the answers regarding Pet stores, but you have none to any of the questions we have asked you. Where is your evidence to back up your claims?  My "reason" is backed up by facts and respected animal agencies and not one story about some careless individual who did not have her dog spayed and let it have an accidental litter of puppies and then sold them to who knows who. I am starting to think you have some vested interest in Pet Stores, but no matter, I am done arguing and I will indeed "have at it" and continue to believe that ALL puppies sold in Pet Stores come from Puppy Mills.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Laurie I'm 100% with you! I thought I was done here but this really bothers me.  Rose, you are defending the business practice of being allowed to sell puppies in pet stores when many here have shown you the evidence that what you are really supporting or defending is cruelty.  Pet shops that sell puppies cannot get enough puppies to sell based on friends and an "oops' litter here and there.  You have a right to your opinion but I would hate to think that someone looking for a new puppy on this site would be influenced by that point of view.  Somewhere it was mentioned that the problem isn't with the caring pet shop owners, it's the puppy mills.  I disagree. Legislation won't stop the mills, they run to the internet. Site inspections won't stop them, they move their operations. What will stop them is when pet shops and people learn the facts and stop buying their puppies. No money, no puppies.  Many have said that pet shop cages are no place for puppies during a crucial development phase in their lives.  Still that seems to be ok with you.  BTW I noticed that a pet shop in your town has a photo of puppies listed as 7 weeks old! I really wish you would talk to these people and become part of the solution. I'm also beginning to suspect you might be the pet store owner!  No matter, the only point I want to make is that anyone reading through this discussion and looking for a puppy should only buy from a breeder that they have thoroughly researched and visited if possible or go to a reputable rescue organization like the DRC.  This site has a checklist of what to look for in a breeder and you can google any breeder's name and "complaints." Now I'm done with this too. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Adding my voice to you and Laurie and Karen and so many others. These discussions get too aggravating and I try to stay away but this is too much and I too suspect another agenda. 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Instead of attacking the pet stores go after the source of the problem the puppy mills, (use the stores to find those mills).  

Rose, You may have voided your own argument. If it wasn't for the pet stores selling puppies there would be a lot less opportunity for puppy millers.