Not a rescue puppy....

[Kyoko]

I am a volunteer dog walker at the local animal shelter. Yesterday was our really big to do black and white event as a fund raiser. People were bidding thousands of dollars on Pittsburgh Penguines' autographed jerseys, hocky stick, plus all kinds of fancy food, band, and all of that.
While voluntering at the event, the conversation went to how many and what kind of dogs we had.
One of the peer volunteer said to me " I didn't know that you had a puppy. Where did you get your puppy?" I didn't know what to say. I did tell them that Charlie was from the breeder and reason why I went that route. I still got chewed up... and was told " I hope you didn't go to PetLand for the hybred! " I do care for the animals at the shelter, and I do my best to provide what I can for them. I try teaching the leash walking, I bath, brush and trim them, walk them hours in the middle of the winter with snow piling up on my head, whatever I can to make them more adoptable, I do. I thought I made a good decision that rescue is not going to work - at least for right now because of the personality of my old Chow Chow and the fact he is not neutered ( due to my ignorance in earlier time and too old to go through now) plus I went through some fear phase of thoughts that he is not going to make it through the winter, and felt as needing a second dog in preparation to ease the event if occur as soon as possible.....

Sorry, It may sounds like I am trying to justify my decision. But I always feel guilty that my puppy is not a rescue.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A beautiful story, and a perfect example of the way life leads you to the lessons you are meant to learn. All you have to do is pay attention and trust your instincts. I wish everyone could read your post.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

When we know better, we do better. At least those of us who are able to learn. You did a great thing, Tricia and YOU are a Rescue Angel, too.

[Lynne B]

Kyoko- don't feel guilty. I have friends who are really outspoken about how people should only get rescue dogs, and in theory I agree with them, and I have had rescues, but my situation was- like yours- rather unique. I have a 9 year old Australian Shepherd who is cranky to start with, and that is compounded by the fact that she has lupus. She's highly reactive and has always been picky about what dogs she will accept and which she will chase away, I didn't want to take a chance on a rescue with Kira, it was too "iffy" - no matter how sweet a rescue might seem, alot of them have some serious issues that only come out when they are introduced to another dog in your home. So, I decided to get a puppy, and temperament was my #1 consideration. I researched breeds, consulted an animal behaviorist friend of mine, and researched breeders before I chose Beck. No matter how I am criticized for my decision, I know I made the right choice Kira and he have become best friends which was beyond my wildest hopes- I just wanted her to be able to 'tolerate' another dog. After Kira passes, we will get another dog, and it will be a rescue, but that is because Beck is so friendly and easy going that introducing him to a rescue should be a piece of cake

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

LynneB, The difference is, like Kyoko, you did your research and thought out your decision. You have reasons that are reasonable and justified for why you didn't get a rescue. It was not a spur of the moment, awh he's cute, or popular, or whatever reason, decision. We won't chastise you for your decision, we applaud you for being an educated and aware dog owner. There's a difference.

[Kyoko]

I feel that same way... After Butter - I would probably foster....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You know, there are people (PETA's leadership, in particular) who would criticize all of us for having any animals as pets at all; the most radical among these groups think that nobody should own an animal, they should all be "free". You can't worry about the judgments of others. You sleep well at night, and the animals who cross your path are better off for it.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

The difference is that we are OWNED by our animals OR consider them as family. PETA doesn't get that.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

You all know Samantha's story - pet store, impulse, "purchase" , Royal Canine and all that. Guilt.
THAT was before DK. I have learned so much from you all.
I push rescue whenever anyone tells me that they are looking into getting a dog - doodle or not. So far, no one has gotten back to me for help into connecting them with you but I do push.
I educate the hypo-allergenic, non-shedding myths, etc. I swear I hear you all in my head when I give my speech.
I push perfect strangers to join DK for the education value and social.
I donate to shelters.

I still fell a little guilty about Samantha's parents but not about having Samantha. She is the best thing that has happened in our lives in a long time.

This is all because of you...
Thank you.

[gene]

When I was first looking for a doodle, I checked out breeders in my area on a breeders list site I googled. There was Jonah and his brother, marked down because they were almost 4mo and "unsellable". I wanted to meet the breeder at her kennel.....but she wanted me to meet her at her son's pet store, When we got there....I was having second thoughts. I was familiar with puppy mills and pet stores and really didn't want to help out the situation, but then out comes Jonah.....Man, I was a goner!! I was uneducated and I know better now. I like to consider that I rescued him now! I have since met 2 others who have doodles from this monster (woman....oops!). One had actually seen the actual kennels.

After Jonah I ended up with 2 Rescues. Miko came from an Amish puppy mill broker raid. Rumor came from my local shelter but was a $1400 Petland puppy.

We all learn from our pasts.......don't feel bad about it. We all make up for it in other ways!

[Jeannine]

...And now, poor Jonah is on a torture diet... for his own good of course!!!
What Daddy's love can do for his doodle!

All your three Doodles are so beautiful and so lucky to have find the key of your heart.

[gene]

Speaking of which....it's time for his walk....but I'm beat from a long day of work. We'll go longer tomorrow.....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Ahem....