Pet Store Visits...

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

I am truly hoping that this does not stir up any major controversy or arguments but I am truly curious. I have an extreme amount of sympathy for the animals that end up there. As a result, whenever in a mall with a pet store, I like to go in, pick a puppy or two, most often ones that don't appear to draw the most attention, and pretend that I'm interested. I try to spend 10-15 minutes at least just handling and giving it affection. I know that these puppies are in crates and their handling is so limited that it is my belief that any attention and affection is a positive thing. I do also go to shelters and visit with dogs as well but I am wondering, does entering these pet stores further their cause in any way? My heart breaks for the 8 week old puppy not getting socialized and just thought I'd get other people's opinions on visiting pet store puppies.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Hi Lindsey,
I use to do the same thing, and would try and play with most of the pups there. All the pet stores that are around my area do not have puppies anymore. They are starting to see the problems in this area, and most will allow Rescues to host fundraisers at their stores. There was one pet store that had birds and fish, being a bird lover, I always stop and check out the birds, there was a dead parakeet in the bottom of a cage. I asked a person working in the store if they knew this and could they please remove it. The kid looked at me dumb founded and laughed, said "When I get time to remove it, I will" I said to him well that is not a nice thing for younger children to see in a family pet store. He could of cared less and walked away. It broke my heart that I actually bought a dead bird and buried it at home. That was about 8 to 10 years ago...and I have never gone back to that pet store. I will still go to other pet stores and pet the animals as much as possible, bottom line to me is...why should the dog's, cat's, bird's suffer because of no human contact, why should'nt they feel some kind of love and affection and help make their day a little brighter. If it also helps to promote getting that animail into a loving home than I feel happy it is no longer stuck there. There is two sides to every coin...you have to decide which side out weighs the other.

[Kathy Wilson]

I went into a pet store recently in a very upscale shopping mall and asked to hold a chihuahua puppy. I'd like to do just as you do....go in and hold several. Thing is, I had enough trouble not buying this sweet little girl just to get her out of there. When I went to hand her back to the worker, she clung to me. I like chihuahuas but I'm not looking to buy one but she broke my heart. I still think of her.

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

I know that people say you should always get your dog from a good breeder and such... but in my opinion animals in pet stores need families too. Good for you to do something like this!

[Kai Doodle (Kathy & Keith)]

I think it's a nice thing to do. I agree I feel terrible for them too.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

You know Samantha came from one - I kept looking at her through the window, sheturned that gorgeous face of hers around and looked me in the eye AND the employee of the store asked 'Would you like to play with her' - 2 hours later we were home.

I am very torn on this subject - the dogs should not suffer because some of us humans are dispicable people who makes money from their misery and lonliness- BUT at the same time, if someone sees us go into the store, even if it is just to play, do they then think you may be making a purchase and they in turn think it is okay for them to do the same?? Then more puppies are bred to be sad and lonely sitting in the window - waiting.

Holy Poop - a major dilemma! I have no answer for this one - either way someone looses and it seems that it is always the dogs!

THANK YOU Lindsey, for opeing this food for thought - which is worse? Good question!

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

It definitely is a constant battle. While I have learned not to support these stores, it is definitely hard to resist the faces of the innocent puppies locked in their cages. Obviously it is impossible to educate everyone and so is it so wrong to draw extra attention from people who don't know any better and will likely buy from a pet store regarless? It's tricky because you want the dogs that are in there out but the more readily they are sold the more easily these places stay in business. But you're right, it seems either the current puppies in there or future puppies are getting the short end of the stick! I'd like to think any love and affection while they're trapped there is positive but I hope it doesn't worsen things for them to get 15 minutes of love and then go endure days of not getting additional attention.

[Kathy Wilson]

I feel worse for the ones who gave birth to these pet store pups. The pups will find homes but the moms will literally be bred to death, then thrown in the trash. It's an image I can barely stand to visualize. It sends me into an inner rage.

As for socializing pups in a pet store, I would think the owner might appreciate some volunteers making such an offer. Still.....I hope the mall pet stores will one day be put out of the business of selling live animals.

[Shannon]

I know you aren't supposed to buy from pet stores but that is where we found our Marley and couldnt imagine not having her! She needed us as much as we needeed her!

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

I'm sure Marley is a great dog and you are right about the mutual need for your great relationship. I hope you didn't find this issue offensive in any way. I also understand people who purchase knowing that it may not be the best thing but the dog is there already and you want to provide a loving home and help at least one. Pet store puppies and the issues surrounding them are definitely tricky and so I posted this trying to figure out what people view as the best way to make a difference in these puppies lives without contributing to the success of these breeders and stores.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

I havent seen a dog in a pet store in years around here. But if I ever did I would ask to play with it then give them the lecture!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I haven't either! I don't think any around me sell dogs anymore. They all have adoption days, which is very UPLIFTING!

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

The big stores like Petco and Petsmart have adoption days around here which is great! Unfortunately, we do have a small petstore in the mall near me that keeps puppies in these small cages with two rows stacked spanning an entire wall. It is really sad!