Oprah has dedicated today’s show to her beloved cocker spaniel Sophie, who passed away last month at the age of 13. Sophie had been suffering from kidney failure. It’s been an especially hard year for Oprah, pup-wise, as she lost her other dog Gracie in July when she chocked on a plastic ball. Today’s show is on puppy mills, and contributor Lisa Ling presents what’s said to be a great – but hard to watch – documentary on the mills. Oprah’s staff decided to surprise her by opening the show with a tribute to Sophie featuring movies and photos. Unfortunately they didn’t realize just how emotional it would make her, and they had to stop filming after she completely broke down.
E! News has learned the TV titan broke down last week during a taping when producers decided to surprise Oprah with a video tribute to Sophie, her cocker spaniel who recently passed away after a battle with kidney disease.
The special show, which is scheduled to air this Friday, features an investigation into puppy mills. An audience member tells E! News that Winfrey broke down when the tribute began. “She was crying hysterically,” says the source. “She was uncontrollably sobbing. She could barely breathe it got so bad.”
The source says Winfrey’s emotional breakdown became so severe that producers stopped taping. Our source says some Winfrey staffers were regretting the surprise tribute. “They were like, ‘Oh, no, we shouldn’t have done that.'”
[From E!]
That’s so sweet and sad. Clearly Oprah’s staff members were well-intentioned. People love their animals differently, but it’s pretty clear that Oprah’s dogs are her kids. There must be this bittersweet relationship with them, knowing that she’ll likely outlive the animals she loves so deeply. I can’t blame her for breaking down – a month isn’t long in the grieving process.
After watching Lisa Ling’s reports, Oprah said that she would never buy puppies from a breeder again. Though she’s claimed that her dogs weren’t from puppy mills, Winfrey says that from now on she will only adopt from shelters.
Most people I know love their animals like their kids. Being in the vet field, it really really sucks to watch people in pain when their animals are suffering. It also really sucks when people can’t afford to save their animals’ lives, vets don’t work like hospitals, as I’m sure most of you know. The worst is when there are kids involved. I had a woman and her daughter bring their Saluki with liver/splenic cancer in (the dog had already had surgery to remove it’s spleen and was 14 years old, FYI); I was waiting at the door and when they pulled up the dog was in resp/cardiac arrest. Even though I ran him back and we got CPR going ASAP we were unable to save him, and the little girl was just heartbreaking. She did the whole “mommy, no, mommy, no” thing that just kills ya. Anywho, I guess my point is, sucks for Oprah, sucks for millions of others too. Sorry for being Debbie Downer. Wah-wah-wah.
Most people I know love their animals like their kids. Being in the vet field, it really really sucks to watch people in pain when their animals are suffering. It also really sucks when people can’t afford to save their animals’ lives, vets don’t work like hospitals, as I’m sure most of you know. The worst is when there are kids involved. I had a woman and her daughter bring their Saluki with liver/splenic cancer in (the dog had already had surgery to remove it’s spleen and was 14 years old, FYI); I was waiting at the door and when they pulled up the dog was in resp/cardiac arrest. Even though I ran him back and we got CPR going ASAP we were unable to save him, and the little girl was just heartbreaking. She did the whole “mommy, no, mommy, no” thing that just kills ya. Anywho, I guess my point is, sucks for Oprah, sucks for millions of others too. Sorry for being Debbie Downer. Wah-wah-wah.
I knew she would do a show about her dog.
but it beats having another you must buy luxury good or Get this Book Now show.
I knew she would do a show about her dog.
but it beats having another you must buy luxury good or Get this Book Now show.
I can understand it. Just a few years ago my two old lady cats died within a year of each other. The first wasted away, and that was so hard to watch. She was happy, with good appetite, but she lost weight until she was like a skeleton with fur. I got up every morning thinking I would find her dead, and came home from work every night with the same thought. And finally one day she was, at the age of 19.
The other one was diagnosed a diabetic shortly after that. Janet was 16, and especially close to me. She had chosen me when I went into a pet shop one day and she decided to follow me out three times in a row. After taking her back twice, the third time I simply bought her and took her home. She slept in my arms every night, she met me at the door when I came home, she was on my lap constantly. And she did not do well with the insulin injections (I did better than I thought I would). She constantly had infections of one kind of another, always was sickly, and I knew I had to have her euthanized. Hardest thing I ever did in my life. I have buried both parents, I went through a divorce, I had 25 hours of labor with one of my kids – and it was harder to take Janet into the vet’s office that morning and walk out without her. I must have cried for a week. Well meaning friends would send me those terrible poems about crossing the rainbow bridge and that would start me over again. I was almost under control when the vet’s office sent a sympathy card. It’s over four years and I still get teary-eyed over it.
I was never going to get another pet. But last summer Simon came to live with me, and I have a cat again.
I can understand it. Just a few years ago my two old lady cats died within a year of each other. The first wasted away, and that was so hard to watch. She was happy, with good appetite, but she lost weight until she was like a skeleton with fur. I got up every morning thinking I would find her dead, and came home from work every night with the same thought. And finally one day she was, at the age of 19.
The other one was diagnosed a diabetic shortly after that. Janet was 16, and especially close to me. She had chosen me when I went into a pet shop one day and she decided to follow me out three times in a row. After taking her back twice, the third time I simply bought her and took her home. She slept in my arms every night, she met me at the door when I came home, she was on my lap constantly. And she did not do well with the insulin injections (I did better than I thought I would). She constantly had infections of one kind of another, always was sickly, and I knew I had to have her euthanized. Hardest thing I ever did in my life. I have buried both parents, I went through a divorce, I had 25 hours of labor with one of my kids – and it was harder to take Janet into the vet’s office that morning and walk out without her. I must have cried for a week. Well meaning friends would send me those terrible poems about crossing the rainbow bridge and that would start me over again. I was almost under control when the vet’s office sent a sympathy card. It’s over four years and I still get teary-eyed over it.
I was never going to get another pet. But last summer Simon came to live with me, and I have a cat again.
I have two dogs and I can’t even think about the possibility of them not being around. They really are part of our family. I got both of my dogs from small -time breeders. They both owned the mother dog as a family pet and were not in the puppy mill racket at all. In fact, when we took our puppy home, the dad of the family had to leave because we were taking his “favorite” puppy. The majority of these puppy mills are supplying the puppies you see in pet stores. There are still plenty of responsible private breeders out there who really care about the parent dogs and the puppies. Adopting from a shelter is great, but in our case, I wanted a specific breed (golden retriever) and if I’d waited around for one to come into the local shelter, I’d still be sitting here with no dogs.
I have two dogs and I can’t even think about the possibility of them not being around. They really are part of our family. I got both of my dogs from small -time breeders. They both owned the mother dog as a family pet and were not in the puppy mill racket at all. In fact, when we took our puppy home, the dad of the family had to leave because we were taking his “favorite” puppy. The majority of these puppy mills are supplying the puppies you see in pet stores. There are still plenty of responsible private breeders out there who really care about the parent dogs and the puppies. Adopting from a shelter is great, but in our case, I wanted a specific breed (golden retriever) and if I’d waited around for one to come into the local shelter, I’d still be sitting here with no dogs.
When I married my DH in 1994 he had this 10 year old cat and in 2007 we had to have her put to sleep. She was alomst 23– DH coudln’t go with me, he was in such a state. I cried so hard at the vet they were afraid to let me drive home. I had to call off from work that day to take her and I was blubbering into the phone and no one could understand a word I was saying…….lol, but they finally got the point.
When I married my DH in 1994 he had this 10 year old cat and in 2007 we had to have her put to sleep. She was alomst 23– DH coudln’t go with me, he was in such a state. I cried so hard at the vet they were afraid to let me drive home. I had to call off from work that day to take her and I was blubbering into the phone and no one could understand a word I was saying…….lol, but they finally got the point.
I agree, MSat. With this cat, I wanted a Maine Coon, so went to a small local breeder whose cats all live in the house with her.
Getting a pet from a shelter is not a guarantee of it not being a puppy mill puppy. For awhile there were a lot of puppy mill raids in the Kansas City area, and the breeders would take litters and dump them after hours at the shelters. The shelters were overrun with sickly, malnourished little creatures, and had the added expense of the veterinary bills and extra care to get them healthy enough for adoption.
I agree, MSat. With this cat, I wanted a Maine Coon, so went to a small local breeder whose cats all live in the house with her.
Getting a pet from a shelter is not a guarantee of it not being a puppy mill puppy. For awhile there were a lot of puppy mill raids in the Kansas City area, and the breeders would take litters and dump them after hours at the shelters. The shelters were overrun with sickly, malnourished little creatures, and had the added expense of the veterinary bills and extra care to get them healthy enough for adoption.
oh how i miss my cats that died or were put to sleep. and my horse, he died from a ruptured bowel…i had him for 15 years and he just died within 2 hours.
my dearest cat is 14 now and already sufferd a stroke, but she´s totally fine now…i spent hours of feeding and watering her with a syringe, carrying her to her loo…three times the doc wanted to put her down, but i refused. i have cats for 25 years and i know when their times has come, i am not a fan of letting animals suffer. but she still had this will in her eyes, the will to live. and that´s what´s important about a sick cat. if they hide and have a dead look in their eyes, it´s over.
i don´t want to think about how many years she has left…it´s always too soon.
oh how i miss my cats that died or were put to sleep. and my horse, he died from a ruptured bowel…i had him for 15 years and he just died within 2 hours.
my dearest cat is 14 now and already sufferd a stroke, but she´s totally fine now…i spent hours of feeding and watering her with a syringe, carrying her to her loo…three times the doc wanted to put her down, but i refused. i have cats for 25 years and i know when their times has come, i am not a fan of letting animals suffer. but she still had this will in her eyes, the will to live. and that´s what´s important about a sick cat. if they hide and have a dead look in their eyes, it´s over.
i don´t want to think about how many years she has left…it´s always too soon.
I guess with my original post, I went off topic. Puppy mills and catteries are generally sick places. But it’s not just about them! A lot of people care about the pets the are breeding, but it quickly becomes a way to make a quick buck. Being in my line of work, I absolutely hate it when people breed their animals, regardless of the specific circumstances. I try to remind myself not to preach or be ugly to people, and I love little puppies and cute wrinkly Bulldog pups and adorable doofy Dachshund pups and snuggly sweet smelling Labs and Goldens, but I get so so annoyed when people breed their pets. How many dogs and cats do you see running across the road, getting hit by cars, every day? Maybe they would have liked a nice comfy home too. Or the mangey kids at the country convenience store who are begging for scraps? Do they not deserve a home as much as the cute puppies? Some of them are cool, but most ‘backyard’ breeders never even bother to find out about the complications or even to pick up a book to find out what to expect. Moms can die in labor, pups can die, especially when you are talking about the small/toy breeds. I can’t tell you how many calls I and my coworkers have taken from people whose pets are going into labor and they haven’t done the first thing to be prepared. The coolest ones are the trashy idiots whose dogs are having pups under the trailer; I had one guy who told me he thought one of the dead pups had suffocated in the dirt. It was all I could do to not hang up on him! Anyway, I am preaching, and I am sorry. It’s just really hard to rein it in, it makes me so angry!
I guess with my original post, I went off topic. Puppy mills and catteries are generally sick places. But it’s not just about them! A lot of people care about the pets the are breeding, but it quickly becomes a way to make a quick buck. Being in my line of work, I absolutely hate it when people breed their animals, regardless of the specific circumstances. I try to remind myself not to preach or be ugly to people, and I love little puppies and cute wrinkly Bulldog pups and adorable doofy Dachshund pups and snuggly sweet smelling Labs and Goldens, but I get so so annoyed when people breed their pets. How many dogs and cats do you see running across the road, getting hit by cars, every day? Maybe they would have liked a nice comfy home too. Or the mangey kids at the country convenience store who are begging for scraps? Do they not deserve a home as much as the cute puppies? Some of them are cool, but most ‘backyard’ breeders never even bother to find out about the complications or even to pick up a book to find out what to expect. Moms can die in labor, pups can die, especially when you are talking about the small/toy breeds. I can’t tell you how many calls I and my coworkers have taken from people whose pets are going into labor and they haven’t done the first thing to be prepared. The coolest ones are the trashy idiots whose dogs are having pups under the trailer; I had one guy who told me he thought one of the dead pups had suffocated in the dirt. It was all I could do to not hang up on him! Anyway, I am preaching, and I am sorry. It’s just really hard to rein it in, it makes me so angry!
I really think think my heart will break when Bodhi’s & Sully’s time comes. My fiance & I met at the dog park (yes, we know its like a Meg Ryan movie) & those two doggies love each other so much sometimes it makes me want to cry!
My mom got Bodhi for me from one of her co-workers whose dog had puppies. The rest of the pups found good homes too, thenk god.
Mick got Sully from one of our friend’s aunt’s farm in backwoods NC. There was a litter of pups in the barn & Sully picked Mick. But Sul was the only one who lived b/c the aunt & uncle just couldn’t be bothered to take care of them or even get the older ones “fixed”.
Sorry for the long story…
I really think think my heart will break when Bodhi’s & Sully’s time comes. My fiance & I met at the dog park (yes, we know its like a Meg Ryan movie) & those two doggies love each other so much sometimes it makes me want to cry!
My mom got Bodhi for me from one of her co-workers whose dog had puppies. The rest of the pups found good homes too, thenk god.
Mick got Sully from one of our friend’s aunt’s farm in backwoods NC. There was a litter of pups in the barn & Sully picked Mick. But Sul was the only one who lived b/c the aunt & uncle just couldn’t be bothered to take care of them or even get the older ones “fixed”.
Sorry for the long story…
iheart, you are absolutely correct. The cattery where I bought Simon makes you sign a contract to neuter and spay. I’d have done it anyway. Kittens and puppies are adorable, but there are too many of them.
iheart, you are absolutely correct. The cattery where I bought Simon makes you sign a contract to neuter and spay. I’d have done it anyway. Kittens and puppies are adorable, but there are too many of them.
I love my cat so much. He’s funny and insane and we’ve been pals for 14 years. The best thing is, I know he loves me too. There’s something great about having that connection with a nonhuman. He’s changed the way I think about animals.
I love my cat so much. He’s funny and insane and we’ve been pals for 14 years. The best thing is, I know he loves me too. There’s something great about having that connection with a nonhuman. He’s changed the way I think about animals.
Bodhi, that’s really sweet. I just had to chastise you for apologizing for your long story…I don’t think I’ve ever left a comment on here that wasn’t 3 paragraphs long…
Bodhi, that’s really sweet. I just had to chastise you for apologizing for your long story…I don’t think I’ve ever left a comment on here that wasn’t 3 paragraphs long…
Haha! 🙂
Haha! 🙂
Dogs are the greatest, they love unconditionally, and their sole purpose in life is to be by your side.
My little mini schnauzer got out of our backyard last Sunday, and I was beside myself, running around our neighborhood with a squeeky toy yelling her name until luckily we found her, but I’ve never been scared like that in my entire life.
So even though I choose to not support Oprah in any way, I can definitely sympathize with the loss of her friend and companion.
Dogs are the greatest, they love unconditionally, and their sole purpose in life is to be by your side.
My little mini schnauzer got out of our backyard last Sunday, and I was beside myself, running around our neighborhood with a squeeky toy yelling her name until luckily we found her, but I’ve never been scared like that in my entire life.
So even though I choose to not support Oprah in any way, I can definitely sympathize with the loss of her friend and companion.
i used to work in the research & investigations department of the humane society of the u.s. and i would never, ever buy from a breeder. no way! the problem with any kind of breeder -even the “good” ones- is that there are already so many millions of animals that are put down because there aren’t enough homes for them all. buying a cat or dog from a breeder means that you contribute to that sad cycle, but when you adopt from a shelter you give an animal who is already here a second chance. for those people who really want a purebred cat or dog there are lots of purebreed rescue organizations that don’t contribute to overpopulating.
i used to work in the research & investigations department of the humane society of the u.s. and i would never, ever buy from a breeder. no way! the problem with any kind of breeder -even the “good” ones- is that there are already so many millions of animals that are put down because there aren’t enough homes for them all. buying a cat or dog from a breeder means that you contribute to that sad cycle, but when you adopt from a shelter you give an animal who is already here a second chance. for those people who really want a purebred cat or dog there are lots of purebreed rescue organizations that don’t contribute to overpopulating.
After watching Oprah’s show today I am even more confident that when we get our little mutt Bubba’s sister in the summer, we will be adopting once again.
I was almost vomiting when they showed what happens to dogs in shelters after they get put down. I was balling and even now as I type it I am crying. Its a n image that will haunt me for quite a while.
I could totally understand Oprah’s reaction — My husband and I love our dog SO much.
After watching Oprah’s show today I am even more confident that when we get our little mutt Bubba’s sister in the summer, we will be adopting once again.
I was almost vomiting when they showed what happens to dogs in shelters after they get put down. I was balling and even now as I type it I am crying. Its a n image that will haunt me for quite a while.
I could totally understand Oprah’s reaction — My husband and I love our dog SO much.
dear oprah….i am so sorry for your loss. My hearts breaks for you and your pain. Seven and one half years ago, we lost our precious Princess. She was 14 years old and died of congested heart failure. She was a solid black cocker spaniel and reminded me of Sofie. In fact,
she died while we were living in a rental home.
We began building us a new home and I asked the
realtor would it be ok to move her little body to our new home. He was so touched by my love for my dog. He said ok and she now rests in peace under a mighty oak tree in our back yard.
We now have a buff blonde cocker spaniel; she will be seven May 20. Her name is C.J. I named her after Celion and a dear friend’s dog, Jasmine resulting in C.J. I admire Celion so much. She is a gift from God to all mankind.
We learned recently that our precious C.J. has kidney disease. She is the love of my life and I just can’t imagine not having her. I am so afraid to loose her. I don’t know how to prepare myself but each day I enjoy her to the fullest.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you in this time of loss.
God has truly blessed you and I know in my heart that when He created the animals for our enjoyment on earth that we will enjoy them in that glorious place Heaven. I know Sofie is with Princess enjoying the peacefulness in a wonderful place. We will see them again.
I love you Oprah.
Lindaanonymous 4 mins ago
dear oprah….i am so sorry for your loss. My hearts breaks for you and your pain. Seven and one half years ago, we lost our precious Princess. She was 14 years old and died of congested heart failure. She was a solid black cocker spaniel and reminded me of Sofie. In fact,
she died while we were living in a rental home.
We began building us a new home and I asked the
realtor would it be ok to move her little body to our new home. He was so touched by my love for my dog. He said ok and she now rests in peace under a mighty oak tree in our back yard.
We now have a buff blonde cocker spaniel; she will be seven May 20. Her name is C.J. I named her after Celion and a dear friend’s dog, Jasmine resulting in C.J. I admire Celion so much. She is a gift from God to all mankind.
We learned recently that our precious C.J. has kidney disease. She is the love of my life and I just can’t imagine not having her. I am so afraid to loose her. I don’t know how to prepare myself but each day I enjoy her to the fullest.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you in this time of loss.
God has truly blessed you and I know in my heart that when He created the animals for our enjoyment on earth that we will enjoy them in that glorious place Heaven. I know Sofie is with Princess enjoying the peacefulness in a wonderful place. We will see them again.
I love you Oprah.
Lindaanonymous 4 mins ago
I love this story. Thank you for reporting it with compassion and not criticism Jaybird. I love that Oprah exposed those disgusting Puppy mills, I love that she cares for her dogs and that the producers tried to do a nice thing for her and Sophie,
and I mostly love that
she vowed not to use breeders anymore. It’s an important message that hopefully people will heed with Oprah backing it! There’s too many good animals at shelters!
I love this story. Thank you for reporting it with compassion and not criticism Jaybird. I love that Oprah exposed those disgusting Puppy mills, I love that she cares for her dogs and that the producers tried to do a nice thing for her and Sophie,
and I mostly love that
she vowed not to use breeders anymore. It’s an important message that hopefully people will heed with Oprah backing it! There’s too many good animals at shelters!
Sorry I pressed publish before I could agree with the above comments. I wanted a boston terrier for my whole life, literally. My mom got me one for my birthday this year (they’re expensive and I’ve yet to find one from a rescue) and I couldn’t be happier. They’re smart, and they’re known as companion dogs which makes them very loving and nothing but :), they don’t shed, and they’re the PERFECT size for me (small but sturdy).
Everybody has different needs for a pet, so I can see how a shelter can’t always work. It would be wrong to get a dog just because you don’t want them to die, and then not have it fit with your lifestyle.
By the way, Syko, your comment broke my heart. I’m so glad you have Simon now.
Sorry I pressed publish before I could agree with the above comments. I wanted a boston terrier for my whole life, literally. My mom got me one for my birthday this year (they’re expensive and I’ve yet to find one from a rescue) and I couldn’t be happier. They’re smart, and they’re known as companion dogs which makes them very loving and nothing but :), they don’t shed, and they’re the PERFECT size for me (small but sturdy).
Everybody has different needs for a pet, so I can see how a shelter can’t always work. It would be wrong to get a dog just because you don’t want them to die, and then not have it fit with your lifestyle.
By the way, Syko, your comment broke my heart. I’m so glad you have Simon now.
reading all these heartrending posts makes me want to cry
what loving people you are
reading all these heartrending posts makes me want to cry
what loving people you are
i have two cats called Lola and Henry. They are so gorgeous.
I was not even in the right space of my life to have a pet when Lola was dropped into my life. I got a call from the vet clinic saying they had a little female tortiseshell cat that had been brought into them with a hook in her throat. obviously someone had thought it funny to try and “catch her”. they removed the surgery and her voicebox at the same time. i paid for her to get spayed and they bought her home with me. my dad who is NOT a cat person now loves her almost more than me lol! he goes and buys her fresh fish and cuts it up and small pieces so she can swallow them. she has issues with her throat from the hook still.
Henry was a stray kitten. He walked in my backdoor one rainy night when I was 7 months pregnant and he literally never left lol!
I feel for Oprah and her loss. Although I dont consider myself a dog person my boyfriend is and he would cry for days if he lost cinder his labrador now.
i have two cats called Lola and Henry. They are so gorgeous.
I was not even in the right space of my life to have a pet when Lola was dropped into my life. I got a call from the vet clinic saying they had a little female tortiseshell cat that had been brought into them with a hook in her throat. obviously someone had thought it funny to try and “catch her”. they removed the surgery and her voicebox at the same time. i paid for her to get spayed and they bought her home with me. my dad who is NOT a cat person now loves her almost more than me lol! he goes and buys her fresh fish and cuts it up and small pieces so she can swallow them. she has issues with her throat from the hook still.
Henry was a stray kitten. He walked in my backdoor one rainy night when I was 7 months pregnant and he literally never left lol!
I feel for Oprah and her loss. Although I dont consider myself a dog person my boyfriend is and he would cry for days if he lost cinder his labrador now.
I thought her show was way too candy coated and full of fluff. Working with dogs and animals and through shelters I know that you can find ANY type of breed (Pure bred or not) in a shelter it just requires time and effort. For the people that said “Oh I wanted a Golden Retriever puppy…so I went to a small scale breeder” did you check petfinder.com or the local breed rescue (All states have them) before going there? Because Goldens are the second most popular dog in America and one of the most frequently put down because there are just too many in shelters right now…and for the Boston lady. I’m sorry but I can name at LEAST 5 Boston rescues that are PACKD with Boston’s (Its my preferred breed because they are amazing dogs). I understand that your dogs are special but next time please check online and through your local breed rescue because there are just too many dogs dying daily. I’m not trying to be harsh but it really bothers me that the mentality is still “Well since I want this specific type I have to go through a breeds” when its simply not true.
I thought her show was way too candy coated and full of fluff. Working with dogs and animals and through shelters I know that you can find ANY type of breed (Pure bred or not) in a shelter it just requires time and effort. For the people that said “Oh I wanted a Golden Retriever puppy…so I went to a small scale breeder” did you check petfinder.com or the local breed rescue (All states have them) before going there? Because Goldens are the second most popular dog in America and one of the most frequently put down because there are just too many in shelters right now…and for the Boston lady. I’m sorry but I can name at LEAST 5 Boston rescues that are PACKD with Boston’s (Its my preferred breed because they are amazing dogs). I understand that your dogs are special but next time please check online and through your local breed rescue because there are just too many dogs dying daily. I’m not trying to be harsh but it really bothers me that the mentality is still “Well since I want this specific type I have to go through a breeds” when its simply not true.
I totally agree Charity. It may take a little longer and you may have to do a bit more searching but you can almost always find the exact breed you’re looking for at a rescue or shelter.
My husband has wanted an English bulldog forever. I volunteer with a small animal rescue group (mostly rabbits, rodents, guinea pigs etc.) and guess where I found my husband an English bulldog? Through the small rescue of all places. They occasionally take in other animals like cats and dogs and lo and behold they take in a purebred English bulldog. 6 weeks later she’s ours. Mind you, as we like to say, she’s old and broken (12 years old and has multiple health issues) and snores and drools and her farting can and does drive us from the room.
But damn…she’s cute and friendly and loving and she’s a wonderful friend to my husband.
I totally agree Charity. It may take a little longer and you may have to do a bit more searching but you can almost always find the exact breed you’re looking for at a rescue or shelter.
My husband has wanted an English bulldog forever. I volunteer with a small animal rescue group (mostly rabbits, rodents, guinea pigs etc.) and guess where I found my husband an English bulldog? Through the small rescue of all places. They occasionally take in other animals like cats and dogs and lo and behold they take in a purebred English bulldog. 6 weeks later she’s ours. Mind you, as we like to say, she’s old and broken (12 years old and has multiple health issues) and snores and drools and her farting can and does drive us from the room.
But damn…she’s cute and friendly and loving and she’s a wonderful friend to my husband.
Several of my co-workers were on the Internet recently looking for toy dog breeds. I suggested they look at shelters for dogs that really need a home. They answered, “oh no, we really want this kind of dog.” I don’t remember just what breed they were searching for. I suspect they will get an animal from a breeder, and then fail to spay/neuter and follow up responsibly to care for the new pet. They were looking at these animals like they were looking at designer purses or other merchandise! I hope I’m wrong. These people are not mean, but they can be really stupid sometimes. (For the record, all my animals have been adopted from shelters or as former strays.)
Several of my co-workers were on the Internet recently looking for toy dog breeds. I suggested they look at shelters for dogs that really need a home. They answered, “oh no, we really want this kind of dog.” I don’t remember just what breed they were searching for. I suspect they will get an animal from a breeder, and then fail to spay/neuter and follow up responsibly to care for the new pet. They were looking at these animals like they were looking at designer purses or other merchandise! I hope I’m wrong. These people are not mean, but they can be really stupid sometimes. (For the record, all my animals have been adopted from shelters or as former strays.)
After a decade in veterinary medicine, it still sickens me to know that people will still support “small scale” backyard breeders or puppy mills.
I have also gone the route of the backyard breeder, but I was young and very ignorant to the ways of the world. Four of my five dogs are rescues; one is a purebred golden retriever that I got when she was 5 weeks old, and one is a purebred Rottweiler that I got when he was 12 weeks old. Now tell me again that you can’t find a purebred dog through rescue?
One other thing: People think they are doing a good thing when they purchase a puppy from a pet store or backyard breeder; they think they are rescuing this animal from its horrid life. That may well be true, but they are also supporting the backyard breeders by doing these “rescues”. As with anything else, it is a supply and demand situation. The unethical breeders supply the puppies by the demand of the consumer. It’s truly a vicious cycle and the only way to stop it is to A) adopt from shelters or rescues or B)purchase from a code of ethics breeder that will stand behind their puppy its whole life (who will sell the puppy only on a spay/neuter contract).
After a decade in veterinary medicine, it still sickens me to know that people will still support “small scale” backyard breeders or puppy mills.
I have also gone the route of the backyard breeder, but I was young and very ignorant to the ways of the world. Four of my five dogs are rescues; one is a purebred golden retriever that I got when she was 5 weeks old, and one is a purebred Rottweiler that I got when he was 12 weeks old. Now tell me again that you can’t find a purebred dog through rescue?
One other thing: People think they are doing a good thing when they purchase a puppy from a pet store or backyard breeder; they think they are rescuing this animal from its horrid life. That may well be true, but they are also supporting the backyard breeders by doing these “rescues”. As with anything else, it is a supply and demand situation. The unethical breeders supply the puppies by the demand of the consumer. It’s truly a vicious cycle and the only way to stop it is to A) adopt from shelters or rescues or B)purchase from a code of ethics breeder that will stand behind their puppy its whole life (who will sell the puppy only on a spay/neuter contract).
nobody is saying you should adopt a dog so it doesn’t die….you should adopt a dog because it will fit your lifestyle, and any shelter will help match you to the right dog, unlike a pet store or a breeder, who will tell you anything in order to make the sale. there is no excuse for going to a breeder … ever. you can always find a certain breed in shelters and through rescues, but you may have to have some patience. another thing is that more often than not people are looking for traits, not breeds. lots of dogs don’t shed, are loyal, friendly and loving companions, not just one type. i am glad that mollination has found a great dog I love bostons, too) but if her dog was not rescued then there is a 95% chance it came from a puppy mill. please please try the shelter in the future.
nobody is saying you should adopt a dog so it doesn’t die….you should adopt a dog because it will fit your lifestyle, and any shelter will help match you to the right dog, unlike a pet store or a breeder, who will tell you anything in order to make the sale. there is no excuse for going to a breeder … ever. you can always find a certain breed in shelters and through rescues, but you may have to have some patience. another thing is that more often than not people are looking for traits, not breeds. lots of dogs don’t shed, are loyal, friendly and loving companions, not just one type. i am glad that mollination has found a great dog I love bostons, too) but if her dog was not rescued then there is a 95% chance it came from a puppy mill. please please try the shelter in the future.
wouldn’t it be ironic if some politician had oprah’s dog murdered as pay back because oprah didn’t vote for hillary clinton.
wouldn’t it be ironic if some politician had oprah’s dog murdered as pay back because oprah didn’t vote for hillary clinton.
buy from a reputatble breeder. They are easy to find if you do your research.
There are very responsible people who adore specific dog breeds and do the right thing. They shouldn’t be lumped in with the puppy mills. Which are what sells to pet stores.
Adopt a dog from a shelter and buy the kind of dog you have always wished for from a breeder who loves their dogs and their breed.
My dog was my child, he died of bone cancer on 16 December 2005, at the age of 10. I miss him terribly and have not had the heart to bring another dog into ‘his’ home. I still can’t talk about him without tearing up. He was my special boy and I bought him from a breeder who had 20 experience in his breed.
buy from a reputatble breeder. They are easy to find if you do your research.
There are very responsible people who adore specific dog breeds and do the right thing. They shouldn’t be lumped in with the puppy mills. Which are what sells to pet stores.
Adopt a dog from a shelter and buy the kind of dog you have always wished for from a breeder who loves their dogs and their breed.
My dog was my child, he died of bone cancer on 16 December 2005, at the age of 10. I miss him terribly and have not had the heart to bring another dog into ‘his’ home. I still can’t talk about him without tearing up. He was my special boy and I bought him from a breeder who had 20 experience in his breed.
My husband and I have a minpin that we took in so he could avoid a shelter, we have also attempted several times to adopt from the minpin rescue organization for about a year. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but almost.
We ended up finally going to a breeder, one that is certified by the AKC, doesn’t sell to mills or any kind of pet stores, and has 10 years of experience. She requires certification that all of her puppies have been spayed or neutered at 5 mos, and in order to obtain breeding rights, you must go through another application process. There are responsible breeders out there–yes, I realize that some of you view that as an oxymoron, but just because someone doesn’t adopt, it doesn’t make them a monster. People are still having their own children even though there are thousands of starving children all over the world. I agree that in a perfect world, we would all be able to go to our local shelters and find our new best friends, but the world is not perfect, and neither are any of it’s inhabitants.
I also realize that I will more than likely be criticized for not only saying these things, but because I used a breeder. Oh well. I recycle and only use reusable grocery bags, if that helps my image at all.
My husband and I have a minpin that we took in so he could avoid a shelter, we have also attempted several times to adopt from the minpin rescue organization for about a year. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but almost.
We ended up finally going to a breeder, one that is certified by the AKC, doesn’t sell to mills or any kind of pet stores, and has 10 years of experience. She requires certification that all of her puppies have been spayed or neutered at 5 mos, and in order to obtain breeding rights, you must go through another application process. There are responsible breeders out there–yes, I realize that some of you view that as an oxymoron, but just because someone doesn’t adopt, it doesn’t make them a monster. People are still having their own children even though there are thousands of starving children all over the world. I agree that in a perfect world, we would all be able to go to our local shelters and find our new best friends, but the world is not perfect, and neither are any of it’s inhabitants.
I also realize that I will more than likely be criticized for not only saying these things, but because I used a breeder. Oh well. I recycle and only use reusable grocery bags, if that helps my image at all.
So what some of you are saying is all breeders are puppy mills?
I don’t know how I feel about this. On one hand, if I want a puppy of a certain breed with intact medical records of both the puppy and it’s parents, then I would definately research and find an ethical, caring breeder who does not breed for pet shops.
However, I’m cheap as hell and you will never catch me spending a car or insurance payment on a dog just to get the papers and prestige of a bloodline or whatever so I always get mine from a shelter.
So what some of you are saying is all breeders are puppy mills?
I don’t know how I feel about this. On one hand, if I want a puppy of a certain breed with intact medical records of both the puppy and it’s parents, then I would definately research and find an ethical, caring breeder who does not breed for pet shops.
However, I’m cheap as hell and you will never catch me spending a car or insurance payment on a dog just to get the papers and prestige of a bloodline or whatever so I always get mine from a shelter.
sorry for your loss of your two cocker’s We had to have our cocker put down in 99 due to cancer of the jaw after treatment. He was suffering so much. He was also 13 yrs old. My husband took him to waffle and order him his favorite breakfast pork chops and eggs for his last meal before taking him to the vet. It was like he knew he ate the eggs and my husband pull all the meat off the bone and gave him the meat in small pieces. Then he took him to the vet he was bleeding from mouth and he was very cold due to loss of blood. They gave him the shot and he laid his head on my husband’s leg gave him one last look like thank you and then he went to sleep. It took us five yrs before we were able to get another dog. We loved Barney so much he was our baby and my mom’s grandson which was the only boy in the family for it goes for grandchildren. He was loved. But now we have a boxer/american pit mix and we love him just as much.He is almost four yrs old and he is rotten. But that is what they are for to Love because they do love unconditally. No matter what.
sorry for your loss of your two cocker’s We had to have our cocker put down in 99 due to cancer of the jaw after treatment. He was suffering so much. He was also 13 yrs old. My husband took him to waffle and order him his favorite breakfast pork chops and eggs for his last meal before taking him to the vet. It was like he knew he ate the eggs and my husband pull all the meat off the bone and gave him the meat in small pieces. Then he took him to the vet he was bleeding from mouth and he was very cold due to loss of blood. They gave him the shot and he laid his head on my husband’s leg gave him one last look like thank you and then he went to sleep. It took us five yrs before we were able to get another dog. We loved Barney so much he was our baby and my mom’s grandson which was the only boy in the family for it goes for grandchildren. He was loved. But now we have a boxer/american pit mix and we love him just as much.He is almost four yrs old and he is rotten. But that is what they are for to Love because they do love unconditally. No matter what.
The dog committed suicide to avoid her inevitable attempt to shill it into another unneeded black woman empowerment/Oprah Winfrey is the greatest human being in the universe moment on TV.
The dog committed suicide to avoid her inevitable attempt to shill it into another unneeded black woman empowerment/Oprah Winfrey is the greatest human being in the universe moment on TV.
Animals are the most amazing brilliant creatures with no ego, They just want us humans to be happy by showing us love and attention. It’s a profound feeling when you meet an animal that touches your life, like no other thing can really.
Animals are the most amazing brilliant creatures with no ego, They just want us humans to be happy by showing us love and attention. It’s a profound feeling when you meet an animal that touches your life, like no other thing can really.
What is a Puppy Mill?
By Legal definition there is no such thing as a Puppy Mill. Why? One must ask how legislation is being made against a term with no legal definition? And also ask what types of people commit themselves to groups who are against a term with no legal definition? One also must ask the professionalism and education of those who freely use a term that has no definition. A civil rights movement was made against similar hate terms.
The Term Puppy Mill is used to bring on emotion. Animals, especially our dogs can be almost like children to us. The thought of intentionally harming a child or defenseless animal brings on a knee jerk reaction of pure hatred in most humans. Unlike other terms used to divide, hate and caused dangerous finger pointing. The Term Puppy Mill can bring on almost dangerous responses, causing regular citizens to join in a battle against something they have never seen or witnessed first hand.
Like the Term Teacup when used to describe a smaller dog. The Term Puppy Mill is a marketing Term. Non profit rescues have learned that placing the term Puppy Mill next to their inventory, will cause it to be sold very rapidly. In all Honestly if the thousands of groups wanted to end the ideal of the term Puppy Mill to the supposed 10,000 of them residing in the USA. All the groups had to do with their hundreds of millions if not billions of un-taxable donations was to use the money to educate kennels and also use the money in research to bring the living conditions to that of what they deem Humane. That said they should start firstly with their own facilities.
Many kill shelters euthanize puppies and dogs for a simple common cold many times labeled a Upper respiratory infection (URI) , or Kennel Cough. Instead of killing these animals for an infection that can be self eliminating a needed study could have been done to end it. As with leukemia in cats that helped discover a cure for leukemia in children. that study may have found and end to the common cold. Yet these organizations are against animal study even if it means saving animals themselves.
To say ALL pet stores buy from Puppy Mills. And that ALL licensed and inspected USDA commercial kennels are dirty Puppy Mills. Comes from a thought process that many Americans hoped would have been outgrown in today’s Society. By Supporting your local Pet Store which sells Puppies and Kittens you are helping to eliminate the need for the Term Puppy Mill. But first Pet Stores need the billions of lost taxable income back into their hands so they can do the right thing . To once and for all end the 60 year battle against a term that has matured into a pure marking tool, to take jobs and taxable income away from hard working Americans.
The purist, most loyal, and trustworthy friend I have or ever shall have is my sweet cocker spaniel which is snuggling next to my side and looking up at me with those loving eyes.
As a Beginner, I am at all times looking online for articles that can help me get additional ahead.
As a Beginner, I’m always searching online for articles that can help me get additional ahead.