As a veterinary professional, I truly believe in adoption and rescuing dogs that need homes. You can even get puppies that have been rescued and need someone to love them.
I truly get the saying, “Adopt, don’t shop.” That being said, it also irritates me. If you WANT to buy yourself a puppy, you shouldn’t be made to feel bad about it! That being said, many people that you meet will make you feel bad for buying a puppy instead of “saving one” that needs a good home.
However, if you want to buy yourself a puppy, there is no reason why you should feel guilty. In fact, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t feel guilty about choosing your next best friend!
One of the biggest reasons why one would choose a puppy over a rescue dog is because you don’t want to be dealing with issues! The shelters are filled with dogs who have problems. Many are stressed and filled with anxiety. Some are there because they don’t get along with other dogs or cats (which you may or may not be able to find out before you adopt).
Many have serious behavioral issues which can be hard to live with. It may take months and years of work, as well medications and daily work, to help the dog live a life as normal as possible.
In fact, you can raise the puppy the way that you want it. A new puppy is very impressionable, and you will be able to start his or her training out the way that you want it to.
If you want to housebreak your dog to go outside or inside on a puppy pad, you can do that. Don’t want a dog on your couch or bed? Start young. If you get a rescue dog, he or she may already be trained one way, which can make it really hard to change the behaviors.
Shelters are often full of Pitbulls, which you may not be allowed to have. Unfortunately, shelters are filled with dogs like Pitbulls and other dogs that are deemed “vicious.” If you are renting a home, you may struggle to find a place to live if you bring along your big dog, no matter how nice he or she is.
If you have your own home, you may end up paying more for your homeowners insurance simply because of the type of dog that you have. Some companies may not even insure you if you have the type of dog that could be considered dangerous.
When buying working dogs, upbringing and training are everything. You are going to want to make sure that your puppy’s parents have been working. Some breeders even start their young puppies out with their parents in order to get them off to a good start.
Many livestock guardian dogs are in with sheep and goats before they are ready to leave their parents! Many hunting dogs need to start training as soon as possible, whether they work with their parents or get started as soon as they find their new home. It also helps to have parents who have the “drive.” These dogs are more likely to succeed at their new job.
You may not even be able to get a rescue dog. There are so many rules and regulations that come along with getting a rescue dog. Though some make sense, like making sure that their other pets have their vaccines and are fixed, others can be really strange.
Fences are a good idea, but I had one client who was turned away because she worked outside of the home! The rescue wanted to make sure that the dog would never be alone! Others have been turned away due to their age. They worry about what will happen if something happens to the adopter. Families with young children may not be able to adopt a dog as easily as others.
As one person put it, purebred guilt? Is that a thing now? Why are we even taking the time to worry about this? There are so many things to worry about, this should not be one of these things! This rings very true. If you want a puppy, get one and don’t worry about it for a moment!
It was also mentioned, it is no one’s business but your own. If you are happy with the puppy that you choose, be happy. Don’t worry about what others are going to say.
Someone added, if you feel guilty, it is up to you to come to terms with your conscience. Though many prefer to adopt, if you don’t, that is your decision, and you should stand by it. Nobody should make you feel guilty for making a decision that is right for you and your family.
Some people say that you should not feel bad because you are not the one breeding the dogs. That being said, many people would say that you are supporting the breeders who are going to continue to bring puppies into the already overpopulated world!
However, the truth is that responsible breeders are NOT the problem. The people who don’t fix their dogs and find themselves with an unexpected litter of puppies is the real problem. Backyard breeders who just want to breed their dogs are also part of the problem. Just because you love your dog, doesn’t mean that she is meant to be a mother!
Someone brought up the fact that the same could be said about children. Too many children are in the foster system, yet that doesn’t stop people from having their own children. While this is true, but I can see that even putting this in the article will raise eyebrows and I can’t even imagine the comments that I will get! But it is a point, so I will keep it in the article anyway.
If you choose wisely, you should never feel guilty for buying a puppy that is right for you. If you choose one that is going to fit into your lifestyle, you have nothing to feel guilty about. If you are looking for a working or show dog, you should make sure that you buy the right puppy for the job!
Many people even like knowing where their dogs come from. Seeing the parents and knowing that they are healthy and may have been tested for genetic diseases can go a long way to get yourself a healthy pup for years to come!
***
I also want to add that I asked other veterinary professionals. While many gave me plenty of grief for writing an article like this, when so many dogs are in shelters that need homes, others truly understood that there are times when buying a puppy is the right thing for you and your family.
It also amazed me how many veterinary professionals (including veterinarians) can’t get dogs from shelters. Their rules and regulations make it nearly impossible for even those who work hard daily to make life better for pets to rescue a dog from the shelter.
***
Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
Leave a Reply