I happen to prefer the long-haired Rotts. Teddy gets his coat shaved in the summer to keep cool, since Rott's are sensitive to the heat. Here's Teddy with his gorgeous full coat. He's a real Teddy bear!
There are of pure breeds (note - that is breeds, not dogs - there are thousands of dogs...) available through rescue organizations. People usually just dump them off somewhere (the woods, highway, downtown), hoping someone else will find them a home or take them in. Or, they are turned in to the local animal control facility/pound. Unfortunately, many are found starving because people are afraid of them. The pound contacts the rescue volunteers (if an organization exists in that area). If they have room, the dog is then turned over to the rescue group.
Many people buy puppies, but when they get big, no longer want them. However, dogs can become homeless at all ages, from young puppies to senior citizens. There are advantages and disadvantages to all ages. It really depends on your lifestyle and the level of commitment you have to offer your pet. Young dogs are great companions for someone with a lot of energy and willing to make the 10? year commitment. Older dogs are usually lazier so they are less demanding of your time.
There are many RESCUE sites on the WEB. I suggest checking this site to get started:
Pet Finder
Bruszer at 3 mos.
Bruszer and Bart
Bif
Here's Bif and Teddy. They are a year and 2 months apart in age. Teddy, like Bruszer (shown below left with my kitty Coco), is a long-haired Rottie. Long-hairs are unusual and considered a defect in the breed. They are generally not bred, but do show up in a litter here and there.
Why are so many purebreed dogs in need of homes?
Aren't they sweet!!!The more popular large breeds are often "over-bred" by idiots who think they are going to make money doing so. Well, the cost of raising a healthy litter is not cheap. So, hopefully they learn their lesson. However,
puppy mills mass produce dogs, and don't care if the puppy needs medical attention or not. The mills will let the puppies die if they get sick and breed the mother again. Consequently, their costs are low... (Click this link to find out about Pet Overpopulation)
If you're thinking of getting a pet, please search the WEB or go to your local shelter or pound, and open up your heart to a dog or cat that someone didn't want anymore. Somehow they know you're giving them a second chance and REALLY REALLY appreciate it. I know from experience, as my other senior, Bart (who passed away one month before Bruszer) and Paco (who had a brain tumor) were homeless dogs like Bif and Teddy. (How anyone could resist these teddy bears, I don't know! Here's Teddy after playing in the snow...)
Here is the name of the site from where I adopted Teddy, Paco, & Bif. Click on it to see the dogs they have available:
Adopt a pet!!! It's very rewarding to know you've helped the homeless...
"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men." |
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