Quote: stephanie bishop

In my personal oppinion, for every one good home out there...there are 20 other "homes" where a dog is suffering.

Sorry Stephanie, I know you are trying to make a point here, but I cannot let this comment stand. Your "opinion" reflects disdain for 95% of the dog-owning public, and in MY opinion, that is dead wrong.

Peter, I would strongly advise against breeding your bitch, based on the information you provided here.

Tracy

 Quote: tracyroche

Sorry Stephanie, I know you are trying to make a point here, but I cannot let this comment stand. Your "opinion" reflects disdain for 95% of the dog-owning public, and in MY opinion, that is dead wrong.

Is it really though? I mean, what % of dog owners are even on LB or similar sites, trying to sort through the issues they have?

Being on hobbyist forums for 10+ years has caused me to believe that just a small # of hobbyists have the right combination of experience+knowledge+self-control+open-mindedness+"giving a damn" to enjoy their hobby safely and effectively and serve as role models for other hobbyists. FWIW I do not consider myself 'there yet' either, especially whre this hobby is concerned.

And in the 'real world' I know precious few dog owners (or car owners) who I can say actually 'get it.' Most of them feed their dogs crap and train them poorly (or not at all). And basically none of them work or exercise them (unless you count the FR group that I found through Konnie on this board).

Peter--I liked the way you defended your (admittedly uninformed) argument in the eCollar thread, but I'm really not sure why you decided to post this here.

Ross, I see your point about careless, uninformed dog owners, but I hardly consider living with a sentient being a hobby.

 Quote: ross rapoport

Is it really though? I mean, what % of dog owners are even on LB or similar sites, trying to sort through the issues they have?

Dogs have been companions/partners with humans for thousands of years....way before the internet, and LB. Most dogs and owners live healthy, happy, symbiotic lives that work well for both parties. As a member of the human species, the villification of 95% of us in the name of others' ideas of "good-dog-keeping" I personally find offensive. It's almost epidemic, the number of "dog lovers" who become "human haters", and I think that stinks.

Tracy

Good point Meredith.

 Quote:

i would only keep pic, what to do with the rest. seems cruel to destroy a litter just so i can get 1 replacement pup.

Ummm, how do I diplomatically say this? Peter, WTF!!

 Quote:

yeah its crazy idea n i'm not a breeder. all i want is a continuation of this dog. the plan is too irresponsible,n bar cloning i won't get the same dog anyway, i would settle for at least a bit of her in a pup. but the whole thing is stupid.

Ahhh, you've seen the light!

 Quote: tracyroche

 Quote: stephanie bishop

In my personal oppinion, for every one good home out there...there are 20 other "homes" where a dog is suffering.

Sorry Stephanie, I know you are trying to make a point here, but I cannot let this comment stand. Your "opinion" reflects disdain for 95% of the dog-owning public, and in MY opinion, that is dead wrong.Tracy

This Tracy agrees with the other Tracy. No, most dogs aren't going to enjoy the kind of quality life that LB board members are willing to provide. We are not the norm. But ANY dog that has access to regular food and clean water and even occasional non-violent contact with humans is doing SO much better than many of this country's unluckiest dogs.

Many pet owners are unfortunatly fairly passive about it--they don't read dog food labels, they don't use the "right" kind of collar, they don't train their dogs to behave, they punish puppies for peeing on the rug. Still, I've seen too many faces of dogs living much worse lives that would change places with them in a heartbeat.

OP, please don't breed your dog.

Hi Peter,

I know how you feel about wanting to get another dog just like the dog you currently have. My Poe, who I lost last August, will always be my soulmate. He epitomized the perfect dog to me. Nearly 6 years ago I became aware that his full brother was going to sire a litter out of a bitch whose pedigree complimented him. Because I had neutered Poe, I thought that this would be my best chance at getting a dog just like Poe.

Long story short I got pick of the litter and took home Sinjin who is in many ways like Poe but in just as many ways, different. I love Sinjin to bits but he is not Poe and never will be. My belief now is no matter if it is a puppy from a beloved dog or even a clone of a beloved dog, it will never be the same dog. In part because you are a different person now than when you initially got your dog just like I am a different person than I was when I got Poe 12 years ago.

Here is my suggestion - think hard at what exactly it is that makes your girl so special. What traits is it you like about her? What things don't you like about her? Write these things down and than go speak with rescue organizations, shelters, and breeders about seeing if they have a dog with the traits you like available. That is probably your best bet at getting a dog like your girl.

Wonderful suggestions, Ingrid!

 Quote: Ingrid Rosenquist

Hi Peter,

I know how you feel about wanting to get another dog just like the dog you currently have. My Poe, who I lost last August, will always be my soulmate. He epitomized the perfect dog to me. Nearly 6 years ago I became aware that his full brother was going to sire a litter out of a bitch whose pedigree complimented him. Because I had neutered Poe, I thought that this would be my best chance at getting a dog just like Poe.

Long story short I got pick of the litter and took home Sinjin who is in many ways like Poe but in just as many ways, different. I love Sinjin to bits but he is not Poe and never will be. My belief now is no matter if it is a puppy from a beloved dog or even a clone of a beloved dog, it will never be the same dog. In part because you are a different person now than when you initially got your dog just like I am a different person than I was when I got Poe 12 years ago.

Here is my suggestion - think hard at what exactly it is that makes your girl so special. What traits is it you like about her? What things don't you like about her? Write these things down and than go speak with rescue organizations, shelters, and breeders about seeing if they have a dog with the traits you like available. That is probably your best bet at getting a dog like your girl.

Great post Ingrid!