erica1989
Posted : 8/20/2009 10:12:54 PM
Yes - a dog from a pet store is MUCH worse. Pet stores get their dogs from puppy auctions - where dogs are sold to the highest bidder and then shipped and sold again in the store. I worked with a girl who worked at a pet store for a short while - and the stories she told were horrible. She said most of the dogs that were shipped in DIED before they even made it to the shelves.
By rescuing from a breed specific rescue or shelter, you are supporting the efforts of rescue - and while there is no guarentee from a shelter - you can feel confident that you are supporting a GOOD cause that will save the lives of MANY more animals, vs. dooming thousands of puppy mill parents who are forced to produce litter after litter.
check out petfinder.com and petango.com for rescue searches to find your new pet. Finding a pup in a shelter is not uncommon - but you have to be diligent in your searches. If you do want to purchase from a breeder - so a search to find a GOOD reputable breeder. Make sure they do health certificates, the proper testing for the breed (ie eyes, legs, etc - whatever problems the breed typically has, health wise). Meet the parents - make sure they have the temperment you're looking for. Many good breeders have waiting lists for their pups - so you'll want to start your search early, and be prepared to wait (for both rescues and breeders)