The Best Medicine

 Note: My recent facebook status led me to this particular topic. Here's what I wrote:

Have you ever caught yourself trying to explain your sense of humor to someone without one? I'll say something borderline-hysterical, and receive no response from that other person. So then, I end up sounding like even more of an idiot: "You see... it's funny because... it's hilarious."

*****

I'm often asked about how I do what I do... how I deal with the stress, the workload, and the heartbreak of animal rescue. There's really no simple answer to that question, and I'm sure every animal rescuer out there would agree with me.

Some days, I feel strong. Well... strong-ish. On those days, for whatever reason, I'm somehow able to handle things a little better. It's like... at certain times, my mind, my heart, my body... they're just sooo much more on-top of their freaking game, dude.

Other times, I'll be honest: I don't deal well at all. I mean, sure... I'm able to get through each day, and I don't really complain about it. But it's more of an autopilot type deal... a "do what you gotta do because you have no other choice" type situation, if you know what I mean.
(And I'm sure every animal rescuer/animal shelter worker out there does know exactly what I mean.)

When it comes to "what works" and "what doesn't," I can only speak for me personally, from my own experience, regarding my own ways of coping. And trust me... I certainly have plenty of "unhealthy" ways of dealing, but I wouldn't recommend many of them to anyone, from an advice standpoint. I'm gonna go with... DON'T follow my lead on those things. Yeah... just don't.

That aside, today, I wanted to share my very best tip for handling the world of animal rescue, but also... life in general. This isn't something "major" or "insightful" or "brilliant." It's not something I "invented," or even "came up with" myself. But it's definitely something that works for me --without question-- every time I'm willing to let it in.

Laughter.

That's right, I freaking said it. Laughter. It sounds so simple, silly, effing stupid-as-shit, even. But laughter has been the cure for nearly every difficult day I've ever had. And without it... I'd be a miserable excuse for a human being. We all would.

Therefore, I laugh at myself. I laugh with others. I laugh at the ass-birds of the world. 
Basically, I take all of the serious junk in my life, and I make fun of it. 

I realize that sounds a little messed up.. maybe even delusional... but I don't care, because it works for me. 
It's not about denying reality, or avoiding the issues, or pretending things aren't so sad. (Well... maybe sometimes, just a little.)
Regardless, I get it: reality exists, issues must be faced, and sad things happen. Duh.

But in my opinion, no matter how bad things are (or how bad they seem), if I can't laugh... then I can't freaking make it. 

Sooo, I surround myself with people who make me laugh, or help me laugh, or laugh with/at me. Yes, I said AT me. You'll rarely meet a more self-deprecating individual than me. I make fun of myself ALL THE TIME. Daily. Hourly. By the minute. And I love when others join me.

I'm lucky to have some truly incredible people in my life; I swear, my friends are some of the most hilarious people on the planet. If I talk to you, and you're a friend of mine, this is probably one of the biggest reasons: it's because you're effing hysterical, and I love you for that. (Even if you have no other decent qualities whatsoever. I'm talking, like, NOTHING else going for ya-- if you can make me laugh, then I'll probably talk to you. Maybe just not in public...)

And if you CAN'T laugh, like ever... or if you're offended by me, simply because I CAN laugh, and do... then no need to try and make small talk, buddy. I promise we won't get along. Trust me on that.

Maybe my sense of humor is a little (or a lot) inappropriate at times, and beyond-sarcastic ALL the time, but my friends get me, and they always laugh with me. Plus, my dogs laugh with me... tell me I'm hilarious and junk. Hell, even I laugh with me, even when no one's around. I can't help myself. Laughing is awesome.

Maybe I love to laugh, simply because it feels good. Or maybe it's because laughter makes the pain hurt a little less, for just a little while. Or maybe... because it keeps me from crying. 

Either way, laughter is my crazy pill; I freaking need it; I freaking love it. It keeps me happy, sane, and grounded. It makes me feel alive... even during those times when I feel quite the opposite. 

When I find myself getting to a place where I've allowed the sadness to steal my laughter, that's when I know that something's gotta change. It's always my "Aha" moment... realizing that I haven't laughed in a while. 

So, what do I do? Well, I call a friend, and say: "Okay... I need to laugh. WHAT'S UP on THAT, buddy?" Then, if/when they come up short on jokes, because I've just made things suuuper awkward with immediate demands of giggles, I'll say: "Fine... my turn. Listen to this shit, check it out... So THIS bitch..."  

I highly recommend this... it works every freaking time.

I know it sounds so simplistic, ridiculous, and maybe even idiotic, but for me, that's how I find my way back to "okay." It's rarely anything major... there's usually not some massive "turning point." Instead, all I need for me is a little bit of laughter, a lot of love, and the inevitable realization that things will get better.

Because deep down, I always know: if I can laugh... then I can make it. And so can you.

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Look Back, Move Forward

Just sharing some thoughts on reflection. Feel free to read... or not. Whichever :)

Lately, I've been taking some time to reflect. To look back... so I can move forward, kinda thing. 

And for me personally, one of the best ways to accomplish this... is to read through some of my old writing... 

That being said... this process is both easy and difficult for me to do, because reflecting on my former words can be preeetty awkward for me...

Why so? Well... for starters, I rarely read my own blog posts. It sounds crazy, I know, but it's true. Mostly because... I'm not really a fan of my own writing.

I write, because I love to write, NOT because I love to read what I write. I write... because it helps me communicate, or feel, or connect with others. Or all of the above. But NEVER because I think I'm "good" at it.

So anyway... point being, the only time I ever really re-read my own writing --after the fact-- is times like now, when I need to reflect, rewind... hit Play, again. 

Otherwise, I'd much rather read what someone else has written, than read my own words. It just feels weird to me... almost gross... to read my own crap. I feel so vulnerable, exposed, naked. Feelings I wish to avoid.

Plus, truth is... I over-analyze everything. My inner critic is a real bitch, if you know what I mean. If you're a writer (or a creator of some kind), you probably know exactly what I mean. If you're not, then it may be a little harder to understand...

But I guess I'd compare it to... hmmm... okay, this is a bad example, but let's go with it: So, you know when you think you're having a decent day --from a physical standpoint-- and then, you take a picture. Initially, you're all like: "OMG let me see, let me see!!!" Then... you look at the photo, and you view yourself through the eyes of the camera. And suddenly, you're like: "Do WHAT now?! I look like THAT?! Um... DELETE!!!"

Now... imagine if that photo of you were posted on the Internet, for the rest of forever, for everyone to see... (you know we all have that one asshole friend who always tags you in the shit they promised to delete... or they said: "I'll never show anyone, ever" ... and then you get a fb notification: "so-and-so tagged you in a photo" ... and you're ready to kick their effing ass...)

Okay... so translate that feeling into something that you've created... something YOU produced yourself. The pressure is already high, because if it SUCKS, then you have no one else to blame, but yourself. But at the time you wrote it, maybe your writing seemed somewhat decent to you... at least worth sharing, right? But reading it back later, you're freaking APPALLED by what you did... what you wrote... what you signed your freaking name to, and shared with others, for all the freaking world to see.

Well... THAT'S why I rarely read my own posts. Because I know I'll have THAT feeling when I do. And I HATE that feeling.

Regardless... when it's time to look back and reflect on my life, there's no better way to do so... than to read my own words. I always read them differently, the second time around. Even when I'm embarrassed as hell, about the quality of something I wrote, or what I said, or how I said it... it's still therapeutic to read back later, in some small way.

So, basically... I said all of that... to say this: when you're trying to find you, sometimes... the best place to look... is back at yourself, in the past. Who was I then? Who am I now? And why did one... become the other? How was I feeling then? How am I feeling now? What did I do wrong then? What could I do right, now? And have I learned from it all, and changed, for the better? 

And most importantly: what do I want for me, for my life... going forward?

It's a weird way of reminiscing with yourself... a good way, actually. But also... it's often the only way to move forward. To move on. To freaking grow, dude.

I guess that's the purpose of my post today. This recent reflection has been really good for me, so I'd like to encourage you to do this for yourself. If you're struggling today... look back at yesterday... or maybe even a couple-of-years-worth-of-yesterdays... and then... follow you into the present. View it almost like a path... leading from who you were then... to who you are now. And make sure that you appreciate the hell outta that path. 

After all... it made you... you.

Then, ask yourself: do I like who I am now? And if so... why so? And if not... why not?

Like I said... I've been doing this recently, and it's a process, of course... but a process that has changed my life. In many ways, I think the "me" back then ... would be so proud of the me now. At how far I've come, at how much I've grown, at what I've learned from it all.

Because... when it comes down to it, every life experience is about learning and growing, right? So much of life is about using whatever mistakes you made back then... to shape the you today, right now... and going forward. It's about learning what you need to do, what you want to do, and what you don't need/want to do. It's about finding out what doesn't make you happy, what does make you happy, and how you can make others happy. 

It's about becoming you... the best you that you can be. 
And then... sharing that you with someone... and with the world. 

At the end of the day... visiting an old you... can lead to a new you, a better you. But ONLY if you let "you" in. It's may not be easy... to look back, and relive the pain, or even the joy, from before. But it's definitely worth it, because it just may change your life...

Accept your past. Embrace your present. Fight for your future.
Apologize to those you've hurt. Forgive those who've hurt you. Forgive yourself.
Don't make excuses for who you are, or why you are that way, or why you aren't another way. 
Don't deny yourself happiness because of something you did... or didn't do... or could've done better. 
Don't think that you don't deserve it... or that it's not worth it... or that it's too late. 
Because it's NEVER too late to be happy.

Trust me... it's worth it.

Look back. Move forward. Grow stronger.
And start living your freaking life, dude! You only get one. And it can be AWWWESOMMME :)

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*This one's for you. You know who you are :) 

Ashley Says...

 [Note: Feel free to skip down to the bottom and just read my 3 bullet points. That's the core of this entire post, anyway... the part you'll *maybe?* appreciate. Love, Ash]

I'm writing today... simply because I felt inspired to write again. 
I have no real topic in mind... no distinct purpose for this post. No idea what I'm even doing here, really. 

But that's okay. Because today, I'm mostly writing for me, in a non-selfish kinda way. I'm writing because I want to write... I need to write... I love to write. Something about the process... it's just good stuff. And if you love it, you should do it, right?

Well, yes... but for a while now, I haven't been writing, at least not consistently. For whatever reason... and I'm sure there are many... I've avoided something I truly love, which is just plain stupid. (Actually... that's been true for me in a lot of other ways as well... outside of writing. Things that I love, places I love, people I love.)

To be honest, in many ways, I feel like I've put myself on hold. My life on hold. And I'm just not okay with that anymore. 

Maybe that's why I'm writing today. In some attempt to get back to me. To get back to you. Or maybe I've already gotten back to me, and I'm just inspired enough to write again, and share it with you.

Either way... long story short... here I am, writing today. Wondering why the words sometimes flow more easily than others... and why today can't be one of those days...
But... gotta start somewhere, right?

That being said, I'm just gonna keep typing, and hope that maybe something will happen here. I'm not going to think about it... I'm just gonna write it. Here goes...

Hmmm... okay, this is hard. I'm pretty rusty. So... maybe I'll just share some of my random thoughts, some things I've learned about life, love, and what really matters. I'll probably do this in bullet point form... for your sake, and mine... since my writing is so damn rough right now. 

Alright, here are 3 random Ashley thoughts for your day...

Ashley Owen says...

* No emotion is ever quite as crippling as the feeling of regret. Especially continued regret... lasting regret. It ruins lives, to be quite honest. Regret is about more than just pain and loss, it's also about fear, right? Fear of the past... fear of the future. The fear of who you were, who you are, who you'll be. But mostly... of what you could've been. 

* Often, we think back on certain times in our lives, and we miss the way things were back then. Maybe we miss a person, place, or thing. Maybe we miss a feeling. Maybe we miss ourselves. And maybe we can't go back in time, but that's okay. Because today is all we have... and if you're willing to follow your heart into the now... today is all you need.

* When something inspires you, it alters you, in some way. It becomes part of you, somehow. Even if you never act on that feeling or do anything with it at all, that piece of inspiration never really leaves you. It's always there... lingering in the back of your mind... forcing you to think... whispering to you in the dark. Even if just to say: "I'm still here, and there's still time."

*Quotes written by Ashley Owen Hill, Lucky Dog Rescue Blog

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Shine Bright Like a Diamond

More than a year and a half ago, Diamond came to me from a shelter in Andalusia, Alabama. Prior to her arrival here, Diamond had been living in that shelter for quite some time... with no adoption requests. 

You see... Diamond is a Pit Bull mix, which greatly reduces her chances of adoption in the first place. But beyond the "Pit Bull" label... Diamond is also a special needs dog: she's deaf, which reduces her "adoptability" even further.

Therefore, dogs like Diamond are usually labeled as "Unadoptable" by shelters. In other words, dogs like Diamond are almost-always euthanized.

However, the shelter director, Christin, had fallen in love with Diamond, so she just couldn't bear the thought of something happening to her. That being said... she also couldn't justify keeping Diamond in the city shelter any longer, considering the length of time she'd been there... with zero interest from adopters. Sooo... Christin decided to post Diamond on Pet Pardons, in the hopes that an adopter or an animal rescue group would come forward to take this sweet girl.

Shortly thereafter... someone did step forward. I did. 

And since the shelter director, Christin, just-so-happens to be a friend of mine (as well as an amazing woman, who I've written about in the past), I was really excited for the chance to help Diamond... while also helping my sweet friend in the process.

So, on Christin's birthday, I sent her a message and said: "You have an offer for Diamond! It's from me :) Happy Birthday, Christin!" 

Christin called me crying-- tears of joy-- and of course, I cried too. She said: "Ashley, I can never, ever thank you enough! This is the best birthday present ever!" 

So, long story short, Diamond was transported to me in Meridian, where she officially became a "Lucky Dog." 

Diamond & I, in her new home

Of course, Diamond quickly stole my heart, with her fun personality, her precious smile, and her hilarious antics. I'm telling you... Diamond can literally make me laugh-out-loud, on a daily basis. Beyond that, she's super-smart! (In other words: she learned to play me like a friggin' fiddle.)

Here's a classic Diamond example: One day, Diamond wasn't quite ready to come inside, so I used some treats to coax her. Big mistake. From that day forward, Diamond would ONLY come inside, when treats were involved. And if you don't have a treat on you... you better go find some... because she's not coming inside without one (or two... or seven...). 

During my time with Diamond, I've been able to watch her learn and grow, which has been truly amazing for me, and for her. And while I realized that she'd likely be with me for longer than some of the other rescue dogs (due to her special needs), I had to believe that the perfect family would find her some day. 

Well... guess what? Today... was that day. 

Let me back-track for a sec: last week, I was contacted by a family who was extremely interested in adopting my Diamond. And in talking with them further, something in my heart told me that this was the perfect family for her. 

Jackie & Diamond

Especially when I asked the mom, Jackie, this question: "What was it about Diamond that drew you to her?" 
Her response: "Honestly, it's the fact that she's deaf. We already have one deaf dog living in our home now, and she's my heart!! So I've learned a lot about caring for dogs who are deaf, and through that experience, I've become especially fond of the special needs babies. When I saw Diamond's picture, I instantly fell in love with her face. So, when I read that she's also deaf, I just knew she was the one for our family." 

While I could totally relate to what this woman was saying (clearly, I feel the same way about the special needs dogs), it's insanely rare for me to hear those words, from the mouth of a potential adopter. As I've said, special needs dogs are some of the most difficult dogs to place, because their "disabilities" are usually a massive turn-off to most adopters. When it comes to Diamond, the fact that she's deaf... is the primary reason that she's been with me for so long.  

So... to hear an adopter say: "We want to adopt her, BECAUSE she's deaf" ... was just like: wow! Especially knowing that the family already has personal experience in caring for a deaf baby like Diamond. It was just... more than I could've asked for!

Today, Diamond and I drove more than an hour to meet the family and conduct a home visit. When Jackie met Diamond for the first time, she knew... and I knew. They were meant to be. And when Diamond met the family's other dogs, I was amazed at how well she fit in with them. Everything was just... perfect!

So, obviously, I was thrilled to approve the adoption! 
But that meant... it was time for me... to say goodbye.

As I always do, I warned the family that I'd be emotional as I left. I said: "When I start crying like a baby --which will be any second now-- please just know... it's only because I'm going to miss her so much. But also know... that this is why I saved her... so she could have this moment, and this incredible future, with you."

Then, before I turned to leave, Jackie stopped me, and said: "This will probably sound a little crazy, but we're big on celebrating birthdays, including the dogs' birthdays. Do you happen to know when Diamond's birthday is?"

Tears filled my eyes, as I responded: "I do know. It's today. Because today is the day when it all begins for her."

With that, I leaned down, gave Diamond one more kiss, and whispered: "Happy Birthday, baby girl." 

I wiped my tears, looked at Jackie, and simply said: "Thank you." We hugged, then, I turned to go....

Of course, you know me... I cried the whole way home. 

Diamond's new brother & sister

When I got back, I received a text from Jackie's young daughter. It said: "Miss Ashley, thank you again for my new best friend! I love her so much! Thank you!!!"

I responded: "You're welcome, sweet girl! Also, just remember: Diamond may be deaf, but she's able to hear the words 'I love you.' So make sure you tell her often. She doesn't listen with her ears; she listens with her heart."

With that... I smiled, as I grabbed Diamond's folder... and filed it under ADOPTED!

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If You Insist On Buying From a Breeder...

 Follow-up to my previous post. CLICK HERE to read: Maybe They Just Don't Know...

Today, I'll attempt to explain the differences between different types of breeders... in an effort to reach those who insist on buying their next pet from a breeder. 

Save a life! ADOPT!

But before I go there... let me just say this:

I'm clearly NOT a fan of breeding, in any way. I'm actually very against it. In my personal opinion, it's insanely reckless and irresponsible for anyone to intentionally (or unintentionally) bring even more pets into this world, when MILLIONS of beautiful, deserving, healthy pets are needlessly dying in shelters each year. 

I just can't understand how anyone could disagree with me on that...

Further, I personally believe that EVERYONE who is looking for a new pet should always ADOPT a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group. Or... at the very least, adoption should always be their first consideration (before even thinking about going to a breeder).

But... that being said... I do realize that some people disagree with my personal feelings on this subject... or maybe... they just aren't willing to hear me out. Either way, no matter what I say, those people aren't going to change their opinions or behaviors regarding their pet decisions. Meaning: they're not going to adopt their next (or any) pet from a rescue or shelter; they're going to buy from a breeder. Period.

So... knowing that I'll never convince them otherwise... maybe --at the very least-- I can educate them on the differences amongst breeders, and explain how to identify (what we'll call--for lack of a better term) a "responsible" breeder, versus an "irresponsible" breeder.

Okay, so, if you INSIST on buying a pet from a breeder, please try to make the most "responsible" purchase decision possible. If you don't know how to go about doing that, then READ THIS FIRST:

Here goes...

Within the highly-unregulated breeding industry, there are many different types of breeders. There are "backyard" breeders, "accidental" breeders, puppy millers, "hobby" breeders, etc. 

Since many people classify the smaller, hobby-type breeders as the most "responsible" and/or "reputable" group within this industry, I'll aim to compare and contrast the "irresponsible" breeders (backyard, accidental, puppy millers) against the "hobby/responsible" breeders.

First, let's start with a general overview of the different types of breeders:

Backyard Breeders-  This group represents the vast majority of pet breeders. In short, a backyard breeder a person who intentionally breeds their animals in order to produce offspring, which can later be sold for profit. The backyard breeder may have one or more motives for their breeding decisions, such as: generating a profit, making their "money back" from their initial purebred dog purchase(s), allowing their children to experience the "miracle of birth," etc. However, this person often has little --if any-- understanding or concern for aspects such as breed history, breed standards, genetics, and so on. When it comes to backyard breeders, breeding ethics are poor at best, often engaging in dangerous practices such as inbreeding, over-breeding, breeding genetic defects, etc. In addition, living conditions for the breeder dogs and offspring may be substandard (or even deplorable), and the health of the animals isn't always a priority, which leads to many current and future medical issues. Further, these types of breeders tend to have little consideration for the long-term welfare of the purchased offspring. Meaning: the puppies/kittens are sold to anyone who can pay the asking price, with no screening of new homes, no refusal of sale to unsuitable candidates, no contracts, no follow-ups after the sale, etc. (often resulting in irresponsible pet ownership, animal neglect, and animal cruelty). Backyard breeders often advertise "puppies for sale" in newspasper classifieds, online ads and/or websites. Or... you can see them selling puppies on the side of the road, in Walmart parking lots, and so forth. They may also sell to pet shops. In general, backyard breeders tend to be smaller-in-scale than puppy mills, but equally as unethical in their practices. 

"Accidental" Breeders- An "accidental" breeder is a person who doesn't attempt to prevent unplanned pet pregnancies through spay/neuter. Thus, their unaltered (meaning un-spayed or un-neutered) pet inevitably becomes pregnant, or impregates another dog/cat, resulting in unwanted offspring... which are often dumped in animal shelters, sold, or given-away "free to a good home." While this form of breeding may be classified as "accidental," it's fully preventable through spay/neuter. Plus, it's every-bit as irresponsible as intentional breeding. SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!!!

Puppy millers- A puppy mill is a large-scale breeding operation, with a primary focus on profitability over animal welfare. Puppy millers will often house hundreds of dogs in horrific conditions, by utilizing tiny, overcrowded crates, stacked one on top of the other... in order to get the maximum use out of the limited, inadequate space that's available for housing of pets. For the puppy miller, the value of the animals lies in the profitability that can be generated from the offspring... instead of in the value of each precious life itself. Meaning: these are not "lives" to them; they're "products." Therefore, puppy millers focus on producing as many offspring as possible, from as many breeds as possible, as often as possible, to make as much money as possible. The true welfare of the animals is of little importance to the puppy miller, because it's all about the numbers, and the money. As a result, these dogs are subjected to insane-levels of neglect and cruelty, receiving inadequate food, water, space to live, socialization, and vet care. This leads to immense physical and emotional suffering for these dogs, in the short-term, and long after. 

"Hobby/Responsible" Breeders- "Hobby/responsible" breeders represent a very small portion of the breeding industry. A "hobby/responsible" breeder is a person who breeds a particular breed of dog, due to their love of that specific breed. This breeder is focused on the animals and their well-being, instead of on the potential revenue that can be generated from those animals. A "responsible" breeder is knowledgeable about the breed, genetics, animal health, etc, and they strive to be ethical in their breeding practices (only breeding dogs that meet the breed standard, limited number of breedings, genetic testing, etc.). Animals and their offspring are housed in sanitary, adequate living conditions, with exercise, socialization, and comprehensive vet care being provided. Further, a "responsible" breeder will screen potential buyers to ensure the quality of homes, refusing to sell to unsuitable candidates. Lastly, some breeders within this group will attempt to work with reputable rescues/shelters, in order to find homes for some of the remaining offspring. Again... this group is the MINORITY; very few breeders actually qualify for the "responsible" category. (PS- Many irresponsible breeders will use descriptions like "small, hobby breeder" in their ads, in an attempt to fool you. Most "hobby" breeders don't actually use the term "hobby" to describe themselves.)

Okay... now that you have a general understanding of the different types of breeders, let's talk a little more about that "irresponsible" group of breeders... and why you should NEVER purchase a pet from them.

Irresponsible breeding operations utilize unethical, inhumane, and illegal practices. For starters, an irresponsible breeder will likely have several different breeds available for sale (This is a RED FLAG: they clearly have too many animals to properly care for each). In addition, many of these breeders "market" the majority of their animals as "purebred." However, this often means inbred. In other words, the breeding of those who are closely genetically related. Inbreeding and over-breeding (excessive breeding of the same female) lead to a massive list of genetic defects and medical problems for the offspring.

Further, irresponsible breeders often house their animals in horrific conditions... forced to live in tiny, over-crowded cages, or small outdoor kennels with insufficient space, bedding, and shelter. Animals often receive inadequate food, water, space to thrive, socialization, and vet care. This causes immense physical and psychological issues for both the breeder dogs, and their offspring (thus, the puppies/kittens they sell to you). 

You may wonder: Why would any breeder do such a thing?
As I've said, when it comes to irresponsible breeders, the value of their animals lies in the profit generated by the offspring... not in the welfare of the animals. Producing more offspring... means making more profit.

BUT... producing more offspring also means having an increased number of animals in their care... each needing food, water, medical attention, etc. In addition, having more animals in their care also requires more SPACE to house those animals. At least... it should...

Yet... it costs money to provide adequate space, staffing, food, and so on to care for the very-large number of animals they're breeding and housing. Therefore, many irresponsible breeders cut their costs by stacking crates, crowding cages, and limiting food, water, vet care, and the number of caregivers. Cages are rarely cleaned, which forces the dogs to live in massive piles of urine and feces.

Due to the poor living conditions, most buyers are never allowed to view the kennel areas where the irresponsible breeder keeps their dogs (RED FLAG). Sure... that breeder will meet you somewhere else, or take you to their "showing area," or sell their dogs to you on the side of the road, but they'll rarely let you see the reality of their operation... because it's heartbreaking, inhumane, and illegal.

Okay... so WHY should this matter to YOU? 
Well, if you plan to purchase from a breeder, then you MUST do so "responsibly." Here's why:

1) When you purchase from backyard breeders and puppy millers, you provide them with the monetary incentive and support they need to continue their operations. Therefore, you directly contribute to the neglect and cruelty forced upon hundreds of other existing and future puppy mill dogs, as well as the deaths of millions of shelter dogs. While you may feel like you "saved" this particular dog from the breeder/puppy mill... you've actually just ensured that many, many more like him/her will be born into that same horrific environment. While I'm not saying that was the intention of your decision, I AM saying it was the outcome of your decision. 

Let me explain. While I hate to discuss animals like they're products, it's the only way I can describe how the mind of an irresponsible breeder works. So, you must look at your purchase decision in terms of demand and supply. If you cut the demand for the irresponsible breeder's offspring (Meaning: you --and others-- don't buy from them), then there will be no profit incentive for that breeder to continue breeding. Thus, they'll cut the supply (number of breeder dogs/offspring). Eventually, with a goal of profit and no resulting revenue, they'll stop breeding altogether. 

Even if it doesn't seem like your individual purchase matters... IT DOES! Because they'll NEVER stop breeding... if YOU keep buying from them. Trust me on that. 

2) If you're looking to pay a premium price for what you consider a "premium" dog, then you should never, ever, EVER purchase from an irresponsible breeder. Irresponsible breeding practices lead to a massive list of ongoing, lifelong health problems for the offspring, which means insanely-high vet bills for you, and an extremely poor quality of life for your dog (and likely, a shorter lifespan). In truth, these "premium" dogs are actually the lowest-quality dogs you could find (in terms of health). Further, due to the emotional stress these dogs are forced to endure during their time with the irresponsible breeder, the dog will likely exhibit some extreme mental and behavioral issues, even after you bring them into your loving home. Some of these issues will take years of training and positive reinforcement to correct; some issues may last a lifetime... 

Obviously, there's so much more to this issue... more than I'd ever have time to write about here. But here are the main points I hope to get across:

-Adoption is a life-saving decision, and it should always be the first (and hopefully-- ONLY!) consideration when looking for a new family pet. 

-If you INSIST on buying a pet from a breeder, PLEASE do so "responsibly." Meaning: do your research on the individual breeder, ask questions, and make sure you SEE things for yourself. Don't just take their word for it! 

-A "responsible" breeder will also have important questions for YOU (requirements may include an application, interview, home visit, vet references, contract, spay/neuter, etc.), which is a critical distinction. 
Therefore, if a breeder has nothing to say to you, other than: "I'll take your money; here's the dog" ... then, that person is an irresponsible breeder. DO NOT purchase from them! 
If they won't let you view the living conditions of the puppies, see the parents, etc., DO NOT purchase from them! If any of their dogs look unhealthy, DO NOT purchase from them! If they have many different breeds available for sale, DO NOT purchase from them!

-PLEASE DO NOT support irresponsible breeders by paying them money to continue their cruelty!

-Lastly, if you run across someone you believe to be an irresponsible breeder, please report them to Animal Control, the local police, or another animal welfare agency. Please.

And above all else, if and when you do bring a new pet into your home, PLEASE be a responsible pet guardian... by loving, caring, and providing for that pet for his or her entire life, no matter what.

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