Puppies for Christmas

By Carol Boker

Editor in Chief of Pet Product News International and Pet Style News

I have no problems with pet stores selling dogs, especially if they do it responsibly by knowing their breeders well. I think most retailers are smart about not selling puppies at Christmas just because Mom and Dad think it would be a neat gift. Checking out who is getting the dog, who will be responsible for it, the family’s commitment to training and so forth is what every retailer should be doing … and then following up to make sure the puppy and family are getting the products and guidance they need to make it a “forever” match.

I just talked to a volunteer from my local no-kill shelter. They have 90 to 100 dogs waiting for adoption, so for those stores that don’t sell puppies and have customers inquiring about dogs for Christmas, make sure you remember all those dogs who need good homes. It’s especially bad right now with the economy and folks losing their homes. Sometimes Fido is the first to go when the situation gets bad.

If nothing else, those rescue groups could use any donations of products and/or money, so help out where you can and also spread the word to your customers. I’m signing a card right now with money to help my local group … and in January, since I lost my faithful friend Belle, I will head over there and bring home a dog (or two) to join our family.

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Puppies for Christmas

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I believe due to evidence revealed about puppy mills, sales of puppies at any level should be discontinued. There are store owners that reap the benefits of such "product', often turn their heads when inquiring about responsible breeder background checks. I know for a fact that puppy mills will provide false breeder information on puppies sold to get past such interrogations. Puppies, exotic birds and creatures as well as bunnies should be banned from public sale. Brenda, Chicago, IL Posted: 5/3/2009 11:17:48 AM