Ok, why and what are you saying? I agree there are people who should have no pets, but what does the 70 - 80 % number?
If abuse is the point I do find it vile. At the same time I also get we treat our pets better than almost every country treats their kids, and in too many cases in the US POS's who should be put down treat their pets better than their kids.
Just speaking for myself, I believe that both kids and pets should be treated/raised well. Makes for way better kids and pets. Way less prison population. Way fewer dog bites.
Dogs are far better company than most people, period. But the problem I have with adopting dogs is the bullshit hoops these people make prospective owners jump thru just to get a dog. (Why the fuck to you need 2 references? This ain't no job application.) You'd think they'd be a little grateful that we are helping them by saving another one being put down. I used to adopt shepherds (3), but no more - I'd rather get one from a puppy bin than deal with them again.
I have to agree with you James, my experience with these so called "foster" and "rescue" groups are a trying exercise. The applications are daunting, and some even asked for my ss# (buh-bye). There is some sort of charitable organization tax umbrella that they are operating under, and I have yet to figure out what exactly is the motivation to make it so difficult to place these dogs. I have found that the most reputable dog placement facilities are the ones run by municipalities.
Yep, the more people I meet, the more I like dogs. However, I pretty much agree with the app process. By having to go thru a process, rather than just walking thru the door and saying, "give me that one", it makes a lot of people think before jumping into dog ownership. It tells a potential owner that a dog is a responsibility, not a temporary toy. It's pretty obvious you don't fall into that category, with your prior adopting of 3 shepherds, but think about those who should not be allowed to take ownership of a pup. Don't let a little paperwork prevent you from being a hero to your fellow dog lovers, and more importantly, don't let some paperwork prevent you from being a hero to a deserving, loyal pup. P.S.---Puppy mills are bullshit.
Cute dog! Chiuahaus are good to their owners but no one else, my sister bought one and he was typical timid as shit and always barking so she was alwats trying to socialise him, and she would always try to hand him off to me when he didnt want to go, first time she did it the thing pissed all over me, then i said no way when she would try to hand him off to me to make him get used to people, but she forced him on me again and he pissed on me again, so her new trick was to hand him a bone when you walk in and the little fucker bit me, first dog to ever draw blood, and the thing was like 4 pounds. They are good dogs if you are the owner, or the 2-3 people he trusts, my sister takes hers everywhere, but if you arent on their inner circle they want nothing to do with you.