Pet stores fuckin suck

OK, I'm 100% for adopting shelter dogs, but there's some BS that pops up whenever this issue is discussed that just annoys the hell out of me: 1) Shelter dogs aren't healthier than pet store dogs. In most cases, a shelter dog was a pet store dog or is directly descended from pet store dogs. 2) Mixed breeds aren't generally healthier than purebreds. There are a few breeds that have known higher probability for certain health issues and these issues will generally be common in dogs coming from pet stores or backyard breeders. However, most breeds are just as healthy as the total population of mixed breeds (if not healthier), mixed breeds are certainly not immune to genetic disorders (especially if they descend from puppy mill dogs) and, all other ethical issues concerning breeding aside, breeders serving the show dog community and breed aficionados have use genetic screening to prevent these problems. 3) Purebred dogs are not inherently more “inbred” than mixed breed dogs. Breeds are not royal families consisting of maybe 20 or so people across an entire continent. They consist of tens of thousands of dogs and are less inbred than most rural human communities predating mass transportation. On that note, if your mixed breed came from a rural area, there's a good chance his mom might be his half-sister (which is, in fact, a natural consequence among pack animals that acknowledge an alpha male). Dogs are like that and, frankly, it doesn't really matter. 4) Being pro-adoption is no reason to be anti-purebred. There are many, many homeless purebred dogs and they deserve to be rescued too.

Every animal I've gotten has been because of some crazy situation. I smashed a window because some idiots left a kitten in a windowed up car on a 110 degree day. Now my cat. Woke up in the night to hear an arguement between my grandmother and some drunk who was kicking some dog around. I left that guy out cold and called the cops to pick him up. Long story short, I wouldn't pay for animals when I can just inflict violence on deserving idiots to get a free one.

I think I'm going to just post this in on here since I've been replying to so many comments about this subject: Not all breeders are bad. Some are good and can be incredibly helpful. You just need to take your time and do your research. I will agree that it is vastly better in most cases to adopt an animal from a shelter, but sometimes that doesn't work out for everyone. I adopted my dog from a super responsible breeder, for example, and I'm so happy that I did. My new sheltie is perfect for my lifestyle and I already love him so much. The breeder has also been helping me every step through. I'm really lucky! I think really the most important thing for people is to stop impulse buying. So many pets go to shelters because their owner couldn't handle them or they weren't responsible enough. Dogs NEED dedication and responsibility. No matter where someone is buying their new pet (whether from breeder or shelter), they need to be ready for all the work and commitment involved!

AND KITTEHS TOO!

I know the risk and all the bad things about getting a dog from a pet store. My brother got our first dog from a pet store, I guess he couldn't find a local breeder at the time. We've had him for almost 4 years now and he's still healthy. I hope it remains that way *knocks on wood*  I guess we got lucky.

Are people really going to use the argument that it's going to leave the pet store puppies abandoned and unloved? Where do you think unsold pet store puppies are going to go? The pound! It works itself out.

Buzzfeed should stop posting countless videos featuring pure-bred puppies doing whatever the fuck. There is no justifiable reason for anyone to be getting a puppy over a rescue dog, beyond selfish ones.

I agree that puppy mills and pet stores are terrible, but don't take your anger out on those who have bought from pet stores. My first dog was adopted from a shelter, and my second dog was going to be chosen the same. But I was brought into a pet store and found my best friend of 14 years now. I know it wasn't the best choice, but sometimes you find your best friends in the worst areas. And in response to someone above, this does not make me a dog-hater. Again, I definitely don't condone buying from pet stores, but understand that there is no black and white on this subject in regards to those who buy. Emotions play a key part in who you fall in love with. Though, regardless of the past, I will definitely be getting my next dog from a shelter.

THANK YOU for promoting this. I'm never sure whether to click the black or the red heart when the topic is something I do not like at all, but I'm glad awareness is being raised about it. We need an “it's complicated” heart.

Alternately, support legislation in your states which mandates stricter regulations on puppy mills and breeders.

this is stupid. if u don't buy the puppies they will just sit there and die. what needs to happen is they need to be reported for neglect and abuse, then taken to an animal shelter

Three years ago my wife and I bought a puppy from a breeder at a flea market. Three years and a lot of information later, we got him a buddy from a rescue foundation that uses a foster system.

I adopted my big handsome man six years ago and he is the most loving dog I've ever had the privilege to meet (not to mention the healthiest!) Adoption all the way!!!!!!

Breeders are in the puppy-for-profit industry too. Adoption is always the way to go.

I don't really understand how someone can call themselves a dog lover and buy a (full of health problems due to a level of inbreeding that'd make a royal family balk) purebred from a breeder or pet store. Adoption all the way.

Hey, we don't need any more humans on this planet either… Adopt a kid instead of making your own! There are so many awesome ones out there who need loving homes!

Ill get flak for this, bit one could argue there are no reputable breeders (except in the case of service dogs). We don't need anymore pets in this country. Adopt. Please! There is really no way to predict how a dog will behave by its breed…all dogs are different. Best way to determine a match? Visit a shelter and hang out with the dogs.