Local Pet Store Issue: Puppies for Sale

The following articles and letters to the editor were published in The News-Gazette, Champaign, Illinois. www.news-gazette.com

Puppy sales draw objections 1
June 23, 2007
By Debra Pressey

CHAMPAIGN – When Terry Benson of Champaign wandered into an upscale doggie boutique at Market Place Mall this week, she wasn't in the market for a new pet.

She just stopped in to look around, she said, and spotted a window full of puppies.

"They looked real cute," she said.

In the few weeks since this new shop, Lucky Puppy Boutique and Barkery, has been open, owner Kari Prior said business has been even better than she expected.

But it hasn't been all wagging tails and ringing cash registers.

Animal welfare activists objecting to the sale of puppies in a mall store have made their concerns known to Prior and to the mall management office. Some have called or written letters, Prior said, and she's had a few visitors escorted out by mall security.

Mary Tiefenbrunn, with the local Companion Animal Resource and Education Center, said selling puppies in a retail store has the potential to add to an already severe population of homeless dogs in the area because buyers might not have considered the real responsibilities of pet ownership.

"It kind of leads to impulse purchases," she said.

What's more, she said, buyers are less likely to get solid information about a dog's background than they get directly from breeders, leading to more potential for buyer's remorse down the road.

Reputable breeders, she said, are choosy about what kind of homes their animals are going to, and they'll take their dogs back later if the owners don't want them anymore.

"Reputable breeders don't sell their animals through pet stores like that," said Harriett Weatherford, a retired University of Illinois administrator who volunteers at the UI College of Veterinary Medicine and was an interim director of the Champaign County Humane Society.

Current executive director Jason Smith said the humane society is working with a group of animal welfare organizations in the area on a letter and phone campaign to try to persuade Prior to stop selling puppies.

"There is a responsible way to breed. There's an irresponsible way to breed, and I think what you'll find is most peoples' objections to the store out there is that they can't guarantee that they're getting them from responsible breeders," Smith said.

Prior, a former hair stylist in Rantoul who sold her salon to open Lucky Puppy, also sells upscale merchandise and bakery treats for dogs.

She said animal welfare activists have accused her of dealing in puppies that come from puppy mills – which, according to the Humane Society of the United States, are large purebred breeding facilities that treat dogs inhumanely and sell to brokers and pet shops. But Prior said she and her husband are dealing with reliable breeders with whom they have established relationships.

Prior also said the puppies in the store have been examined by a veterinarian, and she and her husband personally check the facilities of breeders with whom they deal.

"If we find good breeders, we have to convince them to let us put their puppies in our store," she said.

Prior said she has six or seven dogs for sale in the store at a time, each one selling from $400 to about $2,400.

"Everyone who gets a puppy gets a pedigree," she said.

Tiefenbrunn said her organization and others concerned about Lucky Puppy want an in-person meeting with Prior. But Prior said she'll only talk to people with issues about her store on the phone.

"They're like your antiabortionists, your tree-huggers," she said. "Those people, no matter what you say to them, it's never going to be good enough for them."

Market Place Mall general manager Dennis Robertson said it's the mall's policy to encourage people with concerns about a store to take them directly to the owners, but the mall office is also forwarding the letters and calls it receives to Prior to make sure she's aware of the concerns.

"This is an issue that people are really passionate about," he said.

Warm, fuzzy puppies generate hot, contentious debate
July 8, 2007
By Tom Kacich

I walked into the Lucky Puppy Boutique and Barkery half-expecting to see employees dressed in black hats and masks, jamming dogs into filthy, cramped cages. That, after all, has been the tone of some of the letters to the editor we’ve received in recent weeks about this tiny new shop at Market Place Mall in Champaign.

The store’s owners and staff have been accused of getting their dogs from so-called puppy mills, of selling unhealthy treats, of selling potentially unhealthy dogs and of appealing to shoppers who might somehow be easily convinced to buy an expensive dog on an emotional whim.

But if ever there was an unsuccessful letter-writing campaign, this one is it. The Lucky Puppy looks every bit like a financial hit. I was there at 2 o’clock on a Thursday afternoon and the Lucky Puppy was packed. Yes, it’s not hard to pack a 700-square foot store, but there were a lot more people in the Lucky Puppy than in some other mall stores 10 times as big. And people weren’t in there just to pet the $500 to $2,400 boutique puppies. They were buying pricey dog treats (made with carob and yogurt and pine nuts) and dog clothes and dog toys and jewel-studded dog collars. Whoever coined the term “man’s best friend” was right on target. There are, I’m sure, some puppies in Champaign County who are better cared for than some infants.

“This has become the hugest attraction in the mall,” said Devin Harris, the vice president of sales and marketing at the Lucky Puppy. “It’s bigger than anything they’ve had here in years. The mall management is very happy with us.”

The debate about the Lucky Puppy seems to be a lot like the debate about SUVs. Some people think it’s immoral to drive a big, gas-guzzling machine that towers over most other vehicles. SUVs offend their sense of righteousness so much that they’d like Congress to legislate them out of existence. But the vehicles, despite high gas prices, remain popular with enough of the public that the auto companies keep making them.

And pet shops keep selling expensive dogs when perfectly adequate ones are available at the humane society.

It’s called choice.

Harris insists the Lucky Puppy doesn’t sell dogs from puppy mills. Fliers at the store say that the owners perform “diligent and continued research” on every breeder and that they never have nor will they “support or promote puppy mills.”

“We believe the general public has a right to get the type of and quality pets they desire,” the statement continues. “We encourage seeking every available resource when choosing your new family member. We are happy to lead you to the local Second Chance and no-kill shelters we have begun to seek a partnership with.”

The Lucky Puppy has a binder full of photos of dogs at the DeWitt County Animal Shelter in Clinton that are available through Second Chance for Pets, a group that attempts to find homes for unwanted dogs and cats.

“But here, we pride ourselves on having the ability to match up the right dog with people,” Harris said. “When people buy their dogs from us they’ll get all the breeders’ information, names, address, a full pedigree, a DNA profile so they can verify that the papers have not been fabricated.

“The breeds and puppies we have are of a superior quality. The breeders of these dogs don’t just give them away. But I’m not going to let our customers get dogs that aren’t of superior quality. We’re not going to sell sick or poor quality puppies. If they see we’re selling sick dogs, it’s something that will be obvious,” said Harris, 30, who said he has 19 years in the pet business, including working in a pet store, managing a Petland store and working as a breeder and distributor.

While many people have greeted the store like it was a fuzzy puppy, others have been less cuddly.

“One lady verbally abused the manager and had to be removed…by mall security,” Harris said. “It’s unfortunate but it’s not surprising. It’s the same group, the same people who write letters to the mall management.

“On the other hand, we have people who come in here every day and say that they’re glad we’re in the community and offering the service.”

Harris said he wasn’t surprised by the initial response to the store’s opening. “I told (the owners) what the reaction would be,” he said. “This has happened before. It’s always been a politically charged issue. It’s just too bad that some pet stores can ruin it for everyone else.”

Lucky Puppy Concerns
November 19, 2007
Reported by: Sarah Jindra / WCIA 3 NEWS

The Champaign County Humane Society says it has proof Lucky Puppy, in Champaign, is buying puppies raised in horrible conditions.  The stores owners deny their puppies come from a troubled large scale breeder in Wisconsin.  They say they'd never support that kind of treatment.

Lucky Puppy has been bringing smiles to people's faces since it opened six months ago.  But some feel the store is just helping large scale breeders stay in business.  "Dogs sold in retail establishments usually come from large scale commercial breeding facilities, and those are inhumane," says Mary Tiefenbrunn, Executive Director at the Champaign County Humane Society.

The accusations started Saturday, after someone brought a puppy to the humane society a day after buying it at Lucky Puppy.   She said she just couldn't take care of it and handed over all the papers for the puppy.  That's when the humane society saw the registration.  It says it's proof Lucky Puppy buys from an inhumane facility.  The registration application that came with the puppy shows Lucky Puppy bought it from a breeder in Wisconsin named Wallace Havens.

"We actually sought Wallace out and went and did a home visit with him. And we were very impressed with his puppies," says Lucky Puppy owner, Kari Pryor.

But others say Puppy Haven in Wisconsin is inhumane.  The Humane Society there tells us puppies aren't living in good conditions.  One woman who goes there often to rescue the dogs says there are some with chewed off tails and feet.  She calls it a puppy factory. 

Tiefenbrunn says it's heartbreaking puppies being sold in town may have lived in that environment.  "It's part of our mission to try and educate people about those conditions and try to bring that stuff to an end.  So it's very disturbing." 

The owners of the Lucky Puppy say they visit every breeder before buying, and would never buy from a place people would consider a "puppy mill".
"That actually bothers me because we have been there ourselves too.  And we know what we've seen with our eyes," says Pryor who owns the store with her husband.

Still, the humane society has doubts.  "It's just inconceivable that a real reputable breeder would sell to a pet store.  So the claim that all the dogs from the pet store are from responsible breeders is frankly disingenuous," says Tiefenbrunn.
     
The owners of Lucky Puppy do plan to go out and visit with Wallace Havens again to see if they've been missing something.  Online, Havens says all his kennels are clean and the dogs are well cared for.  According to the American Kennel Club, his privileges were suspended in 2006 for ten years because of unacceptable conditions.

The humane society is concerned about the warranty people get at Lucky Puppy as well.   The old warranty says a customer can return the puppy within 48 hours.  It also wouldn't allow anyone to buy until they thought about it for 24 hours.  That language is missing from the new warranty.  Pryor says she wasn't aware of the change, and plans to add the language back to the warranty on Tuesday. 

Dog show great way to find a suitable pet
August 24, 2007

Several years ago, my wife and I started talking about getting a dog. Our veterinarian told us about an upcoming dog show held by the Danville Kennel Club.

Attending this show was the best step that we could have taken. We got an up-close look at many different breeds and varieties of dogs. We met lots of breeders and handlers we found to be both very friendly and helpful. Several breeds of dogs were there that we didn't even know existed.

We also learned of the many breed-specific dog rescue operations that often have very good quality dogs available for adoption.

The time spent at the dog show set us on the path that led to our adoption of two beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. We couldn't possibly be happier with our choice. We were able to work directly with a very reputable breeder and purchase our dogs with the peace of mind that we were getting healthy, sound, quality animals backed by the many years of experience the breeders have to offer.

I sincerely urge anyone looking for a dog, or even if you are just a dog lover, to attend the upcoming Danville Kennel Club dog show on Sept. 1-2 at the Georgetown Fairgrounds in Georgetown. Show hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

I'm sure that those who attend will enjoy themselves. They may end up as happy as we are with the best suited pet for them and their families.

BRETT LITTLE
Danville

Breeding dogs can endure tough lives
August 7, 2007

My reason for being opposed to the pet store at the mall is personal. Years ago, I was involved in the rescue of over 100 Akita dogs taken from a commercial breeding facility.

One Akita, Mandy, became my companion of nine years. She was 3 when I got her, and she had been used for breeding at the facility, producing many litters according to the veterinarian that spayed her.

At the time of her rescue, she had a torn ear, a torn toe and a torn lip. She vomited and had diarrhea in my car. She was frightened of everyone. She didn't know how to walk on grass and was terrified of being indoors. I sat in the backyard at a distance from Mandy for a whole month before she would look at me.

At first, I kept her in an outdoor kennel because that was how she was used to living. Over time, I won her trust and helped her adjust to the house and car. From that point on, Mandy and I were inseparable. Although she had become comfortable with me, I was never able to leave her in the care of another.

One year after I met Mandy, she was diagnosed with sebaceous adenitis, an incurable autoimmune genetic disease that might not appear in a dog until she reaches the age of 5. I can only assume that it was passed on to her many puppies that were sold to pet stores, and then to unsuspecting customers. Responsible breeders are aware of such conditions and don't breed dogs that will pass them on.

If Mandy had not been rescued, she would never have known the joy of being a companion animal – she would have been a puppy-producing machine for life. Consumers should consider the lives of confinement and desperation that breeding dogs can endure in order to keep new puppies in the pet store window. If they do, they will walk on by.

PAM WASSON
Urbana

Exercise great care when selecting pet
August 7, 2007

Tom Kacich's July 8 column "Warm, fuzzy puppies generate hot, contentious debate" is right about one thing. When it comes to selecting a puppy, it is about choice.

Rather than debate which breeding operations may or may not be puppy mills, let's examine this question: should dogs be treated like livestock?

Breeding dogs is anything but a profitable endeavor unless one produces enough dogs to reach economies of scale. Anyone who has lived with multiple pets knows how much time is necessary to feed, exercise and clean up after them. Now imagine that you have 50, 100 or 500 dogs. It is literally impossible to give each dog the individual attention the dog needs.

That's why most dogs that are bred for retail are housed more like livestock and those breeding facilities are governed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Most of the dogs live in small cages made entirely of wire, even the floor. Breeding dogs may live their entire lives this way, receiving virtually no exercise or attention from their so-called caretakers.

The quality of the food and medical care may be substandard – remember profit is the driving force. The result is an animal suffering on two levels: physically from inadequate care and housing, and psychologically from lack of stimulation and attachment.

So, it is about choice. If you agree that dogs – a species bred for centuries to be companions to humans – deserve better treatment than a lifetime in a small cage for human profit, you should choose never to buy a puppy without personally scrutinizing the breeder's facilities, puppy socialization regimen and genetic testing for optimal health.

SUSAN HELMINK
Philo

Same crusaders after Chief and pet store?
July 31, 2007

It just dawned on me that the people who put all their waking hours into ousting Chief Illiniwek are the same people who are now working on getting the puppy store at Market Place closed. Will they ever stop?

PETE SCHNABEL
Paxton

Shelters are best source for dogs
July 29, 2007

In response to letters by Donna Cathey and Danielle Pulcini (both on July 23rd):

1. A vet who values money over an animal should not be allowed to practice.

2. We can divide shelters into two groups; those that euthanize for space and those that don't. Shelters of the latter kind sound appealing, but space is limited. These shelters turn animals away when full so the quality of care stays as optimal as possible for animals already there.

3. Puppy mills came about to exploit and profit from trends in dog breed popularity. For instance, after the release of Disney's "Lady and the Tramp," the cocker spaniel became the dog of choice for many families, including mine. The problem with mills is mothers and puppies often live in squalid conditions. Protesters of Lucky Puppy are not against the puppies; you don't get to pick where you're born or who adopts you. The store location raises concerns of impulse purchasing. Raising and training a young puppy requires a lot of time, money and patience.

4. The popularity of dog fighting is increasing and pit bulls are the dogs of choice. It used to be that when rings were broken up, every dog was euthanized. In recent years, dogs now go through an observation period. Aggressive ones are euthanized, but many go to the shelters with the hope of finding a forever home. Shelters don't choose their occupants, we do.

SARAH BORYS
Champaign

Pet store seems like a nice place to visit
July 23, 2007

I'm writing in response to the letters about the Lucky Puppy store in Market Place shopping center in Champaign. Not only do I work at the mall and visit the puppies in the store almost daily, but I have also purchased a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy at the Lucky Puppy.

This is a breed of dog that isn't very popular around here. I inquired about this breed and a store employee helped me locate and purchase one. There has been no problem with him whatsoever; he is perfectly healthy and happy.

I also wanted to inquire as to how people would know which kennel is a puppy mill and which isn't. What is the difference in buying a puppy from some other purebred breeder?

I don't understand what the big deal about this store is. But I think people need to get over the fact that it is doing well and the employees love every puppy that comes through that store. People want puppies, and if the humane society, where I volunteer, had breeds other than pit bulls it might get more adoptions.

I love animals, especially dogs, and if this was such a terrible store I wouldn't go near it.

Seeing as it's quite the opposite, I wish people would stop complaining. If people don't like it, then they shouldn't visit.

It's as simple as that.

DANIELLE PULCINI
Savoy

If you want a dog, go to rescue or shelter
July 18, 2007

Market Place Mall, a place where you can buy an outfit, eat a meal and buy a dog. Hey, why bother with giving a homeless dog a home and saving it from euthanasia when you can pay over $1,000 and support a business where dogs are sold, not adopted?

I am outraged at Market Place because it has put profit first by renting space to a boutique that sells puppies, where the puppies are anything but lucky.

While a puppy looks awfully cute there in the store, this situation can mean buying a puppy facing an array of immediate veterinary problems or harboring genetically borne diseases that do not appear until years later.

I urge you, if you want a "friend," please visit your local shelter or rescue.

SUE WILSON
Champaign

Be careful buying pure-bred puppies
July 16, 2007

A recent article in The News-Gazette focused on the newly opened Lucky Puppy Boutique and Barkery, an upscale dog supply store in Market Place Mall. One of the owners, Kari Prior, proudly stated that Lucky Puppy offers "unique and popular breeds of puppies." She assured The News-Gazette reporter that she has established excellent working relationships with breeders supplying the puppies.

It is known, however, that "pure-breed" companion canines often originate from puppy mills, where canines are seen primarily as commodities. Recently the Humane Society of the United States filed a class-action lawsuit against a store in Florida. This action was in response to complaints that the store sold dogs from puppy-mill suppliers.

If you must have a pure-bred puppy, check with the Champaign Kennel Club, the Champaign County Humane Society and the local breed-specific rescue groups. A canine is a lifetime investment. Please consider your choices carefully.

MERIANNE O'GRADY
Urbana

Please adopt healthy, unwanted dogs, cats
July 15, 2007

I agree with the July 10 letter, "Please don't buy dogs from stores." Just this morning on TV there was a story on how many dogs and cats are put down every day because of the overpopulation and unwanted animals. Why do we want to put more on earth by breeding every kind of mix possible? There are way too many new breeds coming out and yes, they are cute but mixing breeds just mixes problems.

Check out the shelters, pounds and humane societies for your next pet. The unwanted, abused, abandoned dogs and cats make the best lovable pets because you have rescued them from terrible conditions or being in a cage most of their life.

We also need to implement a spay/neuter program in each city to prevent all of these unwanted puppies and kittens. Please think about it when you are looking for a pet companion. Check out the ones that have already been brought into this world unwanted.

If you want a certain breed, check into all the rescues and shelters. There is one for every breed. Just Google what breed you are looking for from a rescue and you will find many.

CHERIE BROWN
Rantoul

Please don't buy dogs from stores
July 10, 2007

I coordinate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue, Inc., for Illinois and Kentucky and see the results of puppy mill breeding in rescues that came from pet stores. The dogs are not quality dogs and come through brokers or puppy mills where the care is minimal at best. The parents are not adequately tested before breeding and often live in deplorable conditions. Missouri is the biggest puppy mill state with Pennsylvania being a close second.

That little cute puppy in the shop may wrap herself around your heart but do not buy her.

Any reputable breeder would not sell their pup to a pet store. Reputable Cavalier breeders have waiting lists for their puppies and want to be sure where their puppy is going and interview the potential buyer. Don't fall in love with the pup; fall in love with the breeder so that when questions arise with your pup you can contact her and get good information.

Money talks – as long as you spend – and they will stay in business. Please do not support the sale of these dogs; it only makes life more miserable for the parents and more breeding occurs with each puppy sale.

If you want a dog, contact a reputable breeder, the humane society or a breed rescue group. There are lots of good dogs that need loving homes. Do not perpetuate the problem by buying from a pet store.

JEAN DENNISON
Savoy

Don't buy a dog on an emotional whim
July 3, 2007

Many have already spoken out against the new pet store at the mall. The main concern is the dogs, the question of where they come from and the kind of lives these animals will live once they are sold. I would like to make a request of the shop owners and employees, prospective animal owners, and, of course, current animal owners as well. There is a book titled "One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter" written by Diane Leigh and Marilee Geyer. I ask that all of you take the time to read this book.

I cannot put into words my rage when people buy an animal on a whim and then discard it like garbage because they didn't realize when they got the animal that it required time and money to care for. Suddenly, that cute puppy starts to grow up and it becomes an inconvenience and, shockingly, it's not preprogrammed to sit, to not jump, to not chew, to not pull on a leash or go to the bathroom outside.

SARAH BORYS
Champaign

Don't blame only pet store operators
July 3, 2007

Now there's a pet boutique at the mall selling puppies. I see the owner has made folks break out their "nasty" pens, automatically condemning the store. They assume they know everything there is to know about the pedigree and health of these puppies. That's quite a feat. It amuses me that they speak for all dog breeders by saying "no reputable dog breeder would sell puppies to a pet store." I guess they know all dog breeders.

I've worked at my family's pet store in Charleston since 1993. We do not sell cats or dogs. It's too much work and takes up too much space. At one time, we rescued kittens from locals, had them vet-checked and immunizations started, then sold them for a little more than cost. If they were very sick, we probably lost money on them. The reason we sell any livestock is because people are going to buy them somewhere and at least we strive to give correct advice.

I think the anger also needs to be directed at the unscrupulous breeders, not just the stores. Soon there will be laws regarding pet store puppies that will hopefully make it difficult for puppy mills and the pet shops they sell to to continue this horrendous practice. And people should holler at the chain pet stores that sell puppies.

It sounds like this a just an ordinary person trying to live her dream of being a store owner. I commend her for having the courage to try. It isn't easy, thanks to the Wal-Marts and Targets selling their goods below our costs. Give her a break and leave her alone. If it's that bad, it will fail by itself.

KATIE ANDERSON
St. Joseph

Why not check facts before condemning?
June 30, 2007

Did I hear correctly that there is a woman selling puppies at Market Place Shopping Center?

How dare she try to make a living by selling puppies. How dare she try to find a good home for a puppy and make enough money to pay her bills.

I suggest that those people who have openly accused this woman of selling puppies that may have come from a puppy mill find out where the puppies come from. Why not see if they really do come from a mill by asking the woman to show proof of where her animals come from?

If they haven't, then get off her back. She has a right to do what she is doing.

By the way, remember to spay and neuter your pets.

DARRYL MAPLE
Fisher

Quote of pet shop owner offended many
June 28, 2007

Kari Prior, owner of the Lucky Puppy Boutique and Barkery, just made a very big error in judgment in my opinion. I do not have any problems with pet stores as long as they are reputable, get their pets from reputable breeders and they treat their animals humanely. What I do have an issue with is her quote to The News Gazette:

"They're like your anti-abortionists, your tree-huggers," she said. "Those people, no matter what you say to them, it's never going to be good enough for them."

I guess being one of "those people" will prevent me from ever spending one single solitary dime in her place of business. Since she has chosen to call out those of us who are pro-life and those who are trying to be environmentally friendly, I think it only appropriate that none of us shop in her store.

KATHY BAMERT
Champaign

Better ways to have dogs screened
June 26, 2007

The underlying confusion over a new local store selling dogs, claimed as healthy and from good breeders, is what is a pedigree, and what makes a good breeder?

The most popular pedigree registration in the United States is the American Kennel Club. An AKC pedigree, or a pedigree by other organizations, is not a sign of reputable breeding or health. It merely means the AKC has a record of what dogs produced what puppy.

A vet check on a puppy does not guarantee health. Many breeds (including mixes, despite rumors of hybrid vigor) carry genetic diseases such as hip displaysia, eye diseases, back problems and more. Most of these cannot be detected in a puppy, and often problems do not arise until after a dog is 2 years or older. The only detection method is health screening adult dogs who are going to breed.

CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) is an organization which screens eyes and records their condition. OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) screens for problems in hips, elbows, thyroid, heart disease and more. A responsible breeder will have their dogs screened by both, plus possible others according to their breed, and will give you registry numbers for their dogs. Please note CERF and OFA rate the dog's health; possessing these numbers does not mean the dog is clear of diseases. These numbers must be checked by puppy buyers to verify health clearance.

And finally, absolutely no reputable dog breeder would let their puppies be sold through a pet store.

AIMEE MINYARD
Champaign

Resist urge to buy puppies from a store
June 26, 2007

As you are reading this, someone is in a pet store admiring the cute puppies and asking this question: "Do your puppies come from puppy mills?" And there's a pet store employee saying "Oh my, no, we get our puppies from loving, reputable breeders." Meanwhile, the mother and father of that puppy are living their entire lives in cramped cages, never knowing the freedom of a long run, never knowing the love of a family. The only veterinary care they receive is what will keep them breeding. Some are outside in the blazing heat and the freezing cold.

The pet store employees are not committing any crime when they tell you that they only have puppies from reputable breeders. There is no legal definition of reputable breeders. No reputable breeder would ever sell their puppies to a pet store. Don't fall for the slick talk of the employee telling you exactly what you're hoping to hear.

Some people think that buying the pet store puppy is "saving" that puppy. They're not. They are simply increasing the profits of the puppy mill and causing the cycle of abuse to continue. If you want to save a puppy, go to your local shelter or breed rescue.

I know it's difficult to walk by the cute puppies at the pet store, but I encourage you to do just that. The strength of will that you show by passing by is the only act that will relieve the suffering of the parents of those puppies.

MARLENE WALKER
Mahomet

Best breeders don't sell dogs to stores
June 19, 2007

I am writing about the sale of puppies through pet stores and boutiques.

Reputable breeders do not sell puppies to pet stores, auctions, brokers, etc.

In any area of endeavor, whether it is law, business, medicine, etc., there are national professional organizations to which serious, dedicated professionals belong. It is the same among dog breeders/exhibitors. People who are serious, responsible, ethical breeders belong to AKC national breed clubs which are dedicated to the improvement of breeds.

In order to be a member of one of these clubs, members sign codes of ethics that specifically state that they will not sell puppies to pet stores, auctions, brokers, etc. In addition, responsible breeders take life time responsibility for any puppies that they breed. All the breed clubs post their code of ethics on their national breed club's Web site which can be accessed through the AKC web site (www.akc.org).

These Web sites also contain excellent educational information regarding the purpose, temperament and characteristics of each breed.

Anyone considering the addition of a puppy to their life should carefully research the breeds and choose one that is appropriate for their lifestyle and personally buy the puppy from a reputable, ethical breeder.

And, if anyone is considering one of the combination breeds, remember that it takes generations of carefully selected breeding before any breed will breed true for desired characteristics. If you are considering a mixed breed, please visit local shelters. They have many lovely dogs available for adoption.

SHEILA PARISH
Urbana

Beware when buying 'designer' dogs
June 16, 2007

I am a breeder/owner/handler/trainer of purebred dogs. Through working with my dogs both myself and my sons have been published in national magazines and books, and have made television appearances on both the national and local scale. We have done very well in our accomplishments, but what is most important to me is the health and welfare of canine companions. Additionally, I feel further qualified to be an instructor/mentor to many individuals and families regarding pet selection/ownership because I am also a certified veterinary technician.

Recently, I have become aware of a new business that is selling puppies of questionable nature. It appears to me that the business could be acting as an agent for puppy mill breeders and exploitation.

I encourage all potential puppy owners to become educated in finding reputable dog breeders (purebreds) and to visit Humane Societies for mixed breed companions. Take note that so-called "designer breeds" are simply mutts with unnecessarily high price tags, and misrepresentation in regard to authentic dog registries is commonplace.

Many resources exist in finding the proper puppy (dog) that matches your lifestyle. Ask your local kennel club, veterinarian, library or knowledgeable Internet site for help. Don't make an expensive mistake. Be informed and let the buyer beware. Be responsible and avoid puppy mills.

JEAN FISHER
Villa Grove