Daffy's Soup Kitchen

http://www.daffyspetsoupkitchen.com/
What a wonderful idea, helping people keep their pets instead of turning them into rescue, a shelter, or just setting them loose. This organization, all volunteer, 501(c)3, gives food to people in need so they can feed their pets and keep them. They offer supplies at no or low cost as well. So far, their locations are in the Atlanta area but they are interested in expanding to other areas of GA and other states. If you are looking for a way to help, this is a great one.

Pet Overpopulation

I understand that not everyone knows about or truly understands the pet overpopulation problem we have in this country and, especially, in the south. When I received (yes, as a gift) my first dog as an adult person many years ago, I didn't know about it either. It wasn't until I was looking for my second dog and my mom happened to look at www.petfinder.com that I began to learn about rescue and all of the problems associated with pet overpopulation, including the millions of cats and dogs euthanized every year. I can not blame someone for ignorance, only for perpetuating the problem when ignorance has been removed. Look at the multitudes of homeless animals on that website and you will understand that they are not all mutts nor are they "problem dogs".

If you are not a professional breeder, don't let your dog breed. It truly is that simple. Professional breeders, reputable ones who truly care about the breed, will breed dogs to the accepted standard and will be careful about inbreeding to prevent hereditary diseases. And for people who become angry when I tell them not to breed their dog, get over yourself. If you are not a professional, then you do not know what you are doing. And that "let them have just one litter" crap is ridiculous. Animals do not have a driving need to be parents.

How do you recognize a reputable breeder? They are very discerning about where their puppies go and will take any dog back that doesn't work out with the buyer. Reputable breeders do not charge $200-300 for a purebred, papered puppy. That doesn't even cover the cost of puppy shots and exams. Purebred puppies will cost upwards of $600 if bred well. Reputable breeders generally participate in conformation shows (such as the AKC or CKC competitions) or other breed-specific working competitions. Reputable breeders will provide you with references and multitudes of information on the breed. It is your choice to buy or adopt, though I will advocate adoption until the pet overpopulation problem is under control, but make certain you buy well if you do buy.

Birmingham's Dog Care Examiner

Be sure to check out my articles at Examiner.com. I am the new Dog Care Examiner for the Birmingham area. I'll be posting 3-4 articles per week on dogs and dog care, sometimes relating to the Birmingham area but often general knowledge. Just click the badge on the right side of my main blog page and you'll be taken to my Examiner.com page.
If you are interested in writing and have a particular topic that you are passionate about, check out the opportunities at Examiner.com.