How Do you Buy Pet Nowadays?

I think if you are looking for something in particular the best way is to find someone who has what you want and ask them which breeder they have worked with. You can of course search the internet but it is important to get some references before you work with a particular breeder. You may consider asking a local veterinarian for some potential sources.

That being said, I can't recommend enough adopting a pet from the a shelter or a rescue program.

I can sympathize with wanting something in particular as I grew up with a number of exotic breed animals, including a Papillon. I currently have a silver tabby persian mix that I purchased from a breeder about 7 years ago.

My wife is an avid animal lover, and two years ago when she wanted a cat for her birthday we visited the shelter. What I saw there absolutely horrified me. There are tons and tons of wonderful pets that need homes.

Anyway, we just adopted a pure breed border collie from the SPCA 6 months ago. He's the most wonderful dog. I never would have imagined we would find something like that in the shelter but you would really be surprised.

Oddly, our pets that came from the shelter have turned out to be much better pets than the exotics. It's almost as if they loved you that much more because they knew you rescued them.

Sorry if this whole post sounds a little preachy, as I can sympathize with wanting a particular breed of animal. But if you think you could live with something else I'd encourage you to consider the shelter or rescue. I'm pretty sure the last few visits I made they had a few chihuahuas.

In fact, just a quick google search found this:

http://www.chihuahua-rescue.com/postit/txregion.htm

Good luck!

 

Over here in Houston we have "Petlands" which do sell Dogs, Cats and other critters. They even have payment plans as well. My girlfriend is a huge pet freak and we're always shopping around pet shops in Houston and I could tell you of a bunch of shops that "sell" Dogs but you dont live here.

Theres a Flea Market here called "Traders Village" with various breeders who sell their dogs; I know of 5 lots there with different dogs to choose from. I'd say it'd probably be worth the drive if you're serious about it.

 

Oh yeah, here's my dog Sam from the SPCA.
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http://www.petsovernight.com/

Haha, goodtimes.


-DC

 

We also were not good candidates for a puppy as we work really long hours (we have a pet nanny come exercise the dog daily though). What I found though is that I'm not sure I missed the whole puppy experience as much as I thought I would. Our 2 year old dog is still extremely loveable and absolutely crazy playful sometimes, but thankfully doesn't have to be let out every couple of hours. You may not want to rule out getting juvenile or young adult dog just yet.

Like you said, you'll know when you've found the one that suits you. Best of luck!

 

There are breeders that are online. They will put the puppy on an airplane and you can pick it up ar the airport. I have never doen this but have read about people doing it.

 

Rescue a dog from the humane society. The BEST dogs I've had have been rescued. Loyal to the very end.

Petsmart, petco, petstores buy their dogs from puppy mills. Generally there are severly inbred. I personally would not give them my business.
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Wow what a beauty!

Amen, rescue pets only for me from now on.

 

Yoshi, definitely look into TC's suggestion. My wife and I are supporters of the local shelters, and they do great work. We feel a little guilty for going through a breeder for our Goldens, but we've lost pets in the past from health reasons and wanted to make sure these had solid history. That being said, it's important not to support puppy stores and other outlets of questionable origin since they are the primary outlets for puppy mills. There are a lot of great dogs at the shelters, and if you want a specific breed there should be a rescue group specific for your area. Do a quick internet search and you'll be amazed what you find.

 

http://www.chihuahua-rescue.com/

Did a search and found them. I know nothing about them but it may be worth a try if that is something you are interested in.

Since we are showing our dogs here is my lab mix and my Shih-Tzu
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Great points, Gilles. Cheers to you.

As an aside, our first task on Christmas Eve was to take our baby to the SPCA to have his picture taken with Santa. He was less than excited to be back at the shelter where we found him, and even more uneasy about Santa , but he sucked it up for a good cause. We were so touched revisiting his roots and talking to the generous volunteers that we went ahead and signed up to sponsor a kennel at the SPCA in his honor.

 

Yoshi-

Call me at the office tomorrow. As it turns out, one of my friends just got a Papillon puppy (locally.)

All you had to do was call your little sister and presto, problem solved.

 

We rescuued Brandi from a shelter... absolutely the most loyal and obedient canine ever! No regrets at all!
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Look around newspapers and Google - I'd always buy from a local breeder who has AKC dogs. Usually on small farms and such in suburban/rural areas. Do a little research and figure out the breed you want and it's temperament and common health issues (ie. German Shepherds and hip disorders).

Don't buy dogs from a store!

If pedigree isn't necessary (some people care, some don't), then the humane society is fine.

 

What a beauty!

 

I'm a sucker for dogs. About 8 years ago, my wife went on a business trip to CA. When she called home she was told by my two kids that we now had 2 dogs. To go with our 4 cats. It seems that me and the kids went to the animal shelter to "look around" and came home with two dogs. My wife vowed never to trust me alone with the kids again Within 5 minutes of meeting Jake and Rusty, she fell in love with them. Such is the power of sloppy dog kisses

Rusty, our Springer Spaniel was OLD when we adopted them in '97 with a large tumor on his side and very bad breath. The shelter was very surprised that we wanted him but very glad we did. Jake is a "Black Lab Mix", which is what the shelter calls any big, black dog.

Sadly, we lost Rusty a little over 3 years ago. He was deaf, half blind, senile, and prone to urinary accidents when left alone. He was the best!!! About a month before he passed, the shelter had a Dog Fair. They could not believe that Rusty was still alive with all his health issues and age (16++). The picture below shows Rusty after winning the kissing contest. He was so proud.

We still have Jake , two cats, 1 rabbit, and 3 fish.

Sorry i've rambled on. To get back on topic....definitely adopt. Either through a shelter or rescue agency. You won't regret it, and neither will the dog.


Tom
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C'mon Yoshi, we know you really meant what you wrote first

And as long as we're talking dogs, here's my boys.

Nickel, our fox terrier mix, on a rare calm moment
Oreo, spaniel mix, on a too-common bad-hair day
Byron, a Jack Russell mix
and the late, lamented Baron Alexander Von Dogg III (Alex), who passed 3 years ago at the age of 17.

Except for Alex, they're all rescue dogs
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I have rescued 3 Old English Sheepdogs from the Chicago rescue. All have been great dogs. Most breeds have rescue operations throughout the US. They have dogs of all ages. The ones I have adopted were between 2 to 3 years old. I would not hesitate to adopt another one when the time arises.

 

To answer your question, yes, you can buy a dog from anywhere in the country, even abroad. They simply put them on a plane and you meet the flight when it lands. We usually fly out and bring the dogs back in person (last puppy was purchased from a breeder in Vancouver). But I have plenty of friends who have bought from dealers far away, and simply picked up their pet at the airport.

Do check the shelters and online sources.

Here's a page I am in the process of setting up, dedicated to my pets. My sheltie was the sweetest, best pet/friend I have ever had.

 

You can also check with the AKC online. They have referrals to breeders all over the country. Most breeders will ship their dogs in a carrier. You just have to go to the airport to pick them up. We found our breeders this way but we chose to drive (400 miles) to the breeders to make sure we got the dog we wanted. It's always good to see how the dogs interact with you and the kids in person. We have 3 dogs and they're all awesome. Good Luck.