Breeding Dogs and the Public Eyes

By Pilar Kuhn

When my husband met me, he realized that my life was, and still is, more open and visible to others than he was used to. We are aware that social media channels have provided more visibility into our lives both personally and professionally.  And sometimes a gem of a comment, post, or message comes our way that makes us realize that the visibility we provide regarding our lives with our dogs has a positive impact on those not in our dog show community.

A sorority sister of mine has made “rescue” one of her missions in life. She loves fostering dogs and rejoices when they find their new “forever home”. Her heart is golden and she is a real angel when it comes to helping these pups. Several months ago she sent me a private message letting me know that she watches our lives with regards to our dogs play out on Facebook.

Like most of the general public, she had supported the animal rights mantras of “mandatory spay and neuter is great” and “breeders are bad”. After all, she has seen dog after dog come through the shelter and rescue system as a result of unwanted, unnecessary breedings.  However, reading and seeing how much time and effort Rod and I put into living every day with our dogs, how much they enjoy their daily existence, the painstaking decisions we make about breeding our girls, and the trials, tribulations, and extreme joy we experience taking care of our dogs shed a different light on her views.

Because of our relationship with our dogs and discourse with fellow breeders, she realized that not all breeders are bad.  In fact, it is because of good, ethical breeders that one can keep track of pedigrees, provide genetics to health research, and stand behind the puppies and dogs that are sold She also realized these purebred dogs have an amazing life outside of the show ring, but also enjoy their time on the road and “playing” on the competitive circuits.

Seeing our dogs do well in and out of the ring made her realize that her volunteer job is important, but so is the message of responsible breeding and responsible pet ownership.  While she will always be a “rescue girl”, she now has more information and support to combat those blanket AR statements trying to convince the public that breeders are bad and purebred dogs are more unhealthy than “mutts”. I was touched and pleased that we have had a positive impact on her and her own view of dogs.

Recently while buying materials to use for our puppies, the employee cutting my fabrics commented that more dogs need to be fixed because too many dogs don’t have homes.  That’s when I opened up the conversation, mentioned we had people waiting years for puppies from us and shared some of the hard work we’ve put in, the long hours, and even the heartbreaking loss of a puppy. In that short amount of time, she began to change her tune.

By being visible, we have strengthened our ongoing relationships with fellow dog lovers and puppy buyers that have gotten to know us over the years.  Some who have waited years to get a puppy from us have shared why they are so thankful they waited and didn’t get just any puppy from any breeder.  These grassroots efforts and messages spread far and wide.  By allowing visibility into your life with your dogs, you educate others and stand on the front line of our “breeders are bad and evil” warfare.

The best way to continue educating the general public, push animal rights groups away from our whelping boxes, and get the public back on our side is by being visible and honest about how we go about breeding, raising, and homing our puppies.  It’s just sad that we feel like we have to hide because of the constant persecution we get from lawmakers because a few bad apples in the barrel spoiled it for the rest of us.  So stop hiding. Remember that the public is watching you in all formats – publicly and online. We are the only ones that can change the public’s opinion about responsible breeders.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Sep 5 2013. Filed under Featured, The Buzz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.