Thank you, Ed, for covering this issue in such depth. The destructive force of Eugenics is clearly on display with all of the health problems bred into these animals who suffer for it.
Thank you, Heidi! It's heartening to hear from readers who understand the gravity of these issues and recognize the parallels between eugenics and certain breeding practices. Addressing the health problems that result from these practices is crucial for the welfare of these animals. Your support and awareness help push the conversation about ethical breeding and animal welfare forward. Let's continue to advocate for changes that prioritize the health and happiness of our beloved pets. Thank you again for engaging with this important topic.
Thank you, Ed. Eugenics always leads to bad outcomes morally, ethically, physically. In terms of dog breeding, it’s on a physical level, but that is where the suffering arises for so many of these animals who have major medical problems and sometimes behavioral problems bred into them. Even the language, “purebred”, is disturbing, at least to me it is. I’d like to see changes in the language among so many other changes that hurt these animals.
You're absolutely right about the problematic nature of terms like "purebred." Changing our language is a good step towards more ethical breeding practices. Your dedication to advocating for the well-being of animals is inspiring, and together, we can push for meaningful changes. Thank you for being an important voice in this conversation.
Very necessary piece, well done! While all dogs presented at shows go through all kinds of prep, training, as well as being so inbred their lives are often compromised or cut short, they are a pretty site for that brief moment. Much earlier in my life, had my first dog at age 26, a beautiful Tricolor Shetland Sheepdog, acquired because breeders were distressed he grew over the height limit. Very active, loving dog, adored him. Outsiders thought he looked just like “Lassie.” But I lost him to cancer at only ten years old. He had a best friend in our house, a big, black stray cat 🐈⬛ who knocked on the door for dinner and refused to leave. They were fabulous companions for one another and ran, played throughout the house. Best years of my life. Of course, had to have another having been converted to Shelties completely. So my dear, sweet now departed mother looked far and wide and found another “unacceptable “ Blue Merle female Sheltie who had won ribbons in dog shows for obedience but, alas, she was oversized for standard as well, a gorgeous playful, active dog, one blue eye and one brown. She was equally sensational but for separation anxiety while I was working, barking at the window, but still had big, black Charlie 🐈⬛ to play with. So she had cancer at age ten, euthanized as well. Twenty years of shelties was not enough. I’ve tried ever after to find another with no success, I believe because the inbreeding has compromised their health in the US so badly. Noticed there are many in the UK still on internet searches. Expect their breeding is more responsible there. My love for animals took me into rescue where my new mantra is “adopt, don’t shop.” To date have been a mother to 14 cats and dogs and would trade none of them for the joy and companionship they bring. Many foster animals came and were adopted to others or were “foster failures” adopted by me during my “Rescue” phase, until I became mobility impaired and could not continue that retirement hobby. Am left now with two loving seniors 😽😽 indoors of course, my family, who will be the last due to my physical limitations. Have no idea how many fosters came through these doors and left with new owners through the years, too many to count. I have developed with all this experience an aversion to breeding as the pet population has exploded in my area and foundlings are euthanized in shelters everyday, heartbreaking. 💔 Humans lost their compassion after Covid and simply dumped so many animals where ever they were not observed.
So I will have no love of the Westminster Show as I see so many postings for lost, homeless animals in my area and many are injured, sick, live in misery in the elements and rescue friends are completely burned out after spending all their savings, time, and energy trying to do the impossible, find homes for the deserving left out pets. We were approaching a “no kill” operation at our shelter in affiliation with the “Best Friends” org in Utah but now I believe that has become impossible because the community does not care for its animal friends, and refuses to even work with the Trap, Neuter, Release animals that have been sterilized and left in communes where they are at least fed. So very sad. Saw an article yesterday about the population problem in Australia where cats are now considered predators to local small wildlife and birds and are being shot to reduce the numbers. Restore the expected biodiversity. Who do we think we are in the world 🌎 to judge what animals live and die? An arrogant species, Homo Sapiens. So that’s my story. There are millions like it. Must get breakfast for my “family” and give them the attention they so deserve, my two adoption failures rescued by me because they were too quick or vicious to be homed by anyone else. They were simply very shy, scared and needed some love to turn them into the adoring companions that keep me going at this point. They adapted so well to my disabilities; one is diabetic and so very smart, comes to me when she feels the need for insulin. Ages 11 and 14years9months. Holding on for them; no one to take them when I depart this world so I will stay through all the crises daily and hope the body cooperates. Love your focus! Thank you!😊
Judith, thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt experiences and insights. Your journey through the joys and sorrows of pet ownership, and your commitment to animal rescue, truly resonate with the concerns raised about the breeding practices highlighted in the article. It's clear that your love for animals has deeply influenced your life and choices, leading you to advocate for adoption and the welfare of all animals.
Your personal stories of your Shelties and the challenges they faced due to inbreeding underscore the critical need for more responsible breeding practices, not just in the US but globally. Your transition from pet owner to a dedicated rescuer and advocate for "adopt, don't shop" is inspiring and a testament to the difference one person can make in the lives of many animals.
The situation you describe in your community, and the broader issues of animal welfare post-Covid, are indeed disheartening. Yet, your efforts and the love you've shown your pets remind us of the compassion and resilience that are also part of the human spirit. Your perspective adds a valuable dimension to the conversation about animal welfare and the impact of shows like Westminster on public perceptions of pet breeding and ownership.
Thank you for your dedication to animal rescue and for sharing your powerful story. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and responsible care for our animal companions. Keep cherishing those moments with your "family," and thank you for your kind words about the focus of the article. Your support and insights are greatly appreciated!
Absolutely, your point is incredibly important and well-taken. The issues of selective breeding and its consequences indeed extend beyond dogs to include cats and other pets. The breeding of flat-faced cat breeds and Munchkins raises similar ethical and health concerns, highlighting the need for a broader conversation about responsible pet breeding practices across all types of pets. It's crucial to advocate for the health and well-being of these animals, ensuring they lead happy, comfortable lives free from preventable health issues. Thank you for broadening the discussion to include our feline friends and for emphasizing the importance of considering the implications of breeding practices on all pets. Your voice adds a valuable perspective to the conversation on animal welfare.
Thank you, Ed, for covering this issue in such depth. The destructive force of Eugenics is clearly on display with all of the health problems bred into these animals who suffer for it.
Thank you, Heidi! It's heartening to hear from readers who understand the gravity of these issues and recognize the parallels between eugenics and certain breeding practices. Addressing the health problems that result from these practices is crucial for the welfare of these animals. Your support and awareness help push the conversation about ethical breeding and animal welfare forward. Let's continue to advocate for changes that prioritize the health and happiness of our beloved pets. Thank you again for engaging with this important topic.
Thank you, Ed. Eugenics always leads to bad outcomes morally, ethically, physically. In terms of dog breeding, it’s on a physical level, but that is where the suffering arises for so many of these animals who have major medical problems and sometimes behavioral problems bred into them. Even the language, “purebred”, is disturbing, at least to me it is. I’d like to see changes in the language among so many other changes that hurt these animals.
You're absolutely right about the problematic nature of terms like "purebred." Changing our language is a good step towards more ethical breeding practices. Your dedication to advocating for the well-being of animals is inspiring, and together, we can push for meaningful changes. Thank you for being an important voice in this conversation.
Thank you, Ed. That’s so nice of you. Thank you for creating this space.
To Ed Boks, thank you! 😘
Very necessary piece, well done! While all dogs presented at shows go through all kinds of prep, training, as well as being so inbred their lives are often compromised or cut short, they are a pretty site for that brief moment. Much earlier in my life, had my first dog at age 26, a beautiful Tricolor Shetland Sheepdog, acquired because breeders were distressed he grew over the height limit. Very active, loving dog, adored him. Outsiders thought he looked just like “Lassie.” But I lost him to cancer at only ten years old. He had a best friend in our house, a big, black stray cat 🐈⬛ who knocked on the door for dinner and refused to leave. They were fabulous companions for one another and ran, played throughout the house. Best years of my life. Of course, had to have another having been converted to Shelties completely. So my dear, sweet now departed mother looked far and wide and found another “unacceptable “ Blue Merle female Sheltie who had won ribbons in dog shows for obedience but, alas, she was oversized for standard as well, a gorgeous playful, active dog, one blue eye and one brown. She was equally sensational but for separation anxiety while I was working, barking at the window, but still had big, black Charlie 🐈⬛ to play with. So she had cancer at age ten, euthanized as well. Twenty years of shelties was not enough. I’ve tried ever after to find another with no success, I believe because the inbreeding has compromised their health in the US so badly. Noticed there are many in the UK still on internet searches. Expect their breeding is more responsible there. My love for animals took me into rescue where my new mantra is “adopt, don’t shop.” To date have been a mother to 14 cats and dogs and would trade none of them for the joy and companionship they bring. Many foster animals came and were adopted to others or were “foster failures” adopted by me during my “Rescue” phase, until I became mobility impaired and could not continue that retirement hobby. Am left now with two loving seniors 😽😽 indoors of course, my family, who will be the last due to my physical limitations. Have no idea how many fosters came through these doors and left with new owners through the years, too many to count. I have developed with all this experience an aversion to breeding as the pet population has exploded in my area and foundlings are euthanized in shelters everyday, heartbreaking. 💔 Humans lost their compassion after Covid and simply dumped so many animals where ever they were not observed.
So I will have no love of the Westminster Show as I see so many postings for lost, homeless animals in my area and many are injured, sick, live in misery in the elements and rescue friends are completely burned out after spending all their savings, time, and energy trying to do the impossible, find homes for the deserving left out pets. We were approaching a “no kill” operation at our shelter in affiliation with the “Best Friends” org in Utah but now I believe that has become impossible because the community does not care for its animal friends, and refuses to even work with the Trap, Neuter, Release animals that have been sterilized and left in communes where they are at least fed. So very sad. Saw an article yesterday about the population problem in Australia where cats are now considered predators to local small wildlife and birds and are being shot to reduce the numbers. Restore the expected biodiversity. Who do we think we are in the world 🌎 to judge what animals live and die? An arrogant species, Homo Sapiens. So that’s my story. There are millions like it. Must get breakfast for my “family” and give them the attention they so deserve, my two adoption failures rescued by me because they were too quick or vicious to be homed by anyone else. They were simply very shy, scared and needed some love to turn them into the adoring companions that keep me going at this point. They adapted so well to my disabilities; one is diabetic and so very smart, comes to me when she feels the need for insulin. Ages 11 and 14years9months. Holding on for them; no one to take them when I depart this world so I will stay through all the crises daily and hope the body cooperates. Love your focus! Thank you!😊
Judith, thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt experiences and insights. Your journey through the joys and sorrows of pet ownership, and your commitment to animal rescue, truly resonate with the concerns raised about the breeding practices highlighted in the article. It's clear that your love for animals has deeply influenced your life and choices, leading you to advocate for adoption and the welfare of all animals.
Your personal stories of your Shelties and the challenges they faced due to inbreeding underscore the critical need for more responsible breeding practices, not just in the US but globally. Your transition from pet owner to a dedicated rescuer and advocate for "adopt, don't shop" is inspiring and a testament to the difference one person can make in the lives of many animals.
The situation you describe in your community, and the broader issues of animal welfare post-Covid, are indeed disheartening. Yet, your efforts and the love you've shown your pets remind us of the compassion and resilience that are also part of the human spirit. Your perspective adds a valuable dimension to the conversation about animal welfare and the impact of shows like Westminster on public perceptions of pet breeding and ownership.
Thank you for your dedication to animal rescue and for sharing your powerful story. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and responsible care for our animal companions. Keep cherishing those moments with your "family," and thank you for your kind words about the focus of the article. Your support and insights are greatly appreciated!
Thank you, Ed. Appreciate your kind words! ❤️😽😽
Absolutely, your point is incredibly important and well-taken. The issues of selective breeding and its consequences indeed extend beyond dogs to include cats and other pets. The breeding of flat-faced cat breeds and Munchkins raises similar ethical and health concerns, highlighting the need for a broader conversation about responsible pet breeding practices across all types of pets. It's crucial to advocate for the health and well-being of these animals, ensuring they lead happy, comfortable lives free from preventable health issues. Thank you for broadening the discussion to include our feline friends and for emphasizing the importance of considering the implications of breeding practices on all pets. Your voice adds a valuable perspective to the conversation on animal welfare.