It just upsets me...
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| Yes, most of my friends have rescued cats and dogs, and I think they are ALL wonderful for it, yet I decided to go the puppy/kitten route because of having young children. I had to somewhat know by the parents what I thought the temperament would be, and I wanted the puppies to be raised with children.
I say, don't feel bad that you wanted a purebred dog.  When you have a chance though give a few dollars to your local shelter or rescue. We went to Petsmart and they have a donation tree up and you can choose how much and what local shelter to help, it was nice to see my kids go and choose a shelter to spend $5 on, and not on ball number 50 for Jack and Annabelle.  LOL
Give Albert a big sheepie hug! Stormi and co. |
| Thanks Stormi, I try not to let it bother me.
Being the poor college student that I am, I don't have alot of cash to donate, but I do help out with Shelter functions. Last year during the christmas parade we all walked dogs from the shelter to try and get them adopted and raise awarness. There was one dog that just broke my heart. His two back legs had muscle problems and he could not walk for long distances. No one wanted to take him because of this, but I couldnt resist and carried him through the whole parade. Everyone loved him and he soon got adopted soon after. Anyway, sorry to ramble. Thanks for the encouragment. And Albert says thanks for the hug! |
| I also have someone who likes to put me down (athough not so subtle) about getting pure bred animals.
I'm also currently dealing with people trying to talk me out of getting a sheepie because "they bite a lot" or "they are retarded".  They refer me to a breed that has just as bad of a biting problem that sheepies do because they are ALSO herding dogs... no duh! It's called working with your dog!
The people who don't agree with my choice also tend to be mean to Halifax. One actually talked about killing him... how stupid! He was joking I hope, but he didn't like the cat either way. I told him off of course, and I'm glad he hasn't been back since. Anyway... enough about me.  Don't listen to your friend! As long as you are happy with your choice that's all that matters. She isn't treating your dog meanly is she? |
| Oh no, she isn't treating him badly. She isn't really fond of him because of his size, but she tolerates him. |
| Hi,
I hate to admit it but I was one of those people that pooh poohed that people got purebreds...thinking mixed breeds were the best. Then Shaggy stole my heart...okay she was a Sheepie I got from the pound but then I was hooked. For the past 10 years I had my heart set on one day being able to get a purebred Sheepie pup...hence Merlin. (he's the cute one with the big nose in the pic) or let me rephrase that...he's the one with the white hair. As a regular at the dog park I've noticed something in common amongst the folks there...everyone toots the mertis of their dog and of the breed of their choice.....Everyone...the Boxer people, the OES people..(there are two of us and three sheepies in the group) the Lab people...etc.... This also goes with the purebred people whom can claim that with a reputable breeder they know their dogs genetics, history...etc unlike those that get a rescue. Those with dogs of mixed breeds can claim there dog has the best of a combination of breeds and doesn't suffer genetic deficiencies from overbreeding as seen in some purebreds. Then there are the rescue group whom claim that a rescue dog knows the difference between a horrible home and the one they've been able to provide him/her with and is a much more loyal pal. They also can argue about lack of overbreeding. I guess my point is people will always want to think their's is the best...and often that is true. Best for them...for you it was a purebred sheepie. I can argue with both sides as I have a mixed breed, a purebred and a rescue ...and each is wonderful. So just listen to your heart and it's obvious you love your boy and that's all that's important. |
| Yes, I get it a lot with my Maltese. People can't believe how much I paid for her and when I began going to shows because I was interested in getting a Bouvier des Flandres, Portuguese Water Dog, Puli, Briard, havanese, OES, or labradoodle (specially altered in a research center in Aus. to not shed) ......I began getting the speeches.
Every breed I like is "rare" and people think that just because they rescued their lab or mixed breed that lived for 12+ yrs, everyone should. Well I explain it like this: Some men love their cars. Us girly girls can't understand why their husband can't be satisfied with a top quality NORMAL car (honda, toyota, ford, etc). Instead they are interested in the "cream of the crop" ....the unique, the rare, and the outrageously expensive. To top it off, they only drive it on sunday in fear of what may happen to it. This is how I feel about dogs. There are dog lovers and then there are fanatics (me). It doesn't rest well "for me" to just be happy with the dog in every house or the one that just desperately needs a home. I have been a foster parent for certain breeds (all abandaned) for over 3 yrs in my region and feel I DO help out many dogs. I have also volunteered at a shelter for 2 yrs. If I have interest in getting a dog that I know the health line of and have met the parents of ....then I should have the right. I don't have play savior to every dog in the pound. /gets off soapbox |
| Whether or not you get a shelter dog or a full bred dog from a breeder - as long as you are a responsible dog owner - that should be all that matters! Rescues aren't always appropriate for every situation - especially when children are involved!
However... Part of being a responsible dog owner is researching a breeder and making sure that you are purchasing a dog from a reputable, responsible and ethical breeder! The reason why OES are getting such a BAD RAP is because so many are being bred irresponsibly - and their temperments and health pay the price! Ask around to the Vets and Groomers in your area - I bet they all have some pretty negative things to say about OES! The breed is suffering because of poor breeding practices! Breeders are selling to anyone with a credit card # and a shipping address - instead of carefully selecting and educating potential owners - and being there for them when needed! By purchasing a dog from a good breeder and training and caring for them properly - you are ultimately helping the shelters and rescue programs! The other thing you should do to help is spay and neuter your animals! You don't need to adopt an animal from a shelter to help and you don't need money! Volunteer to help transport, foster, walk, clean, brush, etc instead! JMHO! Kristen |
| i dont get it a lot because my other dog is a shelter dog, but...
don't feel bad. it's not like you bought a lab or a labradoodle. You bought something rather unique and hard to find, and you'd had your heart set on it for a while. Your friend should turn her attention to the heavily overbred breeds or the mutts that are purposely bred. |
| It's wonderful if you can rescue a dog from the shelter, but sometimes it's just not what you wanted. You want an OES pup and your mind is set on that. As long as you also have the same commitment to make him or her a well adjusted loving pet, you have nothing to be ashamed of. We get worse things from our family from adopting dogs and not having children of our own!
We have a purebreed and 2 adopted sheepies and you cannot tell the difference. just do your homework troughly and don't be afraid to ask questions to make your pet feel OK. All the wonderful answers we got from the forum saved our doggies from a life of neglect and outside living. I wish all owners would think their choices that much and have the commitment I see in the forum every day. |
| Oh puleease. Can you just say to your friend, "Get a life. Stop worrying about what kind of dog I have." Or better still, "None of your business." In fact, I would include an expletive that Ron would have to edit. |
| Living in Hong Kong, our experience is the complete reversal of all your experiences. Owning a pure breed is a status symbol and crossbreeds and resuces are frowned upon and seen as dogs for people "who can't afford to buy their own".
This mentality never occured to us until a few months ago when we adopted an abandoned Sharpie/Cattle Dog cross. We have an off leash dog park nearby and with TUng TUng, our OES, there never were any hassles, but now with fanfan, we are begining to see the ugly/ignorant/boneheaded side of things. Of the 15 of so dogs that meet their during our regular dog walking hours, only half of them allows their dogs to socialise with fanfan. They either go to another end of the park or they'll leash their dog and request that fanfan is leashed as well. Those owners would pet and play every dog except fanfan and the other two crossbreeds belonging to another family. Once an owner actually freaked out when his corgi wanted play with fanfan and smacked the poor thing hard on the muzzle when the corgi tried to sniff fanfan's bottomed saying she's dirty! Few minutes later we see him letting his corgi sniff other "purebred's" bottoms to his content... We mentioned that to our vet and he said he has the exact problem (he has 3 rescued corssbreeds) and you'll just get used to it. He also told us that it is even worst in "rich" neighbourhoods... Enough ranting. Anyway, we still can't believe there are so much stupid people out there! Just ignore them AlbertsMommy |
Way to go Henry's Mom!  |
| Is your friend a true blue blood? Can he/she trace her bloodline back multiple generations in one family line? Many of us come from different ethnic backgrounds................ |
| All your replies mean alot. I know it is that she just doesn't understand. I am so glad that this forum is here so I know there are other people just as sheepie/dog crazy as I am..
You crack me up Henry's Mom |
| Hey Joah I also was going to get a Bouvier des Flanders.I found an awesome breeder here in Mn.Filled out an app. sent in a deposit,I was waiting for a little male puppy,I was so excited,the breeder was so happy that I was wanting 1 of her puppies,well after waiting 7months Erin her bitch gave birth to 3 females!!!She could NOT believe it.But I was only wanting a male so I was upset,BUT then Mickey fell into my lap. Now to those "friends" of yours being rude for your choosening an OES purebred,I have run into people like that also,and for the most I could careless what they think.I always donate things to my shelter,and I do my part by fixing ALL my pets,and loving them and keeping them out of shelters.So I say love your pet no matter if they are pure or mixed ALL dogs/cats are wonderful. |
Tanya, how cool. I think they're awesome STRONG dogs. Definitely a breed that takes an experienced owner. Most people are like "why the heck is that?!" lol .....but glad to hear you ended up with Mickey.  |
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