RE: Had Enough -- Now: How to be a breeder
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RE: Had Enough -- Now: How to be a breeder
Hi Kate and all, I think you've made a good point. And, when I thought the same thing yesterday, I posted to her privately. I expressed my concern about how she was being treated and told her about an up-coming litter. She has not responded. Don't quite know what to make of that. terry thompson missoula, montana At 09:12 AM 03/11/03 -0800, you wrote: This is my first post... but I have been reading for a couple months now, and this is only my opinion: I think that before everyone jumps on this lady about being offended by the breeder she was talking to we might want to give her the benefit of the doubt. Not all breeder are very friendly, and it is quite possible that the breeder was rude to her. I think that some positive support about what she can do to make her next experience more informative might be helpful for her versus the pummeling her for daring to speak up and ask about it. Kate Bert Lady Cedarburg, WI -Original Message- From: Mary Shaver [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 10:10 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Was: Had Enough -- Now: How to be a breeder When I talk to PPO's about getting a berner pup, I always explain that a good breeder will ask LOTS of questions, and not to be put off or offended by that - a good breeder is genuinely concerned about where their pups are going. It always makes them feel better when I tell them that I had three berner breeders turn me down flat as an unsuitable owner! I also volunteer with our local humane society. You wouldn't believe how much verbal abuse we take from potential adopters when we ask them to complete our standard questionnaire. There is evidently a segment of the population who feel they have some God-given right to own whatever animal they want, regardless of their suitability, or lack thereof. It is this type of attitude that unfortunately contributes to the problem, whether it be choosing to buy a pup from a pet shop, or taking a store front give away pup from another irresponsible pet owner. We see them every day... Mary Shaver and the girls, Laurel and Bailey Fayetteville, GA This message may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. It is intended only to be read by the individual or entity named above or its designee. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are on notice that you must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you have received this message in error, please immediately notify the sender and/or DoveBid, Inc. by telephone at (650) 571-7400 or email at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and delete or destroy any copy of this message.
Re: Had Enough -- Now: How to be a breeder
Hi Cathy, I think people are actually put off by the fact that we selectively screen our puppy buyers and that we request they sign and enter into a contract with us. They are also put off by the fact that they are entering into a partnership for the life of the dog, with us the breeder. Lots of times these partnerships turn into friendships that last a lifetime!! There are so many people out there that just want to buy a dog, go get and go home and do whatever they please with it. They treat the animal more like purchased merchandise than a human living being and I think that the people we're turning away aren't fit to own a dog, probably 90% of these types of people at least. Kim Morrow Susa Reg'd Saskatoon, SK http://www.bernesedogs.com I could be very good at stroking people too. Is that what you want to hear from a breeder?
Re: Had Enough -- Now: How to be a breeder
I just felt like throwing in my two cents. The first thing I think when someone posts to the list and says how a breeder has been mean to them because they were asked some questions from the breeder is to stop whining and think. If a breeder is worth anything they will ask questions. I personally wouldn't trust one that didn't. I think some of these people just assume they are the perfect prospect to have a Berner. Then they get asked a some questions and they assume they are being belittled or just don't like being scrutinized. It's ridiculous. If I was a breeder (and have no plans of being one) and asked someone questions and the people resented it I'd run away, and fast, from them. Having a lot of money, a big house, a high position etc. does not make automatically make a good owner. I will never forget a conversation I had with a lady that did Westie rescue in Atlanta. She said the worst case of neglect she had was someone who lived a couple doors down from the governor's mansion. This is a very beautiful, old and moneyed area and the homes are on several acres. The people are at the top of society in this area, but none of that mattered to a neglected little Westie. I thought that was so sad. I think some of these people get caught up in the Berner's beauty without much regard to anything else. They want a lawn ornament to show off. I always hope some of these people don't get a Berner, but the sad part is if these people ended up getting a Berner chances are it will be from a breeder that didn't care enough to ask any questions, because they really didn't care, they got their check. If these people can be educated then that's great. But unfortunately, I just think some of these people think they are entitled to a Berner. There are snobby Berner breeders that think no one is good enough and there are snobby potential Berner owners that are insenced that someone would ask them a question. These PPO's need to do there research when it comes whether a Berner is for them and in picking a breeder. I think the brunt of the responsibility is on the breeders. To me it's so simple, their decisions as to who gets a puppy is the future of the breed. If they can be careful who they sold puppies to (asking PPO's lots of questions) it can only be a good thing for the breed. I have no sympathy for these PPO's that think their privacy has been violated if they are asked a question by a breeder. Flame me if you want, I won't care, but go ahead if you want. And yes I am signing my name. Kathy Schmitz, Woodstock, Georgia Brighteye Meine Liebe Greta NAP, NJP, CGC Mattie Matterhorn Princess CD, NA, CGC Gunner (in loving memory and together again at the bridge)
Re: Had Enough -- Now: How to be a breeder
A friend of mine that shows Berners but is not a Berner owner recently went to some shows in the northern plains states. She is often approached by people looking for a Berner pup and has learned all the right things to tell these folks regarding care and health. At this one particular show she said she spent time with a woman who was looking for a puppy. She directed this woman towards the several breeders that were at the show after telling her a little about the breed. My friend overheard some of the conversation with the woman and Berner breeders. My friend felt they were very aggresive in their questioning of the woman. She felt they were defensive and this defensivness comes across as a bit hostile. They wanted to know what she wanted a dog for and what was she going to do with it and was she planning to show it, etc. My friend thought the woman seemed sincere and nice and later that day the woman came back and told my friend that she was the only one that didn't try to run her off. Just some input from a non-Berner dog person Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
