[PyrNet-L] Breeding/rescue debate

[darrell goolsbee <dgg@star-telegram.com>]

Kelly raises an interesting point, and one that I just have had quite a
lengthy discussion with a friend over.

The question: In some ways, does rescue perhaps do more harm than good
for the breed?

Rescue does, of course, help individual dogs, which is very good for
those dogs, and also provides a "feel-good" aspect for rescuers, and
good "PR".

But consider:

Rescue dogs take up resources that could be spent on things like
education that might do more long-term good.

Most rescues come from farm/ranch type breeders or backyard breeders who
aren't going to stop breeding or become ethical no matter what. If you
look at what has happened to the breed in TX/Okla and throughout much of
the South, as well as some other places, it would be easy to say that in
fact these type of breeders have already "won.'' Rescue cannot stop or
even slow the flow. And all we're doing is taking care of their
"problems.''

Most rescue dogs are not really good examples of the breed. So, by
pushing rescues, we're actually taking up homes for potential "good"
Pyrs and allowing the bad examples to represent the breed. Is doing this
an injustice both to the new owners and to the breed?

Anyway, I take no position on these questions, but I find it very
interesting food for thought. And by the way, I do own a rescue dog
myself, as well as two "good" Pyrs. The rescue is a *great* dog, but a
lousy example of the breed (maybe a mix).

Darrell Goolsbee
Fort Worth, TX