"NO CURS" EXPOSED FOR WHAT SHE REALLY IS!!! - Page 11

Hey, thanks SteveO. 'preciate it.   Please don't worry about it. Really.  If you look at the people that feel like they have the "inside scoop" on me, well, like I said, you'll know why I'm pretty happy about it.

Having said that, I'll repeat:  I put a lot of what I do right out there for public inspection, because I have nothing to hide, am proud of my dogs, my breeding program, how I train, my track record of service to the breed I love,and don't mind talking about it with anyone intelligent enough to go more than 3 sentences without a swearword or calling themselves a "victim". 

I respect others who are unafraid of what they have done and what they stand for - whether I agree with the particulars of what they do or not.  I have no respect for those who can only critize others from behind a computer screen.  This little episode has allowed fellow board members to make their own decisions about what type of person they respect.

Having said that, I appreciate the thought that was behind your drawing attention to me, and again I appreciate your kind words. Boards like this are fun, but some people take them far too seriously. 

OK, off to enjoy the wonderful low 80's weather and BQ a steak and play with dogs. You all have a great evening! : )  (And if you're ever in Olympia, stop by and visit. I love chatting with dog folks!)

You two need to get a room....

Hey, Least  I got a date, moons... LOL!  :  )

Since I have been "exposed" as it were, I guess I am open to suggest something for all you lovers of dog fiction....  Heck, I admit (ducks head) that I started the "dog fiction" thread to test the waters for mentioning my novel...

Sooooo, if any of you are looking for a summer read, and don't mind a "Kleenex Special", may I humbly suggest the fictional "The Dog Who Spoke With Gods" by yours truly?  While not a masterpiece, mind you, it did earn a kinda neat NY award for "Best Human/Animal Bond" in some big contest. Me being me, (rolls eyes) it can be a bit hard to read for the weak of heart, as I grind some of my favorite axes on subjects that piss me off. Actually, I wrote it to just calm myself down, and never expected it to be published, but, well,  there you go.  It's a "girl and her dog" story. St. Martin's Press.  

Those of you in faraway lands, the book was published in Russia, Japan, China, "Slovokia" (or something like that) Belgium, and a couple other places I think So, you may be able to find it n your language. I know it never was published in the UK as the publishers felt it was "too hard" for the British reader... : (

Anyway, if you do read it, let me know what you think!  : )

I don't read,
but I did answer you on another thread if you get around to it.

Also, I don't date,
but I would find it hard to refuse the right proposition,
life's too short to let some things pass you by....lol



Moons.

Diane,

I've handled you with kid gloves so far because I honestly believe that you have some valid opinions to offer and I find myself often agreeing with your position on various subjects especially as they relate to "no kill" shelters.  Been there, done that; no kill is a euphemism for "we are collectors of 'unadoptable' dogs"...dogs that through my time and perseverance ended up being perfectly adoptable and lived the remainder of their lives as trusted, cherished companions in the homes in which they were eventually placed.  No-kill shelters that never adopt out are de-facto kill shelters because the dogs for whom they have no space end up at kill shelters anyway.

That notwithstanding, you are playing God with living creatures and I take issue with that.  My perception is that your decades of having had to put down animals in your role as an animal control officer has made you callously immune to the value that even an imperfect life might have to offer.  If we were to extend your criteria of physical, mental and temperamental perfection to humans, would you have made the cut?  I think not.

You have tried to portray yourself as some sort of hero here, doing what is 'necessary' to ensure only 'worthy' dogs get to live while the rest get sent to slaughter...my experience...and I am in the trenches actually working with the throw-aways...  tells me that there are very few dogs that, given the chance, won't rise to the challenge and be...huh...perfectly content with just being a dog in a situation in which they are loved.

Seriously...SteveO, are you paying attention?

.

NoCurs

I salute you!!

Regards
gertv

@Keith

I really don't know any of the details of Diane's breeding program.  I do know that she has been forward in saying that she has culled pups from some of her litters.  I am not opposed to the practice of culling as a matter of principle, but it is something I do not think I could do, or that if I did it the emotional cost would be more than I could or would want to bear.  One of many reasons why I am not a breeder.

In some of Janice Bartmess' contributions to this thread she touches on some of the many ethical dilemnas faced by a conscientious breeder and the emotional toll that comes with them.  Whatever Janice's mistakes or misdeeds in her past, I think one could learn something from reviewing some of what she has said here on this matter.  I have no personal experience with breeding so all I can contribute here are my own speculations and ideations, for what they are worth.

When you identify yourself as someone who is " in the trenches actually working with the throw-aways" I take that to mean that you are actively involved in rescue and placement of the many, too many, unwanted and unhomed dogs which our society produces.  I admire your efforts in that area and have no doubt that the affection that you feel towards dogs and your willingness to work at finding homes for the "throw-aways" is morally virtuous.  What I do question is whether a breeder who adds to the burden which you, and others like you, bear is fully meeting the responsibilities that come with being a breeder.  Would it be nobler, kinder, and more responsible for Diane, or any other breeder, to show up at your doorstep, or the shelter down the street, with a basket full of unwanted pups?  There probably is not a clear-cut answer to this question which would apply in every instance.  Many questions and considerations come to mind when such a scenario is posited.  The breed, their health, their potentiallity for appropriate placement and many other factors have to be considered, confronted, and dealt with.  You would know much better than I the reality of what all is involved when actually dealing with these unwanted pups and dogs.

It is a tough old world sometimes, and I do not profess to know with any degree of certainty what truly constitutes the most responsible approach to the issue of culling and the larger practice of selective breeding in which, historically, culling has been accepted as a necessary practice.  Given the enormous over-population and over-supply of unhomed dogs in our society raises many questions about how any of us should best proceed.  Speaking for myself, I know that if I buy a pup from a breeder that act effectively insures that one more dog does not get a reprieve from "death row".  Not a pleasant thought, but a grim reality none the less.

SteveO

 SteveO and Keith.....very thoughtful posts...got me...thinking...thinking...

                                                               Ruger1