One thought to keep in mind this holiday season - Page 1

First of all My best season's wishes and merry christmas to all the viewers and readers of this board. Just please keep in mind that when you are gifting this season to your friends and relatives PLEASE DON"T GIFT A PUPPY. this is the most mindless thing you could possibly do. A puppy is by no means meant as a surprise commodity/gift item, but a very carefully thought over decision that a household ( Working/Show/Pet) should take. PLEASE DON'T GIFT YOUR KIDS PUPPIES BECAUSE THEY WILL GET BORED OF THEM IN A FEW WEEKS AND UNLESS SOMEONE IS COMMITTED TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ANIMAL THEY SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO ANYONE. SECONDLY THE BREEDERS WHO BREED PUPPIES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY SHUNNED MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

In late November of 2001 I lost my beloved GSD to lymphosarcoma after 7 months of chemo. I was just devastated and I wanted nothing more for Christmas than another GSD. I wasn't able to find one I could enjoy on Christmas, but my Blitz was whelped on Christmas day 2001 and was still the best Chrsitmas present I've ever had. For the most part I agree that dogs should not be intended as Christmas gifts, but sometimes there are exceptions. It just takes a little common sense to know which is which.

That comment should be intended for the general public for people who have limited knowelge about dogs, most people on this board are dedicated enough to the breed in showing, training and competing and are well educated on what it takes to raise a puppy.

"SECONDLY THE BREEDERS WHO BREED PUPPIES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY SHUNNED" ************** Sherry I run a perpetual waiting list. IF I happen to have a litter around Christmas, it was planned and there are homes for the puppies, anyway. Last year, puppies went out to homes on the 22nd and 23rd of Dec. A couple of those folks had been waiting on their puppy for over a year. I do not sell Christmas puppies. While the heart of your post is well intended, prudent and good sound advice, overall, just remember.....one size does not fit all. No reason for someone to absolutely shun me. Stephen

My bitch is due Christmas day. She came into heat, and I cannot control when that happens, unless you are saying that I should favor breeding her in the summer and not be able to ship the puppies to their owners due to the heat??? THAT would be irresponsible. I understand what you are saying, but a blanket statement & accusation is seldom correct for all people! My bitch is expecting 8 puppies, of which 4 are already placed(before even being whelped!). There is no reason not to breed a dog if they come into heat and puppies are due around (or even ready to place at) Christmastime. If someone is inducing a heat so that the puppies are ready at Christmastime, that's another story. As far as Christmas presents, I would agree with you and people should think and consider carefully about the responsibility of getting a puppy. HOWEVER, a Christmas present of a GSD puppy is a wonderful gift, if it's going to be taken care of. I can say this, as I was given one for Christmas when I was little, which lived with our family until he passed away (at 14 years of age!) That was the best present I think I ever received! :o)

I'm sure Sherry meant this in only the best way, no malice intended. Let's give her a break and enjoy the holiday season by wishing all peace on earth and good will toward man.

I'm sure it wasn't meant as a stab at anyone but a general warning. Responsible breeders know who is serious about the puppy and who will be taking it 'to a farm so it can run'. Personally, I don't believe in surprise puppies. Everyone likes a different kind of dog and I don't mean breed. I like high energy, intelligent, loyal, protective, and affectionate but not pushy dog that is at least 60 lbs (Kylee (40.9 lbs was supposed to be bigger but hey I love her anyway). My mom prefers a calm, possesive, more cuddly, lay at your feet kind of dog, medium sized with long soft hair and long ears. Three years ago I got her two cocker spaniels for Mothers' Day and she knew in advance and we already had a couple of breeders lined up with the colors she liked. She came with to get the pups (two different breeders) and picked her own babies out. This way she had exactly what she wanted and was not inclined to give them up for something more her style.