I had to stop by the grocery store on Saturday, and as I walked through the parking lot there was a man with a German Shepherd puppy in his truck. He shouts out "Last One, has papers, $250." As I walk away, he keeps shouting after me, lowering the price each time.
The last place I'm going to look for a puppy is in a grocery store parking lot. Especially a purebred. I see them everywhere, people parking their vehicles in busy parking lots, parks, anywhere where there's a crowd, selling "purebred" puppies.
Not so long ago, people whose dogs met a traveling salesman would wait until the puppies were weaned then give them away for free in front of a grocery store. Now, they make up some designer dog name and sell them.
I sort of get it. Free pets can end up in science labs or as bait dogs in fighting rings.
Reputable breeders or even those who just breed as a hobby, do not sell puppies in a parking lot. They will tell you about the breed, alert you to potential problems with the breed (and hopefully be able to show you that they breed to avoid the particular disease), let you see the parents, and instruct you about the care of your puppy. Reputable breeders are willing to take back dogs that don't work out for whatever reason, and will guarantee the puppy is healthy when sold. Reputable breeders have given the puppies they sell their first vaccinations and dewormings.
Love a breed but can't afford to pay a premium price for a puppy? If you're willing to have a pet quality version, you're in luck. Contact breeders and let them know you're interested. Not every puppy out of the chute is a pick of the litter. Consider if you can afford a pet quality instead of a show quality. Consider an older puppy that for what ever reason the breeder couldn't sell. Contact rescue groups and let them know you are looking. They network, and you may be able to get the breed you want for a price you can afford.
If you see a puppy for sale in a parking lot, keep walking.
Thanks for sharing this! This is great information. It's been a long time since I've seen any puppies, for sale or free, in parking lots.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to say that our Chesepeake Bay was a 1 year old dog in need of a home when my husband acquired (before we were married). And my heeler/boarder collie I think I paid $100 for as a pup. To help cover shots and vet bill.
I'm not ever sure if I'd buy a purebred at a high price. Even though I'm partial to the Chesepeake breed now. I'd like to get another one when hes to old to go in the woods with me.
Out here in suburbia you can't park anywhere without seeing puppies for sale. We've treated a ton of sick puppies that were bought in parking lots. Costco seems to be popular.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with paying premium prices for purebred dogs if that's what someone wants. But they're not sold in parking lots.
We always have a Lab, and some pound dog that comes from a long line of traveling salesmen, usually a heeler mix.