I wholeheartedly agree with you on the puppy mill/pet store connection. Those who don’t get it simply haven’t done the research. I believe over 80% of dogs sold in stores come from puppy mills. If one can’t tell the difference between puppy mills and breeders, there is a problem. Here in LA there are far too many “backyard breeders” - and I have issues with those as well. A good breeder cares about the animals they breed and will charge enough to discourage “bunchers” from getting their hands on their animals. In other words, they care about who gets one of their animals. There are far too many animals (purebred and mixed alike) who need homes and not having them in a pet store will certainly not curtail one’s ability to adopt one. If you must have a specific breed, yes, you can always go to a breeder, but you can also visit your local shelters and rescues (most every breed has a breed-specific rescue). There are plenty of pure-breds at both and they need homes.
I, also have a problem with backyard breeders-I have a
neighbor who used to be one-he and his wife would take their latest litter of AKC Rotties to the local flea market and sell them to any taker. Fortunately, his vet talked him into spaying and neutering his pair of Rotties, telling him they would be healthier and live longer. They certainly do seem happier, not being mobbed by puppies twice a year.
I have always contacted the AKC when I wanted a dog, and asked for the names of recommended breeders of that dog in my area-we also never considered a breeder that bred their bitches more than once a year. My husband and I would go and get a tour of the house, grounds and kennel, meet all of the dogs and be shown all the show trophies and photos in the “bragging room”. Then the kennel owner would bring the litter of 4-5 week old puppies while we sat on the floor and let one pick us by toddling right up and playing with our feet, climbing into our laps or jackets, etc. We’d put down a deposit, then bring that puppy home at 9 weeks-NEVER before, so that they are not taken from mom too young. Having adopted 5 dogs this way over the last 30+ years, my family has never been disappointed.
The puppy mill that my daughter’s Staffordshire Terrier came from also had several Quarter Horses being kept in equally terrible conditions-they went to an equine rescue facility for treatment and adoption-my daughter told me that one confiscated horse was nearly 300 pounds underweight-hearing that was enough to make me want to cry.