New Dog Thread

[Peaches]

Originally posted by kath@Feb 21 2003, 12:34 PM
Wow...I really didn't realize all the trouble that purebreeds have. You know you always hear that's the way to go. I'd heard about specific breeds - like Dalmations - that have health problems, etc. but really thought that was just a few specific breeds.

It is strange - both of my pugs were rescues, but my female (and her mother) was an owner turn in, whereas my male was found on the road. My female's mother was a show dog and is a perfect specimen on the breed, as is Meg (my female). My male, OTOH, is suspected to be a result of a puppymill who because of an undescended testicle was sterile and therefore was discarded.

However, her "good breeding" has resulted in her having more medical problems than he has. A large nose roll is desired in pugs, with a very short snout. He has a rather large nose (relatively ). This means she can stay in the heat for about 1/5 of the time he can, she has a much harder time breathing than he does, and because her legs are more compact - the back higher than the front - another desired trait - she has a higher risk of arthritis than he does. Her mother already has it in her back legs.

Another odd thing - almost to the month, Meg and her mother both had a cancerous mass last year. We didn't even know it until we talked to each other after we had them removed - how weird is THAT??!!

A lot of breed rescue groups stop adoptions right around the holidays because so many are impulse decisions. I know the pug rescue group I work with has about a 5 page application, lol! You also have to agree to give the dog back them if you decide not to keep it - they want to make sure it doesn't end up at the pound

I think EVERY kid needs a dog or cat. Pets offer unconditional love and I can remember many times turning to my dog when I didn't think I had anyone else that could understand me. Heck, I probably still do that