Adopting versus shopping | Casey’s Corner

It’s akin to a holy war.

“You should always adopt — don’t shop.”

“Buying a dog from a reputable breeder isn’t immoral.”

For people strongly committed to one of these positions, it’s an either-or proposition: there’s no room for debate, much less discussion. But contrary to what the zealot thinks, it’s not just black or white.

When it comes to getting a new dog, both positions have merit.

Most of you know that I’m a firm believer in adoption. That doesn’t mean I’m a better person than someone who purchases a dog. It simply means that for my personal situation and my personal philosophy, adoption is my option of choice.

First, adoption means you’re giving an animal a second chance. Maybe that dog in the shelter or rescue organization was given up because the caretaker had to move. Maybe it was found wandering the streets. Maybe it was too energetic for the elderly couple who first adopted it.

Whatever the reason it landed where it is, it deserves another chance. It deserves not to be among the 670,000 unwanted dogs euthanized each year simply because they couldn’t find a permanent home.

When you adopt, you’re making a positive impact on pet overpopulation. Every year, an average pair of dogs can produce a up to six puppies. This means that in as few as six years, one pair of dogs and their offspring can produce as many as 67,000 puppies.

When you adopt, you become part of the solution, not the problem.

Another reason is cost: a purebred dog can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and there’s no guarantee that he or she will have any better temperament, be any healthier or bring your family any more joy than a mixed-breed dog you’ve adopted.

If you’re looking for an adult dog, you’re pretty much constrained to adopting, since breeders generally only have puppies. And getting an older dog that’s passed that chew-on-everything-in-sight stage can have distinct advantages. Like not having to buy a new couch. Or even a remote control for your TV.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a particular breed or want a puppy, then a reputable breeder may be your best choice. I want to emphasize “reputable.” That doesn’t include dogs listed on Craigslist or Facebook or that you see being sold in front of Safeway.

You may also want to purchase a dog because you need one that’s bred to perform a specific task such as herding cattle or sheep, guarding livestock or offering protection for your home or business.

People who need a service dog must usually get it from an organizational breeder such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, simply because their needs are so specific to their disability, and the dogs have been raised to provide support for people with that condition.

When you buy a puppy, you get to visit the kennel to assess the living conditions and meet both the puppies and their parents. The breeder will have implemented selective breeding procedures to lessen the potential for inherited defects such as hip dysplasia, and they should be able to provide you with proof of any genetic tests they’ve run on the puppy’s parents. Most breeders also provide some sort of health guarantee, usually from 1 to 2 years. When you adopt, you seldom have that information.

While shelters and rescues also endeavor to do this, a breeder will also carefully assess each puppy’s temperament and that of the potential owner to assure the best match possible.

Just like in life, you have options when choosing a new dog to join your life. Just choose wisely!

Joan Merriam lives in Northern California with her Maine coon cat Indy, the infinite spirit of her beloved golden retriever Joey, and the abiding presence of her dog Casey, in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@joanmerriam.com.