Andrew Robinson, HomeTheaterReview.com's managing editor, takes an insider's look at how movies effect real animals months after the latest kid's craze film is out of theaters.
Andrew, Ken Taraszka and I are all big animal lovers. My wife and I foster Goldens and see the effect dogs bought by people who likely should have been pointed to other breeds.
My advice for anyone looking at getting a pet is do a LOT of research first. Go to a dog show if you are looking for a dog. Talk to the weirdo breeders (they are nut jobs - trust me) but many are also helpful about the needs of the breed. NEVER buy a dog at a pet store or at the mall. Adoptions can be great too. We've done 14 adoptions so far and all have worked out well - thank God.
Where did you get your pet? How much research did you do and where?
Post to let us know.
---
Jerry Del Colliano
Publisher
HomeTheaterReview.com
HDTVetc.com
HomeTheaterSpot.com
Username
Comments
David Vaughn Diamond Level Member
Posts: 7234
Loc: Northern, CA
Reg: 07-04-02
We adopted our dog as a puppy an is a mixed breed of Chihuahua and some type of terrier or Pomeranian (we have no idea). He's only 11 pounds but is very loving and fun to be around. We weren't planning on getting a dog, but when our friends were fostering the puppies we went over and visited them and how can you not fall in love with a puppy? We had no plans on getting a dog but it has been a fun 18 months with the little guy and we couldn't imagine life without him.
Since my dogs compete in field events, I've always gone to breeders with reputations in the field. Both of my retrievers (an eleven year old Lab and a three year old Golden) are from championship hunting stock.
My Lab, Kali, who is the absolute best dog anyone could ever hope for was a pretty easy buy. I found a local breeder with a fantastic reputation and a breeding that timed out just perfectly for my schedule. There's such a glut of performance bred Labs on the market that they're priced very reasonably...and there's always one available somewhere close. Kali has competed in AKC hunt tests (titled to Senior), NAHRA hunt tests, Skyhoundz disc dog and novice obedience.
Chase, the Golden was a lot harder...and a bit of a heart breaker. Finding a Golden that still has the drive to hunt in this day and age is a bit of a chore. I got lucky and found a breeder half way across the state that was about to breed a Canadian Dual Champion to their QAA bitch (who is quite a blue blood in her own right), and after several very lengthy phone conversations, I was able to get a pup from the litter. I honestly don't think I would have gotten a spot in that litter if it weren't for having titled Kali, and having a mutual acquaintance who we both disliked! Unfortunately, Chase's hunting career was cut short when he became epileptic at seventeen months old. His epilepsy is under control, and he still hunts, but I won't let him do water work.
I have a lot of respect for quality breeders. Even with Chase's condition, I don't hold it against his breeder. Goldens are seizure prone, I knew it when I started shopping for one just like I knew about the potential for dysplasia in my Lab. There's just something really interesting about being able to see the centuries of work that culminated in that little six pound puppy.
I also have a lot of respect for people who choose to adopt or rescue an animal. It's just a shame that so many animals are put into a position that they need to be rescued.
My fiance's dogs are purely companion animals, and are both rescued Lab mixes. Billy, the older of the two is a TDI therapy dog who just retired this year at fourteen... Sally, the younger is nine years old and a bit of a grump, but a lovable grump.
Miss Kali
Chase at eight weeks.
Chase at one year.
Chase at 3.
"If cartoons were meant for adults, they'd put them on in prime time." -- Lisa Simpson
Edited by JamesS on 07-25-10 07:29 PM. Reason for edit: Photos added
Jerry Del Colliano Silver Level Member
Posts: 382
Loc: Beverly Hills
Reg: 01-02-10
