This is Yoda when he was a very young puppy. As you can see he was absolutely adorable. Impossible to resist, in fact. It’s hard to believe that he and his brothers and sisters were going to be drowned at two weeks old by their horrible breeder – a puppy farmer. Fortunately they were all rescued by a charity and rehomed.
Sadly there are still so many puppies being bought from pet shops and goodness knows where. So I was very pleased to hear that the RSPCA has brought out a new puppy contract, endorsed by major animal and welfare organisations. The contract can be used for all puppies, whether they are pedigree or not, and by any breeder or seller, including rescue centres, and it will help prospective puppy owners make informed decisions. Hopefully it will help a little further in the fight against puppy farms, too, as the information provided for the Puppy Information Pack – including statements about the puppy’s parents’ health – is referenced in the contract, giving it legal force.
You can read about our experience with a pedigree puppy here.
Let’s hope that the next step in responsible dog ownership is licensing.
I’d also add that while Yoda is a gorgeous dog and we wouldn’t be without him for the world, raising a puppy isn’t easy. You need a lot of patience, good pet insurance and a commitment to walking the dog in all weathers. And don’t forget, they do grow up.
Reminds me of our dog, Mike, who was bought as a puppy by Auntie Eileen and had to be given to my Dad when he got to big to live with Eileen in her small flat in London! At least that’s how I remember the story from my childhood!
We got Diesel Dog a gorgeous Irish Setter at 9 weeks old, he is now 5 months old and going through his juvenile stage. This is the most common time when people give up their dogs. You are so right in what you say, you need to be very patient, committed and understand the dogs needs, after all they are depending on you to look after them for life they are not an accessory! Best wishes, Shari