Breeders Are Breeding Faster Than We Can Save Them

By Grace Keilbach

“I Love Dogs!”

Without fail, when people learn I run a dog rescue, they will instantly reach into their pocket to share a picture of their own fur baby and begin discussing how much they too “love dogs”. After looking through many, many pictures of another run of the mill, backyard bred doodle or German Shepard, they will slip their phone back in their pocket and go back into saying how amazing our work is and how heartbreaking it is seeing all those sad dogs.

The lack of understanding from people relating the dog they bought because they thought it was cute from a for-profit entity is frustrating to say the least. Our work aims to rescue dogs that would otherwise be dead. Adoption rates are so low because they aren’t a desired “breed” (doodles aren’t a breed by the way). You cannot buy from backyard breeders or puppy mills and love ALL dogs, you just love yours.

Dog and cat over population is not just a Saipan problem and buying a dog from anything other than a reputable breeder directly contributes to it. Puppy mills contribute to 3 out of 4 dogs in shelters and rescues. Although it is impossible to determine the number of backyard bred animals, in response to a survey by Shelter Animal Count a respondent stated, “We are having many doodles surrendered from backyard breeders that could not sell them and they’ve gotten too big to be desirable. Backyard breeders are breeding faster than we can save them”. 

So, what can you do to help if you bought a dog from a backyard breeder or puppy mill? First and foremost, don’t do it again. Although you may love your dog and are looking for those same, sweet traits in another one, puppy mills and backyard breeders cannot reproduce the same results, no matter what they tell you! If you are looking for specific characteristics, check out a shelter near you and try fostering dogs until you find your perfect match or look into purebred dogs bred by reputable breeders. Furthermore, friends don’t let friends support businesses that do not value animal welfare, a.k.a backyard breeders and puppy mills. Talk to those in your life looking to add a new furry member to their family and encourage them to do their research on what they are actually supporting when they expand the four-legged population of their family. For example, many people buy doodles stating they want a hypoallergenic dog. This is untrue. Doodles are unfortunately not hypoallergenic. Although their adoption is a great way to support the shelter crisis and animals in need, buying a dog that you have researched and ensured is a good fit for your lifestyle from a reputable breeder also follows the Hippocratic oath to “first, do not harm”.

As always, you don’t have to adopt to make a difference! Not only can you support Boonie Babies efforts from wherever you are by following, reading, and learning with us, but you can also do this by getting involved in your local community by checking out the needs of shelters near you. We know you love your dog, but we promise rescue dogs are easy to love too.

P.S. stay tuned for next week’s newsletter to learn more about reputable breeders and how to select the right dog for you!

Business For Boonies

Support businesses that support your favorite rescue! Garret and John stumbled across our TikTok videos in 2022 and reached out to us when they first started their business, Zen Hills. Over the years, we have been spoiled with receiving their amazing products that always come packed with a special treat and donation for our Boonies. We have loved getting to watch their small business grow and they will always have a special place in our hearts as they were the first business to work with us. This holiday season, support small businesses and nonprofits alike by gifting someone (or everyone) an amazing Zen Hills piece. Use code SAVETHEBOONIES for an exclusive Boonie Babies discount.

Boonie of the Week

Many small mixed breed dogs have been rehabilitated, fixed, and adopted out through Boonie Babies. Although we are always happy to see any dog find a home, it is always heartbreaking to see the majority of enthusiasm directed to these little guys, also mutts, and little to no interest in the rest of our boonies looking for a home.

Alby is the sweetest little dog who is still looking for his furever home. He enjoys playing with all of his boonie friends and snuggling up on the couch next to anyone who will pet him. Although rat dogs (this is a phrase used with love) typically aren’t our favorite, Alby has definitely stolen our hearts. We have enjoyed watching him transform from a hairless stray into an energetic, spotted pup and can’t wait for someone to receive all the love he has to give.

Boonie Tails is free to read. But if you liked this post, support Boonie Babies and this newsletter by pledging a monthly or annual donation. Thank you for reading and we’ll see you next week!