I volunteered for about 3 years here with what became the local Humane Society. They still don't have a shelter, and operate on a fostering basis. I had to agree with my husband not to foster, for a few reasons, including that it wouldn't be fair to our own dogs, we didn't want to introduce any unknown health factors though ours are immunized as much as possible, and we both knew how many dogs we'd end up keeping ...
Many of the dogs were abandoned, and some were really sweet. Others, though, I really wouldn't want in my home, not even temporarily. We tried hard to place them all in good, responsible homes, but as an all-volunteer organization we were sparsely staffed and weren't always able to follow up on the placements. I have no doubt at all that some people lied through their teeth to us and didn't keep up their responsibilities.
Now on the other side, we got our first Border Collie 13 years ago at the pound. He was the best dog in the world; my husband said that it was like having another person in our home. When he started getting older, and had been an "only dog" for some time, we decided to get a puppy, or at least a young dog, because we couldn't bear losing him. And one of the things we must accept is that we're likely to outlive our pets, sadly. We couldn't find a rescue BC that was suitable, no matter what we tried, and this surprised us as this breed in particular often finds its way to shelters because of its unanticipated (by unsuspecting owners) extreme energy and space requirements.
A local breeder was recommended to us by someone we trust, and after filling out an extremely detailed, five-page application form, we were accepted for an interview. We wanted a pet (show and performance pups cost a LOT more!), and the breeder chose the puppy for us, after our acceptability was determined, from the current litter. We were extremely lucky; ordinarily you go on a waiting list for some time. We had an "in", though, and were approved. Part of our agreement included taking the puppy for formal obedience training, at least, keeping up all his immunizations, of course, and having him neutered within a predetermined time. We had to provide proof of this from the vet. We also had to agree that if for any reason he wasn't suitable (as if!) we would return him to the breeder and she would accept him back. We also had to state in our wills that shoud we die, the dog would be returned to the breeder. As we have no family for a couple thousand miles, this was quite a relief. If the pup had genetic or congenital health problems the breeder would take him back, or we could keep him if we wanted, and in any event give us another.
I'm sure that those who suggested that we who want purebred dogs only do so for the status didn't understand the appeal of a dog that is not only "purebred", but more importantly, well bred. I've had several dogs throughout my life and loved them all, and have been enchanted by others, but for me the Border Collie is the one that fits, in energy, in temperament, and in personality. The Aussie comes a close second, but whereas Rory is a truly great dog, Barley is a person. I support good sound breeding and all the restrictions that are applied to dog ownership by responsible breeders. You guys just need to come meet my dogs to see why!
