PETA Picks A Petty Dogfight

For crying out loud, PETA! Taking your fight into the ring of Madison Square Garden just before the final of the Westminster Dog Show does no service to the plight of the millions of needy hounds in the world. In fact, as far as I’m concerned it’s further evidence that PETA (People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals) is more about a bunch of whack-jobs who’ve found a way to achieve fame (or infamy) and fortune by playing on the sympathies of a gullible audience.

For any of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, at last night’s Westminster final two women interrupted the judging by walking into the ring holding signs above their heads reading, “Mutts Rule” and “Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs’ Chances”. This from a group that routinely kills thousands of dogs and cats at their own shelters; potentially adoptable pets, that is. (I should clarify, the women, PETA members, acted on their own but their actions are supported by the organization).

Without doubt, there are some breeders whose approach to their dogs is decidedly unethical. I can cite the story of the rottweiler pup with a hernia, brought to the vet by a breeder to be euthanized because he would never be show quality. Happily, a woman in the waiting room with her own pet said she would take the rottie and the story had a happy ending. Such incidents are not the norm, however. Many breeders are active in the rescue arena as well as the show ring.

And arguably, events such as Westminster serve to illustrate what a healthy, happy, well-trained  dog should be like and can foster interest and discussion in dogs in general, including those less fortunate creatures at shelters who are in need of homes.

Winnie

Winnie is a 1-year old Scottie mix in need of a home as of this writing. She’s being cared for at PAWS in Anna, IL.

I realize that Sadie’s win will likely prompt a surge in popularity of Scottish Terriers but not everyone will rush to a breeder to buy a puppy. A search on petfinder.com brought up a host of available purebreds and mixes in need of forever homes, and there are lots of Scottie rescue groups such as that run by the Scottish Terrier Club of America.

So congratulations to Sadie and if you’re thinking of getting a dog, Scottie or otherwise, take a look in your local shelters.

“No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.” ~ Louis Sabin