Adopt vs. Shop
I hope everyone that reads this is able to understand that this age old question is one that I have wrestled with my whole life. Being an animal lover (not just cats, but they are my favorite) I have rescued many, many animals. I have fostered, volunteered and donated money and time to local rescues. I am a huge advocate of spaying and neutering all pets. So why am I a breeder? Why would I bring more animals into the world, when there are so many abused and homeless ones out there? I have asked this myself, and I get asked this on a very regular basis by others.
I have also bought many purebred dogs and cats. I love a big goofy Labrador, or a beautifully groomed Yorkie. There are traits and characteristics I can count on in a purebred animal. I know how big or small they will be. I can judge a purebred characteristic to my lifestyle. I know for a fact, I am not active enough for a Border Collie, and I know I need a good high fence for a Husky, and that a Boxer makes a terrific family dog. Because the characteristics are bred into them by good breeders, I can count on them.
On the other side of the same coin…I ask myself this question, “What would happen if all breeders quit breeding purebred animals?” And the answer is simple…
All purebred animals would become extinct within 15-20 years, and that is impossible to imagine! Do we really want to see a world without a golden retriever, or a ragdoll cat? Do we really want to risk losing the characteristics and physical features of all our purebred animals? I do not. So this is how I am able to balance the debate in my own head and in my heart. I never want to lose the loyal and loving yet stubborn nature of a purebred Maine Coon. So this is why I breed.
This is also why I do not sell breeding rights. I want to make sure I am not being part of the problem. I spay and neuter our kittens, and part of all our proceeds go straight to our local spay and neuter program. Just today there was an article in the paper about one of our local rescues needing help. I got on the phone and offered to help by organizing a raffle of….you’ll never guess….one of our purebred Maine Coon kittens to help raise money needed!!
See, there has to be balance. If I could change the world, there would be no homeless or abused animals. There would be no terrible pet owners, or terrible pet breeders!! Alas, I can’t change the world. All I can do is try not to be part of the problem the best way I can. I feel like I have good balance in my life, my hobby, and my adored animals. Zia Maine Coons is also home to 2 recued dogs and 3 recued cats. We are one big happy family.
So please, next time someone says “Adopt don’t Shop”, let them know it doesn’t have to be one or the other. In fact it truly can be both and should be both.