Vdoglover, yes is not right to make assumptions regarding why people choose a byb or pet shop as opposed to a breeder. But, realistically, most breeders are on the internet and I know for a fact that some breeders who do not take their dogs back are on the "A" lists with the local and National Breed specific organizations. Honestly, how is the average individual going to make the distinction between a well thought out website by a byb/puppymill vs. breeder? How about the differences on the breeder lists? I believe many people just do not know how to find a "good" breeder, so for that reason I do support Ang in her statements, keeping in mind that that certainly does not apply to everyone, as many do so because of reduced fees as well.
You see, it really boils down to a lack of education and support. I have not been with rescue for very long, but I have assisted Kuvasz Rescue with 4 rescues over the last 3 1/2 months. The saddest thing regarding the rescues were that 2 of the 4 rescues were not due to improper placement in homes, but lack of support from the breeder initially, then once rehomed, through rescue, a lack of support from rescue. In each case, the applicants were "ideal". However, bad training advise, lack of support from breeder and rescue, pushed owners to the limit and 2 dogs back in rescue. You know, at some point, breeders and rescue need to stop trying to find a "perfect" home, cause, guess what, there isn't one. What they need to do is to find a good home with people who breeders/rescue can communicate and work with. Then both parties make the committment to assist whenever necessary with advise, tips, websites, dog groups, and a list of trainers in their area who can help when difficulties arise. And not just for 30 days, 60 days, a year, but for the life of the dog.
State boundaries and far away places should not matter, but unfortunately lack of trust is too great for many individuals in rescue. That is not just with potential applicants, but other rescue organizations as well. Yes, red flags arise on applications from nervous, excited potential adopters and instead of an in depth interview the applications are discarded. One rescue heard a story or two about bad placements so they cannot trust that other rescue to do a home check in another city or state ... the list goes on and on.
I do not believe this one little thread will fix anything, but those of you who breed or work with rescue, I hope this gives you something to think about.
Deena