So other than cruising petfinder, I occasionally look at the newspaper classifieds. I wouldn't look for a purebred dog in the paper; I prefer rescued dogs. Anyway, a lot of the ads just upset me (knowing that they are backyard breeders and whatnot). I don't know why I still look... It's like watching a train wreck, maybe...
Well, there was one for Newfoundland puppies and it said adults available. I immediately thought two things-one, newfs around Austin? I've done a little research into Newfs (really want one), and though I'd rather rescue a dog, I am aware that there aren't any "good"/recommended breeders around Austin. And two, adults for sale sounds like they're selling off dogs that are too old breed, which I guess any breeder may do, but it's in the paper... and I was just suspicious.
So I call the guy (again, why do I do this?). He says he's about 70 miles outside of town. Anyway, he's got puppies that he tries to push on me. I tell him I'd rather have an older dog, so he pushes a 10-month-old male puppy. I asked if he had adults, as his ad said. He said he has a 4-year-old female that hasn't had any litters. Silly me, I'm thinking he just chose not to breed her, but no, he says he doesn't know why she hasn't had a litter. Uh-oh. So he's trying to home her, but he tried to push me back towards the puppies or at least the older pup. Then he said the strangest thing-if I want an adult, maybe we can work something out with one of his other dogs. Who is willing to randomly part with one of their adults? That seemed very strange-I mean, he'd have to mean an older female or something... Very suspicious for a breeder, though, right? I mean, "work something out"? I always figured either you were or weren't selling certain dogs, and I guess it'd be one thing if we'd talked for a while, but this man was making this offer within the first minute of our conversation.
I got him to send me photos. He only have photos of the mom and dad of the current litter and one of the babies by himself. I asked for photos of the older pup and the 4-y-o, but he said he didn't have them (also not a good sign, I thought).
I can't stop thinking about these two dogs. Part of me wants to go check their conditions... See how he keeps them. Part of me also knows that I'll likely walk away with one in that case (unless it's all a fluke and he's got a great operation and dotes on all of his animals, etc.).
What do you do with suspected puppy mills/backyard breeders/people with shady breeding practices? How do you know for sure? Visiting? I feel kind of confused and a bit helpless here. These two dogs-the female that won't breed and the older male puppy-can't be all that valuable to him if he's not a caring breeder.
Am I worrying about nothing or should I go check it out?
