Posted by Wolf on June 20, 2009, 1:31 pm, in reply to "Re: fair market value"
Fair market value: I do agree that putting a value on the dogs make it more selective for buyers to be found. People who consider dogs disposable items will not pay for the high end dog. People who consider a dog a companion along with being a protector and serve in other ways will buy a good line and a stable dog.
If I were to go hunting I would want a high end gun such as a Beretta (which I have) and a high end dog (which I also have). Along with my skills I should be able to have a successful hunt whatever the game might be considering the dog were properly trained in the type of hunting I chose. My dog must be well cared for and nutritionally and mentally sound. My gun must be cleaned after a shoot so it will not misfire. All this being equal a hunt should be safe and successful for all. Treating each properly should produce the result I would want. I expect to pay top of the line prices for my dog and my Beretta. Anything less is not dependable. This is just one example of fair market value.
Humane treatment: why is it that we as adults must constantly have to tell others the difference between right and wrong. Mistreating any animal and not caring for it well is wrong. Needlessly putting an animal in harms way allowing it to be killed is not humane. If you do not want to keep a non-producing animal at the very least have the humanity to place it in a good home or euthanize it in a humane manner. There is no nobility in any dog dying a hard death. There is no nobility in violence of any kind. This world has enough killing in it without the addition of blood sports. Where does all this anger come from...lack of self esteem...lack of education....lack of honesty... it goes on. There is no excuse for anyone who behaves in a violent manner. Revenge does not bring closure.
And so the fact that dogs cost a lot of money is a reasonable one as it helps protect them from those who consider them disposable. It helps keep them out of the local rescues. Those who pay a fair market value for a high end dog will be more likely to take better care of the dog and treat the dog well. There is always the exception to the rule but high end or backyard breeder the dog should be treated as a life form that deserves to be treated as you would want to be treated.
Also a high end breeder puts a lot of time and knowledge, research and funds into keeping a good healthy line of dogs and careful selection of buyers. They deserve to be paid well for their dogs. Dogs are not disposable items. One does not throw them away. They are lifetime companions and so carefully selecting a dog from a solid line that will have health and longevity along with stability is the main reason people seek out the breeder with such dogs.
Keep in mind that originally dog shows were for people who were proud of the lines they had developed and so gathered together to show others the results of years of work. Dog shows are about dogs not people.
If you want a good friend go get a dog.
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