(Peggy Mickelson wrote, "... The second thing is that I am amazed that a
non-breeder is telling anyone what questions to ask breeders and giving
advice on where to get a puppy. Especially a non-breeder who believes that
most breeders don't keep old dogs.")
I am a non-breeder, and member of this list for over 2 years, since well
before I got Remy. I will never be a breeder (though not for lack of
interest... maybe in the next life?). I wouldn't say most breeders don't
keep old dogs; I'm not in a position to make *any* statement about "most"
breeders (in fact, I wonder how many breeders could knowledgeably do so
either). I've been dismayed at how sarcastic and vitriolic some recent
posts have been; these have been directed at some of the people I had the
pleasure of talking with (in person or by phone) before I found Remy. They
don't deserve this treatment. They never had an unkind word to say about
anyone else. (And they don't need me to defend them by name, and fan the
flames.)
I'm writing, however, to point out that *non-breeders* (i.e., owners of
PET Cavaliers) *could* well be in a *very* good position to advise
prospective buyers. Someone (I think it was Anne) mentioned that perhaps as
many as 90% of Cavaliers aren't shown or bred. Of course, some of these are
kept by breeders; that still leaves a huge percentage that are sold as pets.
So, most Cavaliers seen walking around (with their owners) are pets. I can
hardly walk Remy for a block without someone stopping me to ask about him.
If you look at the numbers, you'll realize that most future Cavalier owners
are more likely to have their *initial* contact(s) with a *pet owner* rather
than a breeder. It is the face-to-face meeting with a Cavalier that,
whether we like it or not, is most influential in most people's decision
that this is the breed they want. I'm sure that statistics would show that
face-to-face meetings occur more often with the large numbers of
non-breeding pet owners out there, or (far worse), pet shops or backyard
breeders - NOT the relatively small group of committed, experienced breeders
such as are on this list. Unfortunately, I have never been stopped by a
stranger who had any inkling, before our conversation, that *any* of you
exist. Responsible non-breeders can also do their part to promote the
wellbeing of the breed. Personally, I think more non-breeders should be
encouraged to do so (or at least not have their role dismissed).
The reality of sheer numbers means that - like it or not - there are a lot
more *non-breeders* (pet owners) on the "front lines" -- likely to meet (or
be accosted by!) future Cavalier-owners -- than there are breeders. If a
person is receptive and I have the time, I do offer advice (including where
NOT to get a puppy, how to spot a broker, how to find good breeders, health
problems common in the breed, etc.) Will I continue to do this? You bet I
will! I'd be dishonoring my love for Remy (and all the future little
"Remys" out there) if I didn't.
Alida Margolin-Ahlskog
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