Chris said: <As a pet member and a recent arrival to this list I must say that I have been astounded at the level of arrogance, intolerance and bitchiness that has been on recent display here. And that's coming from people who want to "educate" pet owners and who, apparently, need their support and votes to achieve their objectives. Extraordinary. Some of you even manage to make the words "pet member" sound like an insult.>
Then Winnie said: <Thank you Chris for voicing all of the above. Your observations are right on the money and you're not the only one who's totally amazed at the recent behavior (including name-calling and snide remarks) that we've been treated to.> Why are we treating each other like this? Breeders *need* pet owners, and pet owners need breeders! I agree with what Charlotte said earlier that this should be a partnership. It is true that pet owners don't go through what breeders go through with whelping, losing bitches and puppies, etc. It is also true that some breeders never keep their dogs long enough to see them get old and sick, do not keep up with their pet owners to see how long their dogs live, at what age they develop MVD, etc. etc. While breeders spend money on testing and other breeding issues, many pet owners spend thousands of dollars in types of vet bills that some breeders would never have--patella surgery, MVD, cancer, etc. etc. (Yes, I know this does not apply to *all* breeders, but it does apply to some.) My Madeleine has a ruptured disc right now, and I spent $200 last week for x-rays, blood work, etc. to reach a diagnosis. I will always do what it takes to see that my pets get the best vet treatment possible. (I am not complaining about the vet bill. This is just an example.) This is also not an invitation to debate who spends more in vet bills. I know some breeders have tremendous vet bills. I am always astounded at the way some breeders look down on pet owners as if they (the breeders) are superior. Why can't we step back and treat each other with respect? These posts seem to get more insulting with each one. My post is not intended to be bashing breeders. I have just been amazed at the way these posts are going and would love to see it stop. By the way, not *all* pet owners are against allowing AKC dogs to be used. Not all pet owners are for mandatory testing. I am one who believes all things should be balanced. I love to see a gorgeous Cavalier. My Dinah was very typey and breathtakingly beautiful. I believe beauty and health can be achieved together. We pet owners aren't the enemy. I get tired of hearing us being treated as though we are. Carol Richards East Tennessee, USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.geocities.com/carolscavaliers/ "My little dog, a heartbeat at my feet." Edith Wharton ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
