Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, Inc.
Golden Retriever Rescue
For the Love of Goldens

Special Stories
Animals Are Not For Auction

By Jude Fulghum

Sammy
Sammy
Every day in the dog rescue world is a new heartache. People always are amazed that there is a need for Golden Retriever rescue organizations at all. "Who would give up these wonderful dogs?" is a typical question. Unfortunately, lots of people. Divorces, "outgrowing" the dog, medical conditions (the dog or its humans), relocating, and other stories are typical of what we hear. Last weekend was different.

This call was about a 9 week old puppy that was acquired as the result of a "silent auction" at a local private school. Although we had heard stories about companion animals being raffled off at a fundraising event, this was the first time the results of such a practice hit us. After buying the pup on an impulse, the new owner realized she just really didn't want a dog. Enter Golden Bond Rescue. Normally, our first suggestion is to call the puppy's breeder to report the adoption is not working out. Legitimate breeders are typically quite conscientious in not only placing their puppies originally, but also being willing to take any back with virtually no questions asked. Not in this case. The breeder was not interested in taking the pup back.

Sammy
Sammy
After doing some investigation, we found that auctioning/raffling animals is a more common practice than we would like to think in the Central Oregon area. Offering live animals at fundraising auctions is an unbearable thought to legitimate breeders, animal rescue and welfare organizations, and animal lovers in general. As the animal goes to the highest bidder there is no guarantee that its well being is insured or that the "match" will be a good one. So often, as in this case, the animal ends up in the hands of a rescue organization. So strongly do they feel about the issue, both the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) and the American Kennel Club have written position statements on the practice. In fact, the GRCA considers auctioning or raffling purebred Golden Retrievers to be a breach of its Code of Ethics. Breeders, conscientious or not, please take note! Instead of donating a live puppy for a fundraiser, GRCA suggests that other items (such as gift certificates for pet supplies, obedience classes, vet services, or a spay/neuter clinic) be offered instead.

Acquiring a companion animal is not an impulse decision, and certainly not one to be taken lightly or on impulse. It is an approximate 10-20 year commitment to love and take care of the well being of that pet in good times and bad. It means vet bills, good food, and responsibly spaying and neutering your animal before it breeds. It means returning the loyalty the animal has given you. Even if you don't believe that animals are sentient beings, surely you must have some hint of the confusion that befalls a 13 year old dog who has lived with a family since it was just a puppy suddenly being put in a kennel next to many barking dogs at a county shelter, or even being placed with a new family. How easily do you think this dog will find a new family?

This little pup was lucky. He is safely in one of our foster homes up in the Portland area and we will soon be reviewing applications for just the perfect "forever" home for him. Please give great thought to the adoption, or placement, of a companion animal. He or she is counting on you to do just that.

Jude Fulghum is a Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon Board Member and a Foster Home Coordinator. Jude submitted this article to the Bend Bulletin and it was printed in the "In My View" column on Wednesday, March 16, 2005.

April 16, 2005
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