Is Joe Biden in the doghouse?

When we told you last week about Vice President-elect Joe Biden's new German shepherd puppy, we suspected a few of you might be mad that he chose to purchase from a breeder rather than adopt.  (Truthfully, we were a little upset ourselves. Was Biden unaware of the many shepherds available in animal shelters and rescues nationwide? We can't recall the last time we went to a shelter without seeing at least two or three.) 

We were a little surprised, though, by the flood of comments we received. A few supported Biden's choice, but a lot of you were pretty angry with the future VP. And animal activists all across the country are chiming in as well. 

PETA blogger Christine Doré said:

Ugh. I'm sorely upset about this -- not to mention worried that his supporters will now all run out and get purebred German shepherds. I mean, not only is it really out of touch with dog issues to buy a dog from a breeder -- or plain cold-hearted -- it's such a bad idea that one New Mexico county has just banned selling dogs from pet stores altogether. At least some Americans know what's up. So what's with our future vice president?

PETA also noted that it will be investigating an allegation that the breeder from whom Biden purchased the puppy is "a known puppy mill operator."

Michael Markarian, executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, told the Philadelphia Inquirer, "We are surprised that Sen. Biden chose to purchase a dog from a commercial kennel since he has been a leader on animal-protection issues and has championed a number of important animal-welfare reforms in the Senate ... President-elect Obama can send a stronger message of hope and change for animals by adopting a homeless dog from an animal shelter or rescue group."

The Inquirer's article also notes that Biden spokeswoman Elizabeth Alexander defended the vice president-elect:

" 'Vice President-elect Biden has a stellar animal-rights record, and was one of only seven senators who in 2008 received a 100 percent rating from the Humane Society, which also called him a 'Humane Champion' and a 'prime-sponsor of pro-animal-rights legislation,'  Alexander said."

She added: "He is an advocate for rescuing animals, as shown by his rescue of the Biden's current cat, Daisy, from a local shelter."

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo: J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press

Comments

[PeachBlossom]

I personally would have liked to have seen Mr. Biden adopt a dog rather than buy one, but that's his choice. Since he chose to buy a puppy instead of rescue/adopt one, he should have sent the message to buy from a high quality breeder with a good reputation instead of getting a puppy from an obviously substandard, high-volume kennel that earned itself a variety of bad marks in its most recent inspection by authorities.

[Mark C.]

I'm concerned with the poll. More specifically, that 852 people think that buying from the type of person Joe bought his dog from is a good idea. He bought his dog from a person who runs a kennel. That kennel has a license to house 250+ dogs (puppy mill). In most cases, puppy mill product buyers don't have a clue as to whom their new pet's parents are. Most aren't allowed to see how the parents are caged up permanently, treated simply as breeding machines.

"No -- it's safer to buy from a breeder, where you can see where the dog came from and know its background 42% (852 votes)"

[Scared of Peta]

Is Peta going to start terrorizing people who own pure bred dogs?

[Pete]

TiaLee,

You have completely overlooked the fact that most dogs in shelters are mutts and absolutely did not come from a breeder! You are either a breeder and/or you have some deep subconscious guilt about getting your dog from a breeder instead of saving another.

When you buy from a breeder of any kind, you are commissioning the breeding of a new dog into this world and turning your back on another dog who you could be rescuing. If people stop buying dogs from breeders and mills, then they will go out of business. Period. Sorry, get another job... preferably one that doesn't contribute to the misery of animals.

Over-population is a myth. What we need is to stop the breeding and discourage this disposable view of dogs.
I find it extremely sad that you and others want us all to have this cute little perfect puppy that comes with a help hotline, one that grows up to match the breed description and anything less should be shot in the woods.

Just because a particular group is promoting a cause (adoption instead of breeding), doesn't mean the cause is the group. I have lots of gripes with PETA... however I actually agree with them that as long as there are domesticated animals dependent on people -- it is avoidable that many unfortunate animals will suffer a great deal for it. Just watch a show like animal cops, you see every day the result of our society treating animals as property.

The reality is that there are lots of muts in shelters that are totally safe, loving and need a home.

Anyone questioning that good dogs are in shelters (or that most aren't purebred) should go to PetFinder and spend a minute browsing the dogs -- and remember anyone one of them could be discarded by society (killed) if someone instead chooses to commission the breeding of a new dog.

[S Ritter]

I do not know anything of the breeder that Mr. Biden's dog was purchased from. I know that in this day that "adopting" is the thing, but it is a choice to get a dog with a "known" background ("known" varies depending on the respectibility/responsibility of the breeder of course). I have been around and had animals all my life. Why would a want a mutt vs. a well-bred dog that represents the Standard of it's breed? My choice of course.
And for the gal that posted previous. The HSUS does very little for actual pets for the incredible amount of money that it collects from misled and unsuspecting people.

[dog lover]

Nice try, Kate. HSUS does NOT "rescue animals". They've killed far more than they've helped. As for whose goals are antithetical to HSUS? That would be anyone who likes to eat meat, own pets, raise animals.

Resort to all the childish, emotional name calling you want, sweetie. Most breeders are not out to make a quick buck, they breed because they love their breed and they usually lose money on their litters. If you are "proud to support HSUS", you have proven yourself a tool.

Moving on... the rest of you who want to shout about shelter statistics, you might want to arm yourselves with some facts instead of HSUS and PETA propaganda.

Oh... K9 police units making pay-offs to puppy mills? Conspiracy theorists, look no further. Really, that is the absurd thing I've read in a long time

[Kerry]

I'm a volunteer at a small humane society in the Northeast where I see hundreds of adoptable PUPPIES each month...of all breeds and breed mixes!

Note to Donna Watkins: HAVE you EVER been in a shelter? The problem is irresponsible breeding & irresponsible pet parenting which sadly results in pet overpopulation. 5-7 million pets enter shelters each year. Don't tell me that there isn't an overpopulation problem!

[Constance Young]

It is certainly no secret that sweet, friendly, even purebred animals by the millions are being killed at shelters nationwide. This has been the case for many years but it is even worse now that people are being forced to leave their homes because they can no longer pay their inflated mortgages. Joe Biden is not a stupid man so he should know this. Why then does he consider himself so above the fray that he BUYS an animalk from a cited puppy mill? There is no excuse for this. Please Mr. BIden -- reconsider.

[Chris Adams]

Getting a dog from a breeder was a very smart choice! He will have a healthy puppy! Good for him! I'm happy that he chose a breeder.

[Ann Hale]

http://tinyurl.com/4pxwnb

This web page is for those who think adopting a shelter dog is just free and clear of problems. Read it and get educated.
All humans and animals carry genetic coding for all kinds of disabilities. Mixed breeds carry more of this than any purebred simply because they carry the coding from many different parents. Purebred dog breeders study their lines to remove such disabilities. They carry far fewer problems than mixed breed dogs.
One only has to look at the mixed breeds in the countries where they run wild to see how poorly they are and how many structural faults they have due to being allowed to breed at will. Uneducated statements that have no studies or data will not hold up. Just repeating a falsehood does not make it true. Remarks like all purebreds have problems are made by emotional, immature and uneducated people. Responsible breeders do not breed for genetic faults or health problems they study their lines to remove such faults and there are many examples of diseases removed from purebreds due to careful breeding methods. Making such false statements or blaming the wrong people does nothing for your cause. You only turn people away. As for the person who said HSUS supports animals we have yet to see any proof that they do. They raised money under false advertising saying they were going to take care of Vick's dogs, but their recommendation was to kill them. Dogtown saved Vicks dogs not HSUS.
"We have no ethical obligation to preserve the different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding. ...One generation and out. We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. " -- Wayne Pacelle - National Director of HSUS
From the mouth of the Director we can all see his goals for HSUS. Biden did his job correctly and its his right to do so although the animal rights groups wish to remove our rights. Every time a dog law is proposed or supported by HSUS and PETA they write the laws in such away as to do away with your constitutional rights to due process and to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.

[Dawn-Renee]

When did America STOP being "the home of the free"? Didn't our forefathers come to this country to have personal freedoms? I have had mixed breed shelter dogs, rescued (hundreds!) purebred dogs, and I have bred and purchased purebred dogs. IT'S MY CHOICE! Just as it's Joe Biden's choice.

As an aside, where do you all think these shelter dogs come from? Most of them come from irresponsible folks who don't care where their puppies go or who had oops litters. And then the people who dump them....where is the responsibility there? Instead of blaming breeders in general (and let me tell you, they are not all created equally, but we all have the right and the personal freedom to have litters, like how we do it or not), why don't we EDUCATE the people dumping the animals that they are serious commitments, not something with which to treat as an old toy?

I will also add that the shelters in my area actually import small dogs in from out of the country. 75% of the dogs and cats in this country are sterilized, for heaven's sake!

I will always have a shelter/rescue dog, but it's NOT my right to force someone else to make the same decision. This is AMERICA, people! Our personal freedoms are being stolen before our very faces. And when it comes to animals, H$U$ and PETA (who don't directly operate ANY shelters) are just here to remove all those freedoms, including those to own animals, period. Their goals are to turn all of us into vegans and remove animals from a domesticated state entirely. EDUCATE yourselves!

[Dawn-Renee]

Kay Woodviolet:

But dear, HSUS does NOT "rescue animals". They collect money...and for what? To lobby for the AR agenda, which is no more animals for meat all the way down to no companion animals, either. Wayne Pacelle is quoted (and it's taped, too) as saying "One generation and out." That's their goal, wrapped in a fuzzy "rescue" glow so people like you take it hook, line and sinker. Just ask the people who worked their fannies off on the front lines of Katrina. The HSUS people came in for photo ops and that's about it. They didn't clean anything or do anything except look busy and pose for pix.

[Joe Plumber, Dog Lover]

People who are responsible pet owners and/or breeders aren't the cause of so many animals ending up in animal shelters.

How many healthy and/or pure bred dogs end up in animal shelters?

A lot of dogs that end up in animal shelters have either been abused, neglected or not properly socialized. A lot of people do not want to take on the legal and/or financial problem that such a dog might pose.

Although it is an admirable thing to adopt an animal otherwise delegated for destruction, people who favor a particular breed or do not want a dog that has been abused or is possibly unhealthy or genetically unsound should not be criticized for purchasing a dog or any animal from a reputable breeder.

Peta needs to pick their battles better.

[Alice]

With the economy in the slump that it is in, and the fact that dogs like people do inherrit certain personality and other genetic traits, I would hope that someone who is second in line to be President of the United States would have enough sense to purchase a dog, helping the economy (and the homeowner who bred their pet to pay their mortgage) while also having a little more certainty that said dog will develop into a sane healthy animal that is suited to live with his family. The bottom line here is that homeowners should not be micromanaged and that if they do bother to allow their pet/show dog/other type of hobby dog/ to produce a litter of puppies, and if they choose to do the work/cleaning/searching for best lines for their dog, etc. they will at least benefit from some funds for the sale of those puppies which will help prevent the US treasury from printing another 7.7 TRILLION dollars. After all every dollar newly added to the amount of dollars in circulation steals value from the US currency as each dollar becomes worth less. Allow homeowners to make a living and pay their mortgages, while enjoying their pets and stop trying to make the United States go bankrupt because some Vegans with unusual ideologies that do not represent mainstream America propagandise about animal liberation (which is not about overpopulation at all, but about taking pets and food source animals away from mankind).

[Joan Garvin]

I've been doing dog rescue work for years and I was disappointed in Joe Biden's choice to get his dog from a breeder rather than rescue. But it is his choice and I have no doubt that he'll be a responsible and loving dog caretaker. I did hear him say that he is considering getting a second dog. Maybe next time it will be a rescue.

What was more concerning to me, though, is that the poll results here currently show that most people believe that it's better to get a dog from a breeder. SO NOT TRUE! My first dog as an adult was a German Shepherd from a municipal shelter. Her name was Layla and she was one of the world's best dogs, not just because she was one of the most beautiful German Shepherd's I'd ever seen (obviously purebred), but was the most intelligent, loving, special being. Perfectly trained by whoever had her before I did. I loved her so deeply. I still grieve for her although she passed away over 25 years ago.

I'm now President of Metropolitan Maltese Rescue. We have found homes for nearly 1,000 Maltese and Maltese-mix dogs over the past 10 years. Admittedly, one of my dogs I bought from a breeder. But I have two more that were rescued from shelters, and a third recently died at age 17+. They are all different, no one is "better" than the others. They are all healthy. Because of my involvement in rescue, I will never purchase a dog from a breeder again. Not only because I know how many wonderful dogs need saving, but because rescue dogs ARE wonderful dogs.

[Ty Dartez]

Really.
This argument isn't worth the time or the paper it's not written on. THIS is all you have to bitch about people. I suggest you shut up and look at the ENTIRE world around you. Do you really think that this is the newest problem we should be addressing. If you do, you should be ashamed of yourselves and should consider yourself worse that Republicans!

[D.Mallon]

I am very pleased that Mr. Biden had the guts to select a purebred dog from the breeder of his choice. I am also very pleased that he did not walk into a pet store to do it.
I hope and trust that he did his homework and chose a responsible breeder.

It is my opinion that PETA and the HSUS really should just "butt out" since they haven't lifted a finger or spent a dollar themselves helping to rescue or rehome any shelter dogs.

A GSD is a very powerful and loyal working dog and will need a lot of socialization and training ... I hope our new VP is ready to spend a lot of time to working with his new pet!

I have owned rescues, mixed breeds and purebred dogs. I would say that the purebreds have been the easiest because there is a wealth of documented information about their breed characteristics . I have loved the rescues and felt a great connection to them, but their health and temperament has always been compromised in some way or another and a guessing game when looking for solutions.

I will always make room in my life for at least one rescue in our home, along with our purebreds, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend that for someone with a schedule as hectic as the new Vice President will have.

[Ric Allan]

Following the logic of PETA and their ilk, we must condemn any couple that conceives a child unril there are no more children waiting in orphanages for adoption.

[Debbie]

I have never, and will never buy the claim that so called responsible breeders know where every single puppy they ever breed goes and that none end up in shelters. I have challenged breeders on this issue before and they have never been able to back up this claim. This breeder that Biden bought his puppy from is licensed to keep over 200 dogs. Do you really think that she knows where every single litter has gone from birth to death? I think not. Plus, she has been cited since the purchase of the Biden puppy for improper record keeping. Biden (who I have always been a supporter of) screwed up big time here.

[Shelley Mack]

I volunteer at South L.A. Animal shelter where I see countless purebred, adoptable, sweet, young dogs KILLED every day because there are not enough homes for them. Why? Because of the current economic crisis and irresponsible ownership. I am constantly trying to find homes for them and it is devastating and stressful.I am very disgusted with his choice to choose a puppy mill dog.

PLEASE adopt and don't shop!!!

[B. Sheldon]

I've read that the Humane Society of the United States represents and has NO shelter, and that their views are fringe at best concerning the ownership of domestic animals? and that PETA is a terriorist organization that is repersented by a women who has been quoted to say "one generation and out" refering to doemstic animals of all kinds. She demands that no one owns a dog or cat ?

I say Joe Biden has a god given right to own the animal of his choice. After all they were put here to serve humans.

I have always aquired my dogs from responsible breeders, as I know what I am aquiring. I have heard some of the problems the shelter dogs come with. For my two cents the responsible breeders are the good guys and always take back and care for thier dogs. So HSUS and PETA your trying to make allot about nothing. LA TIMES don't you report, without biased anymore?? You go Joe Biden and I'll vote for you again.

[Steve Hindi]

I expected far more from Mr. Biden. He put money in a breeder's pocket, and another dog will die for it. I expected far, far more.

[Lee Mascia]

The comment, "Responsible Breeder" keeps repeating here over and over. How can you call selling 200 to 300 dogs a year responsible ?????
This breeder operates under at least 4 different kennel names, probably to cover her tracks! Several blogs have many of her previous customers speaking out about the issues with her dogs, and the inability to get proper paper work for them.
check out her most recent kennel inspection report at:
http://tinyurl.com/3dgwyt

County; Chester, Zipcode; 19475,
Kennel in question; Wolf Den
also sells under Jolindy's, VON WAMPFLER SHEPHERDS,

[Donna Watkins]

Since people who buy puppies from breeders buy them because they want a known quantity- if they don't get it, they are not likely to go to a shelter. I prefer adult dogs myself but most people want a puppy. You do not normally find puppies in shelters because it is not a pet OVER-POPULATION problem- it is a pet RETENTION problem. The dogs in shelters HAD homes but lost them, for one reason or another. Why aren't these people being blamed for dogs dying in shelters since the fault is actually theirs?

[Laura Libner]

Joe Biden is a good man-he made the right choice
to buy from a breeder!

I think people need to get their priorities in order when
stopping to punctuate something like this, when our
country is really in ruins, and many of our people are in much worse shape than many dogs in any shelter or kennel!

Laura

[Tom]

I automatically discount ANYTHING said by PETA or HSUS backers. Their stated goals are to eliminate all human-animal contact: no pets, no leather or fur clothing, no hunting or fishing, no zoos or circuses, no meat, fish or milk consumption. They're willing to say or do anything to accomplish those goals.

[Phillip Lauer]

Puppy Mill? Joe Bidden? Give the man some credit, he is the VP-elect. In fact, give the man a star for choosing a reputable breeder. One that cares about the health an well being of every animal to grace their home and this earth. Not a mill that churns out animals for sale to pet stores...who knows the lineage and congenital health of these animals? These are the very animals that end up in shelters or at rescue organizations for adoption...along with and probably because of their health problems. If you want a healthy happy well adjusted and socialized dog, get it directly from a reputable AKA affiliate breeder.

[c snad]

Who care where and what kinda dog Biden gets, it is his right to get what he wants and Peta can keep their garbage. They should worry more about the bail out of crooks then a dog of choice!

[Rick]

I think it's funny that there are people out there who think there is such a thing as a "responsible" breeder. There is no such thing. Anyone who takes a living, breathing animal who has feelings (whether you want to admit it or not), and treats it like a money-making machine is far from reputable. Animals were not put here for us to do just do anything we want with them, although many seem to think this is the case. Just because we do something, doesn't mean we should, folks. I LOVE Rottweilers, but would I buy from a breeder? Absolutely not. If I could find one at a rescue, I would do so. However, when someone above talked about breeds going out of existence, SO WHAT? What is the real harm? We only keep the around for selfish reasons: Because we like their look, how they act, etc. If pets did go extinct and eventually didn't exist anymore, what would be the real harm? I have pets, and as long as there are homeless animals I will bring them into my life to try to save as many as I can feasibly save, but if there were no more cats and dogs tomorrow the world would not end. The truth of the matter is that the reason most people use to whine about no more breeds, no more pets, etc...are SELFISH ones. And for those who talk about knowing an animal's history and they won't be sick...you're living in a fantasy world. Breeder-bought animals DO get sick. And there are literally millions of animals out there from shelters who are perfectly healthy (mine included).

[Heather]

The choices need to be changed..... Joe didn't buy from a breeder.... HE BOUGHT FROM A PUPPY MILL. There is a HUGE difference. It is one thing to purchase a puppy from REPUTABLE breeder, and quite another to purchase a pup from an irresponsible woman who does nothing but push out over 200 pups a year for a profit. That's not a breeder... that's disgusting.

A reputable breeder produces puppies to better the breed, they care about their dogs, they make very little IF ANY money when things are all send and done. They do NOT own 85+ dogs.

[Deborah Hinton]

Ghandi quote: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Those of you who claim this is not an important issue are very wrong. A person in his position could do so much to ease the plight of homeless pets by setting an example in adopting a shelter dog. I sincerely hope the president will make good his promise to adopt a dog from rescue. if not, I will never believe anything he ever says again.

[Shirley-D]

Although I support animal shelters and the love and care they provide for many homeless animals. I also SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE, LOVING, EHTICAL BREEDERS! They will have to decide if this GS breeder is one or not. People certainly have to do their homework, dont be afraid to ask questions, visit the home of the breeder, see the parents, don't be afraid to look around. Many breeders are happy to do this. The responsible breeders have nothing to hide.

I DO NOT support the HSUS, PETA, they are too radical, and extreme. People should know what their agenda really is. RESEARCH this TWO (HSUS, PETA), before you send them your hard-earned money.

[melanie]

They need to find something better to do....I have 2 beautiful German Shepard's from the same breeder. Top of the line...this lady was nothing but kind, her German Shepard's were gorgeous!! Our one dog is 8 and the other is 3. Both times she was wonderful!! I got to see the other Shepard's there and where they lived...everything was great to me..if I thought other wise I would of never left with a dog and I would of reported her. There was no reason to. I will always go to her for our family dog. our dogs have been healthy from the day we brought them home...Everyone out there has the right to buy there pets where they want!!

[NB Stewart]

I've recently halted my support of PETA and ASPCA and sent a large donation to Human Society Legal and Mr. Markarian. HS is a far more intelligent group of animal activists, and I respected what Mr. Markarian said regarding Joe Biden. I know of Mr. Biden's wonderful advocacy on behalf of animals and humans alike...it is extensive, and pertaining to supportive legislation for animals, Joe gets a top grade. It is too bad many journalists, animal groups, and commenters neglected to do any homework, because Mr. Biden deserves a far more respect than what I've read. I continue to support people, animals and the environment and I have the freedom (just like getting a puppy) to pick which groups I financially support. When groups or individuals use "for the love of...." I for one want to know they mean it. Congratulations Joe Biden on a beautiful puppy and friend, "Champ." I know he will give you great love for the many years you two will be together (and vice versa ;-)

[Cami]

I think that it is RIDICULOUS of PETA or anyone else to say what they have about this issue. What, no one should ever have the right to buy a purebred dog! How stupid.
I have 3 rescues myself but also a purebred registered horse.I used to breed cats.I also have rescued many homeless animals and helped people to also.
I love dogs more than anything and believe strongly in laws to make spaying and neutering mandatory. WHY don't they put more energy into that and stop this nonsense!
Help pass laws to make spaying and neutering mandatory and educate people about that. Not persecute people for buying from a breeder. ABSURD they should be ASHAMED!

[Tami]

I am a HUGE animal lover and against puppy mills, but there is no indication the Biden's dog came from such a mill. As to PETA and other animal rights groups, as much as I appreciate most of what you do....do not ever EVER take away the individual rights of a person to choose. EVER. Dogs coming from shelters can be disease infested and have behavior issues. If I were looking for a purebred, I sure would not be looking at a shelter. Where do all the AKC dogs who end up Westminster come from? Not shelters. This is America. We should have the right to choose without being abused or harrassed. Those of you who are making accusations and putting a woman through hell, not to mention ebarrassing our Vice President are no better than the puppy mill owners who leave animals in filth. Get a grip. Allow the 2nd in chief of our country to make a choice. A free will choice. That is his right as an American citizen. Or do we now live in PETA communism????

[J Seitzinger]

think we need to get something straight here, we also bought a dog from Linda Brown and her kennel is far from a puppy mill, she does not cross breed nor line breed , she has her dogs shipped in from Germany and goes out of her way to preserve the breed. She is also the prefered breeder for the police k9 unit, we could not be happier with our dog and will be going back to Linda when we decide to get another one.
I find it funny that people want to talk trash about someone and choose to be Anonymous .