I rescued and fostered for years. I’ve volunteered and fostered for a charity specialising in poodle crosses for 12 years.
My 3 year old lab came at 9 weeks from excellent breeders, who have years of experience with labs. They don’t advertise, only sell to previous owners, or people with references from trainers they know and trust. Why buy? I had 2 baby grandchildren, now there are 4, all under age 8. The rescues coming in now tend to have ‘issues’ that mean they’re unsuitable for my circumstances. My grandchildren are regular visitors but the idea of mixing those toddy children with a rescue who resource guards, or has snapped at children in her previous home isn’t possible.
I try not to judge the many people who buy a doodle or dacksi because they’re cute - then discover they’re dogs. Dogs need training, boundaries, routines. Far too many are initially seen as fur babies (😱) then rejected because they ‘won’t be trained’ or resource guard, growl at the children who frankly, are allowed to harass them.
Yes to restricting breeding. No back street breeding, no treating poor bitches as money making machines