PUGGLE"S exposure on the NEWS

[mrsgrubby]

Thanks Crossfire, I sent my there too now.

[TribalRats]

Sorry Mrsgrubby, I have been out for a few hours.
I emailed mine to the same that you and Crossfire did.

[Jenny]

you guys rock! Hopefully they will get enough of a response to do another segment to try to right the damage they have done.

[Cassiepeia]

And this is exactly why I love GP so much. All of you are just awesome for doing this. I wish there was a hug smiley because I wanna give you all mega hugs for doing it!

Cass.

[schnzrluv]

I saw "puggles" on CNN headline news this morning also. I was crazy mad about the way they glorified this so called "breed". I was however suprised when the anchor stated at the end of the story that there is nothing wrong with adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue, that those dogs make great pets too. I gather it was her personal opinion, not a scripted comment.

[Cassiepeia]

Originally Posted by schnzrluv

I saw "puggles" on CNN headline news this morning also. I was crazy mad about the way they glorified this so called "breed". I was however suprised when the anchor stated at the end of the story that there is nothing wrong with adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue, that those dogs make great pets too. I gather it was her personal opinion, not a scripted comment.

Thank goodness not everyone in the media is a moron.

Cass.

[Giny]

For those who didn't get to see the program this morning here it is for your viewing displeasure.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032633?ta=y

[shandoggy1]

I sent letters to both the today show and NY post! Hopefully they get the message and do a follow up show on all the emails they got and the negative responses of promoting mutts

[calgal]

That was so upsetting I could have just called them and raised hell, but instead, I just composed myself and got off this brief message:

Your lack of professionalism was truly appalling on November 4th 2005 when you helped the puppy millers line their unethical greedy pockets by freely advertising the sale of a mixed breed dog they are calling a "Puggle". I strongly suggest you do your homework on puppy mills then do a segment to help close them down and save millions of lives. Let the public know not to buy dogs from pet stores, as they come from puppy mills.
Here is a site to help you get started: http://www.stoppuppymills.org/

Sincerely

----- ------

[poodlesmom]

I just sent off my email!

"Good morning,

Let me begin by saying that I have been watching the Today Show for more years than I can even remember and to the chagrin of my bosses have been known to be late for work when a segment has really drawn me in. I really enjoy starting my day with Katie, Matt, Al & Ann and feel that The Today Show has made a positive impact on the lives of many over the years and has educated many on a myriad of topics as well as just entertained the masses very well.

I do, however, have to express my dismay at the show you aired this week pertaining to puggles. I have had dogs for over 40 years, most of which were mixes from rescue groups/humane societies. I now share my home with two purebred Standard Poodles. I also have never been a breeder and have no plans of ever being one.

Designer breeds, which a puggle is, with rare exception are actually a marketing scheme for puppy mills and backyard breeders who are not concerned with producing dogs that have been screened to eliminate or greatly reduce specific breed problems - they are concerned only with the $$$ the sale of these innocent creatures will bring in to line their pockets. Responsible breeders do much medical testing and spend years researching the breed they are working to better. A responsible breeder will also tell you that with all that goes into responsible breeding they do not, in fact, make loads of money breeding and selling puppies - they are doing it basically because of their great love of the breed of their choice.

A responsible breeder also would never place their puppies for sale in a pet store. A responsible breeder will have a waiting list for potential puppies. A responsible breeder will, in the contract of sale, also make provision for the return of the puppy to them in the event for any reason that the buyer is unable to keep the puppy, even years after the sale. A puppy should not be relegated to a cage in a pet store - they do not receive the correct socialization, training, rest, care or love and attention that is so important at this crucial time of their lives.

I can well imagine the response you have been innundated with since the airing of this show. I respectfully ask that the ground plans be laid for an upcoming show which will investigate the true nature of puppymills, the plight of all those dogs (purebred & mixes) that are in rescue groups and humane societies all over the US, input from responsible breeders as to what John Q Public should be looking for from a responsible breeder, input from vets who will dispel the theory that these designer breeds are non-shedding, hypoallergic, the best of both breeds used, etc. If you think about it logically, it has taken many decades for the recognized purebreds to become consistent in their appearance, health & temperment. There is no way these new designer breeds can be consistent. I have seen so many goldendoodles & labradoodles over the past few years and have seen huge differences in each - some look more poodle & others look more golden retrieve or labrador while others I have yet to figure out what they look like.

Regardless of who or what the source was for the content of the show you aired, I feel it is ultimately the responsibility of the staff of The Today Show to show the flip side of this topic.

Thank you for your anticipated attention to this matter which is so close to my heart as well as the heart of so many others.

Denise Bowen"

[TribalRats]

Great letter Poodlesmom!

[Leto86]

a mention of this was also on the Ellen show on Thursday. Jake Gyllenhaal has one, and she breifly brought it up while she was talking to him.

I was told that the mix bred out the beagles howl, and the pugs breathing problems. But still.. it isnt right when there are thousands of dogs being euthanized everyday.

[jan777]

Read "Ten Reasons not to buy a Puggle on
http://thepoodleanddogblog.typepad.com/

[Mysticwind]

The shelter I used to work for had quite a number of Lab/Poodle mixes and Beagle/Pug mixes - you'll find tons of both on Petfinder too. The Lab/Poodle mixes were turned in due to shedding, allergies, general puppy behavior that they failed to control. More than one person had turned in their Beagle/Pug mix because it barked (bayed) like a Beagle and they didn't like that. The other reasons for them were moving, allergies, shedding, not enough time for. Anyone who really wants a mix that is "popular" right now would do well to go to the local shelter or search Petfinder - surely you will be able to find one that way instead of going to a BYB or pet store. We even had a 9 week old Bichon/Poodle mix that was purchased from the pet store (hefty price) and surrendered to the shelter 3 days later because "puppies are alot more work than she thought". It's ridiculous to support these breeding practices - all the crossbreeds I knew in the shelters were 2 months to 8 months old so they are young.

[Tiffany0204]

This reminds me of an article I read in Cosmo not too long ago... possibly either the July or August edition. They talked about how dogs are the new "hot accessory" and that you should put away your prada purses and fill them up with a doggie tote with a toy breed.

They then went to list each toy breed that's small enough to fit into these doggie purses, along with pictures, and then told the readers how if you live in an apartment you can train these dogs specifically to go on the puppy pads or in the litter boxes, so (get this...) "if you need to stay out all night, you don't have to worry about letting the dog out"

They made it sound like toy breeds are like cats! If you want companionship, and not alot of effort, then get a cat. What they didn't list, is that toy breeds especially crave and need affection. Their sole purpose is to be a companion, not an accessory for their hip, trendsetting new owner. Also, toy breeds at times can be difficult to train or housebreak. I know that when researching Shih Tzu the main thing everyone said was "Can be difficult/stubborn to housetrain" only because they're so majestic you know "Who? Train? ME? Surely you jest!" :P lol

Anyone I know who owns a toy breed says the same thing. The dog is their shadow. Wherever they are, so is the dog. It's what they love and want! Gizmo is happiest when he is around me. If I'm in another area of the house that he's not allowed into, he'll sit by the babygate until I get back.

I wrote them a letter saying as such, but never heard anything back. I was pretty dissapointed and now instead of buying Cosmo for their fashion ideas I've switched to In Style. They seem to at least be a tad bit more senseable.

__________________________________________________ ________

Whew! I'm certainly on a soapbox this morning! Don't mind me


I'm so glad you guys fired off those letters. Good for you! I'm curious though, have you heard anything back? Did you hear back from the beagle/pug rescues Tribal?