PUGGLE"S exposure on the NEWS

shandoggy1 · 11-04-2005, 03:33 AM

I was watching the early morning news this morning and they were talking about the "Hybrid Puggle's" and saying that they are one of the most popular dogs in demand according to the New York Post! A cross between a beagle and a pug that goes for $600-$900 dollars

. The weather man put in his two cents and said years ago they used to call those mutts! So it is an exspensive mutt! I was happy he said that LOL

! They are cute but why not just get the purebred or go and adopt a mutt from the pound. I know its all about the almighty DOLLAR!

Then they went ahead and said that they don't shed much so your house will stay cleaner, YEAH Right! Idiots. Why not give some exsposure of a pitbull doing service work or a rare breed of dog (purebred). Stupid, stupid, STUPID

shandoggy1 · 11-04-2005, 04:30 AM

Okay now they just talked about the puggle's on the Today show with Matt Lauer & Katie Couric! Great! get ready to see dog shelters overloaded with puggles.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 11-04-2005, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shandoggy1

Okay now they just talked about the puggle's on the Today show with Matt Lauer & Katie Couric! Great! get ready to see dog shelters overloaded with puggles.

Ahh, the irresponsible yet ever so great media.

Giny · 11-04-2005, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shandoggy1

Okay now they just talked about the puggle's on the Today show with Matt Lauer & Katie Couric! Great! get ready to see dog shelters overloaded with puggles.

UGH! I saw it an as disgusted by how the kept calling them hot merchandise even comparing them as hot as purchasing sports tickets. This stated from a puggle pet store dog owner that just can't keep up with the demand. It just made me want to vomit and cry at the same time.

I think I need to start tuning in on Diane and Charlie on GMA from now on.

TribalRats · 11-04-2005, 06:27 AM

I think we should write very respectful yet strong e-mails to Matt and Kaite. We are viewing audience too

and you can bet your butt we are not the only ones who feel this way.
My Dad has always told me if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.
I will be firing off my email shortly.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 11-04-2005, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TribalRats

I think we should write very respectful yet strong e-mails to Matt and Kaite. We are viewing audience too

and you can bet your butt we are not the only ones who feel this way.
My Dad has always told me if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.
I will be firing off my email shortly.

I agree, how about posting the email adress for all of us that wish to email.

TribalRats · 11-04-2005, 06:51 AM

Today@NBC.com

TribalRats · 11-04-2005, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Good Morning Today,
I watch your show every morning and laugh and cry and share the day with you guys. This morning I saw you discussing how the Puggles were the must haves right now. Someone even compared them to purchasing sports tickets.
You guys must know the influence you have over the general public and as such I would expect you would understand that by telling people these dogs are a must have this year you are only adding to the problems this little guys face.
Just as with the Dalmatians, the GSD's the Great Danes, the Pugs and more have been that years must have pet soon there will be a HUGE influx of these "Puggles" which are simply designer mutts in the shelters and being put to sleep.
People should not be encouraged to buy a living creature as an accessories for the season. Puppy Mills had a GREAT time with the Doodles the last thing these poor dogs need is someone that everyone looks up to telling people these are the "must haves" that puppy stores can not keep up with he demand.
I have a great respect and fondness for you all and your show as I have grown up watching them however I must say I am very very saddened and appalled. You of all people should be promoting responsible pet ownership, you are involved in the news, you know the overpopulation problems.
Please remember if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. If you feel you must do a story on a designer mutt then feel free to also provide the Pug and Beagle rescue in information s MANY of those rushing out to buy a "Puggle" will need the info shortly.
Thank You for your time,
Trinity Balmonte
Modesto, CA

This is the letter I fired off.

Mom2Many · 11-04-2005, 07:49 AM

To Whom it May Concern,

Your show today troubled me deeply pertaining to your enthusiasm towards promoting a false advertising scheme. A "puggle" is not a real breed. It is a mix of a pug and a beagle. Many of these dogs being bred are first or second generation and these puggle breeders claims to "cleaner, less shedding dogs" is a very misleading farce. With a mixed litter you do not have the ability to distinguish how many of the puppies will carry a certain trait, there is too wide of a gene gap between the two to produce consistent results in a litter. This is not achieved until you have bred numerous generations that have been closely monitored and bred to a standard. The whole purpose of a purebred dog is to breed a dog as close to a standard as possible, which in most cases is based upon the dogs ability to perform a certain job or task such at hunting, as well as to ensure and promote the longevity of the breed and it's ability to continue performing it's said task. Puggles have no purpose other than as an outrageously expensive trend to fatten up puppy mills pockets. These dogs cannot be guaranteed to fit a certain standard, they can have many genetic or conformation type defects, as well as sickness picked up from the puppy mill environment and which oftentimes are not apparent upon purchase.

This type of breeding and promotion is deadly, with regard to all of the animals already living in our shelters awaiting a new chance at life pug and beagle mixes will be adding thousands plus more. If people want a mixed breed which is exactly what a puggle is then they should look to their shelters, chances are they can find one relatively quickly. If people want a purebred dog that is consistent in certain traits then they should research that breed extensively and find a reputable breeder to do their business with.

I would highly suggest that in the future when promoting any kind of animal you do extensive research to learn the possible repercussions that will most certainly follow it's debuted on your show. This is not a purse, jewelry, or a fashion trend to be retired, this is a lifetime commitment to an animal and should be addressed seriously at all times.

I appreciate your attention to this matter,

Adrienne Kilsdonk
Duluth, MN

There's mine...hopefully they will get the picture!

mrsgrubby · 11-04-2005, 07:51 AM

Here is my letter.

Dear Friends at Today,

I love your show and wake up with you each morning. I love the work you did with Habitat for Humanity a few weeks ago and know that you encouraged many people to help the disaster relief.

That said, I was disappointed to see your segment on the "Puggle" puppies. I volunteer for a rescue organization that is constantly overwhelmed with unwanted, untrained, dogs. The pet overpopulation problem in this country is horrible and each time a new designer pet comes out it gets worse.

Pets are not intended to be fads, or accessories. Dogs need to be a part of their families, they crave love, attention, socialization, and training. In addition, many pets do not fit particular households. Beagles are very high energy dogs. They need lots of exercise, stimulation and training.

I wish you would designate a few segments to the wonderful work rescue operations do not only rehabilitating and fostering unwanted animals, but also raising the awareness to the general public about animal needs, spaying and neutering pets, training, and proper care.

You would be appalled if you visited some of this country's puppy mills where breeding dogs spend their entire lives in tiny cages producing litter after litter of puppies who then spend eight weeks in cages until they are sent to pet stores. Maybe you could do a segment on how the general public should buy their pets from reputable breeders and run puppy mills out of business.

Too many people see cute puppies on TV and get one, only to find that when they grow up they no longer want them. A few years ago shelters were full of Dalmatians after Disney re-released the movie 101 Dalmatians. The same happened with St. Bernard's after the move Beethoven.

The mixed breeds like Puggles, Labradoodles, and others are just fancy mutts that people have invented to make a quick buck, please don't help them do that by giving them the attention that they don't deserve. There are many other worthy pet stories that would interest your viewers.

Again, I love your show and mean no disrespect, but rescue agencies and responsible pet owner around the country are cringing at the attention the puggle breed is getting, knowing that they will soon be overwhelmed by unwanted dogs bought as cute puppies that did not fit into their homes or lifestyles.

Sincerely,

Robin Grubbs
Traverse City, Michigan

Crossfire Bulldogs · 11-04-2005, 07:54 AM

Good Morning,

I've always been a huge fan of your show but after this mornings segment on the "Puggles" I have my doubts about watching the Today show ever again. With the booming over population in shelters around the country I'm not only shocked but outraged that you would even consider putting high priced mixed breeds on your show, even comparing them at one point to purchasing sports tickets as well as gloating on how their "hot merchandise". How dare anyone compare a living, breathing animal with merchandise!

As someone who strongly believes in the betterment of the purebred dog and the dedication of the truly reputable / ethical breeders of this country I'm appalled at your shows lack of knowledge and it's overall lack of concern for the millions of homeless dogs in this country. Perhaps if they too had a cute little "Uggle" or "Doodle" name they too could get the attention they deserve from your show? What exactly is a Puggle? A Puggle is nothing more than a high priced mixed breed dog, take a good long look at the actual facts, contrary to some beliefs, no dog, no matter what it's heritage is "hypoallergenic." While it may be true that there are certain breeds and mixes that put off less dander there has yet to be a totally hypoallergenic dog and by the way, every dog sheds. They'll keep your house cleaner? If someone is that worried about the little mess a dog makes in their home should they really own a dog?

As for breeding two mixed breeds of dog......why? What purpose do they serve that hasn't already been covered by the function of a pure bred? I don't recall their being anything new in working, herding, agility, conformation, guide dog or anything else for that matter that a breed that isn't already available cannot provide. Please don't misunderstand, I have nothing against the mixed breed dog but have everything against these so called "breeders" who are doing nothing but lining their pockets with their overpriced mixed breeds. For every high priced "Puggle" purchased another shelter mixed breed dog loses it's life.

Perhaps in the future the Today show should consider doing stories that are news worthy as well as being part of the solution instead of part of the problem in a country already well known for it's homeless animals.

Sonja Tompkins
Fort Wayne, Indiana.

GSD · 11-04-2005, 08:00 AM

I'm confused, where does the hypoallergenic non shedder come into play here??? I hate to break it everyone, but beagles shed quite a bit from what I remember. I've only met a few pugs, and the ones i've seen are pretty far from non shedders. One in particular put off as much hair as my shepherd on a body 1/10th the size. HMMMMM.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 11-04-2005, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSD

I'm confused, where does the hypoallergenic non shedder come into play here??? I hate to break it everyone, but beagles shed quite a bit from what I remember. I've only met a few pugs, and the ones i've seen are pretty far from non shedders. One in particular put off as much hair as my shepherd on a body 1/10th the size. HMMMMM.

They were going on and on about how very little they shed and how great they are for those with allergies.

Giny · 11-04-2005, 08:04 AM

Thanks Tribal, good idea! Here was mine.

First off, the Today show has been one of my favorite morning TV news show for the longest time. That was until I saw one of your segments this morning, November 4, 2005. I’m sure by now you’ve been receiving many emails in concern of this segment in regards of the so called Puggle. First off that term makes me cringe and I’d rather call it what it truly is which is a Beagle/Pug mix. Media as you know has a great impact and influence on people perception of things, be it positive or negative. I’m a huge dog lover whether it is a mix breeds or purebreds and also do volunteer in fostering dogs that need a new forever home. Did you guys do a full research on this before broadcasting it? Do you realize where these mix breed, so call designer breeds, come from? Most of them come from a money racket puppy mills or back yard breeders that have no regards in the welfare of the dogs or the future owner of these dogs. They’re main goal is to line their pockets with the mighty dollar. And thanks to shows like yours you have now added to the overpopulation of dogs and set in the minds of the off the whim purchasers to go out and by these designer mixes only to be dropped in shelters when the novelty wears off. Next time why can’t you do a segment that educates people on how to be responsible in choosing a dog that will be with them for a good 10 to 15 years? It’s a living creature, not an automobile!

Thank you for your time,

Soon to be a new fan of GMA

Ginette Bourque
Sanford, Maine

11-04-2005, 03:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
shandoggy1 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 1,209 Rep Power: 93	PUGGLE"S exposure on the NEWS I was watching the early morning news this morning and they were talking about the "Hybrid Puggle's" and saying that they are one of the most popular dogs in demand according to the New York Post! A cross between a beagle and a pug that goes for $600-$900 dollars . The weather man put in his two cents and said years ago they used to call those mutts! So it is an exspensive mutt! I was happy he said that LOL ! They are cute but why not just get the purebred or go and adopt a mutt from the pound. I know its all about the almighty DOLLAR! Then they went ahead and said that they don't shed much so your house will stay cleaner, YEAH Right! Idiots. Why not give some exsposure of a pitbull doing service work or a rare breed of dog (purebred). Stupid, stupid, STUPID

11-04-2005, 06:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
TribalRats Take Responsibility Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Valley, CA Posts: 3,327 Rep Power: 141	I think we should write very respectful yet strong e-mails to Matt and Kaite. We are viewing audience too and you can bet your butt we are not the only ones who feel this way. My Dad has always told me if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. I will be firing off my email shortly.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

11-04-2005, 06:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
TribalRats Take Responsibility Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Valley, CA Posts: 3,327 Rep Power: 141	Today@NBC.com
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

11-04-2005, 07:49 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mom2Many Owned by 1 GSD & 1 APBT Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Untangling Gunnar's Leash Posts: 873 Rep Power: 88	To Whom it May Concern, Your show today troubled me deeply pertaining to your enthusiasm towards promoting a false advertising scheme. A "puggle" is not a real breed. It is a mix of a pug and a beagle. Many of these dogs being bred are first or second generation and these puggle breeders claims to "cleaner, less shedding dogs" is a very misleading farce. With a mixed litter you do not have the ability to distinguish how many of the puppies will carry a certain trait, there is too wide of a gene gap between the two to produce consistent results in a litter. This is not achieved until you have bred numerous generations that have been closely monitored and bred to a standard. The whole purpose of a purebred dog is to breed a dog as close to a standard as possible, which in most cases is based upon the dogs ability to perform a certain job or task such at hunting, as well as to ensure and promote the longevity of the breed and it's ability to continue performing it's said task. Puggles have no purpose other than as an outrageously expensive trend to fatten up puppy mills pockets. These dogs cannot be guaranteed to fit a certain standard, they can have many genetic or conformation type defects, as well as sickness picked up from the puppy mill environment and which oftentimes are not apparent upon purchase. This type of breeding and promotion is deadly, with regard to all of the animals already living in our shelters awaiting a new chance at life pug and beagle mixes will be adding thousands plus more. If people want a mixed breed which is exactly what a puggle is then they should look to their shelters, chances are they can find one relatively quickly. If people want a purebred dog that is consistent in certain traits then they should research that breed extensively and find a reputable breeder to do their business with. I would highly suggest that in the future when promoting any kind of animal you do extensive research to learn the possible repercussions that will most certainly follow it's debuted on your show. This is not a purse, jewelry, or a fashion trend to be retired, this is a lifetime commitment to an animal and should be addressed seriously at all times. I appreciate your attention to this matter, Adrienne Kilsdonk Duluth, MN There's mine...hopefully they will get the picture!
	__________________ Thanks to Keyodie for the beautiful signature! SAY NO TO BSL!

11-04-2005, 07:54 AM	#11 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 281	Good Morning, I've always been a huge fan of your show but after this mornings segment on the "Puggles" I have my doubts about watching the Today show ever again. With the booming over population in shelters around the country I'm not only shocked but outraged that you would even consider putting high priced mixed breeds on your show, even comparing them at one point to purchasing sports tickets as well as gloating on how their "hot merchandise". How dare anyone compare a living, breathing animal with merchandise! As someone who strongly believes in the betterment of the purebred dog and the dedication of the truly reputable / ethical breeders of this country I'm appalled at your shows lack of knowledge and it's overall lack of concern for the millions of homeless dogs in this country. Perhaps if they too had a cute little "Uggle" or "Doodle" name they too could get the attention they deserve from your show? What exactly is a Puggle? A Puggle is nothing more than a high priced mixed breed dog, take a good long look at the actual facts, contrary to some beliefs, no dog, no matter what it's heritage is "hypoallergenic." While it may be true that there are certain breeds and mixes that put off less dander there has yet to be a totally hypoallergenic dog and by the way, every dog sheds. They'll keep your house cleaner? If someone is that worried about the little mess a dog makes in their home should they really own a dog? As for breeding two mixed breeds of dog......why? What purpose do they serve that hasn't already been covered by the function of a pure bred? I don't recall their being anything new in working, herding, agility, conformation, guide dog or anything else for that matter that a breed that isn't already available cannot provide. Please don't misunderstand, I have nothing against the mixed breed dog but have everything against these so called "breeders" who are doing nothing but lining their pockets with their overpriced mixed breeds. For every high priced "Puggle" purchased another shelter mixed breed dog loses it's life. Perhaps in the future the Today show should consider doing stories that are news worthy as well as being part of the solution instead of part of the problem in a country already well known for it's homeless animals. Sonja Tompkins Fort Wayne, Indiana.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

11-04-2005, 04:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
shandoggy1 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 1,209 Rep Power: 93	Okay now they just talked about the puggle's on the Today show with Matt Lauer & Katie Couric! Great! get ready to see dog shelters overloaded with puggles.

11-04-2005, 07:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
mrsgrubby Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,476 Rep Power: 140	Here is my letter. Dear Friends at Today, I love your show and wake up with you each morning. I love the work you did with Habitat for Humanity a few weeks ago and know that you encouraged many people to help the disaster relief. That said, I was disappointed to see your segment on the "Puggle" puppies. I volunteer for a rescue organization that is constantly overwhelmed with unwanted, untrained, dogs. The pet overpopulation problem in this country is horrible and each time a new designer pet comes out it gets worse. Pets are not intended to be fads, or accessories. Dogs need to be a part of their families, they crave love, attention, socialization, and training. In addition, many pets do not fit particular households. Beagles are very high energy dogs. They need lots of exercise, stimulation and training. I wish you would designate a few segments to the wonderful work rescue operations do not only rehabilitating and fostering unwanted animals, but also raising the awareness to the general public about animal needs, spaying and neutering pets, training, and proper care. You would be appalled if you visited some of this country's puppy mills where breeding dogs spend their entire lives in tiny cages producing litter after litter of puppies who then spend eight weeks in cages until they are sent to pet stores. Maybe you could do a segment on how the general public should buy their pets from reputable breeders and run puppy mills out of business. Too many people see cute puppies on TV and get one, only to find that when they grow up they no longer want them. A few years ago shelters were full of Dalmatians after Disney re-released the movie 101 Dalmatians. The same happened with St. Bernard's after the move Beethoven. The mixed breeds like Puggles, Labradoodles, and others are just fancy mutts that people have invented to make a quick buck, please don't help them do that by giving them the attention that they don't deserve. There are many other worthy pet stories that would interest your viewers. Again, I love your show and mean no disrespect, but rescue agencies and responsible pet owner around the country are cringing at the attention the puggle breed is getting, knowing that they will soon be overwhelmed by unwanted dogs bought as cute puppies that did not fit into their homes or lifestyles. Sincerely, Robin Grubbs Traverse City, Michigan

11-04-2005, 08:00 AM	#12 (permalink)
GSD Herding dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: WI Posts: 1,093 Rep Power: 133	I'm confused, where does the hypoallergenic non shedder come into play here??? I hate to break it everyone, but beagles shed quite a bit from what I remember. I've only met a few pugs, and the ones i've seen are pretty far from non shedders. One in particular put off as much hair as my shepherd on a body 1/10th the size. HMMMMM.

11-04-2005, 08:04 AM	#14 (permalink)
Giny poodlez Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 1,010 Rep Power: 104	Thanks Tribal, good idea! Here was mine. First off, the Today show has been one of my favorite morning TV news show for the longest time. That was until I saw one of your segments this morning, November 4, 2005. I’m sure by now you’ve been receiving many emails in concern of this segment in regards of the so called Puggle. First off that term makes me cringe and I’d rather call it what it truly is which is a Beagle/Pug mix. Media as you know has a great impact and influence on people perception of things, be it positive or negative. I’m a huge dog lover whether it is a mix breeds or purebreds and also do volunteer in fostering dogs that need a new forever home. Did you guys do a full research on this before broadcasting it? Do you realize where these mix breed, so call designer breeds, come from? Most of them come from a money racket puppy mills or back yard breeders that have no regards in the welfare of the dogs or the future owner of these dogs. They’re main goal is to line their pockets with the mighty dollar. And thanks to shows like yours you have now added to the overpopulation of dogs and set in the minds of the off the whim purchasers to go out and by these designer mixes only to be dropped in shelters when the novelty wears off. Next time why can’t you do a segment that educates people on how to be responsible in choosing a dog that will be with them for a good 10 to 15 years? It’s a living creature, not an automobile! Thank you for your time, Soon to be a new fan of GMA Ginette Bourque Sanford, Maine
	__________________ Poodle Rescue of New England