Originally Posted by SunQuilts
Well, I just have to add in behalf of the breeder, she did at least give her dogs (she had several) to the springer rescue group - didn't just turn them loose or take them to a shelter. Makes me think a bit more kindly toward her! We are having some problems persuading Molly she is safe with us; she is very wary of men and so far hasn't really warmed up to my husband but we are working on that.
As a rescuer, I have to agree. While the breeders in this area cause lots of problems, the ones who are willing to give the unsaleable or old dogs to rescue are few and far between. The three permanent iggies here were all born with defects that made them unsaleable as puppies- blind, blind in one eye and a congenitally bad leg. Around here these are known as bucket pups or pail puppies, because most breeders destroy them rather than feed them. Mine have come from puppy mills, but at least they were given a chance at life by being turned over to us.