How We Met Our Fur Baby?
Hello friends, in this post, I am writing about how we met our fur baby. That day we went in search of a perfect pup. It took us some time to realize our mistake, but today I want to share our learnings with you and hope to spread awareness.
This post is part two of the blog series I am doing in memory of our fur baby, Caesar.
It was April 2015, just two months after our marriage, when I told my husband that we should get a dog. He already knew how much I loved animals, and somehow he anticipated this was coming. But before adding a new member to the family, we had to ask & convince everyone, especially my brother-in-law (BIL), who is still terrified of dogs. And, of course, my mother-in-law (MIL) since she was never in favor of getting a pet.
That was the weekend, and we were at my in-law’s place. It was a perfect day to bring up this conversation. We started with my BIL since we had the least hope that he would join the gang, but the moment he heard that we are thinking of getting a puppy, he was all cool & excited about it. Well, that was easy and totally unexpected; we took it as a sign.
Now, the next task was to convince my MIL; at first, she seemed upset, but my BIL joining our side made her give in. Yay! we are getting a puppy.
PIN IT!
Though I claimed I love animals, I had no idea how the breeders exploit animals to earn some bucks. And I am so ashamed for being ignorant at that time.
Since we had no idea about the breeders’ unethical and ill practices and zero awareness about pet adoption, we went on with our search for a perfect pup.
We searched for breeders around Delhi, asked friends for recommendations, and visited many pet shops & kennels to find that perfect breed. I specifically wanted a labrador. The hunt went on for a few hours, but soon we started losing hope. Most of the pups we saw looked sad & in such poor condition. And the price that the owners were asking was unbelievably high & totally out of our budget.
We were thinking of going back home just when a friend of my BIL called & told him about a labrador pup available in our budget. We were literally jumping in excitement & immediately agreed to get him without even looking at him. But the moment I saw the pup, my heart sank.
Caesar – This image belongs to www.growingwithnemit.com, and reuse is strictly not permitted
He was the weakest of all the pups we had seen that day. He looked sick & miserable & he was so tiny that he fit in my hand. Moreover, he didn’t look like a labrador at all.
The owner told us that the pup’s mother had died; all his siblings had already found a home, and because he was the last born, nobody chose him. She even told us that he would die soon if she could not find a home for him.
I don’t know if that girl was telling the truth or playing with our emotions, but she succeeded in convincing us.
The moment I took him in my hands, I fell in love with that pup. Even though I knew the risk, I wanted him to come home with us. So, this is how we met our fur baby! #My_Son_Caesar
We paid 8k to the owner/breeder to buy that pup.
That is the mistake we humans make that makes the life of animals hell in the hands of breeders. We say that we love animals, but we are equally responsible for these voiceless beings’ plight in reality.
What if we had ADOPTED instead of BUYING?
A poor soul spending his days inside a cage at a shelter would have got a home.
What if the dog lovers decide to adopt pets from a genuine pet owner or an animal shelter and ditch buying? Maybe this could help in eliminating the puppy mills & backyard breeders.
And, if we really love dogs, which breed they are should not bother us.
SAVE A LIFE!
ADOPT, DON’T SHOP!
I found a thought-provoking article by Peta – There’s no such thing as a ‘Responsible Breeder.’ I have linked the article, do give it a read if you are considering buying a pet.
I am doing a blog series this month in memory of our fur baby, #My_Son_Caesar.
Part 1 – In Memory of our fur baby, our dog Caesar!
Since this is the month of #MyFriendAlexa by Blogchatter, I will be linking all my posts to their website. Do check out the new reloaded Blogchatter website to discover some amazing blogs, bloggers, and campaigns.
Click on the below link to read the next part
Raising a Pup | Caesar’s First Month & Health Issues – Blog Series (Part-3)
We had one labrador that hubby bought during his college days and one terrier/hound my family adopted during my work days. We loved both of them equally though I was most attached to my terrier, the labrador was my friend during my pregnancy.
wow interesting series Neha, though I did not have enough knowledge about different aspect of having pet. but after reading your post got some insight. and agree that adopting is way more better option than buying . looking forward for next post in series.
I completely agree that aalways adopt a pet! Ceaser is super cute and I am sure he is happy and proud of you wherever he is! 🙂
This is such a dear thought..to adopt and not to shop.. true .. animal lovers would surely do this.. love for the furry being is enough.. heartfelt series..
Lovely memoir, Neha! Bringing a pet home is never easy, especially if it’s for the first time. I’m not very fond of keeping a pet, though watching them with their owners is cool 🙂
Although i admit I’m not much of an animal person, im shit scared of dogs, your style of writing and the pic of your pup hooked me in.
I guess caring for a pet is a warm experience.
Yes, it is. Thanks Radhika
Could feel your emotions for the dog. You are right. We should always adopt pets and not buy them from breeders.
Thanks Sweta
I have never kept a pet, except for a goldfish, but my BIL has a pug. I am very proud to say that he adopted it! My sons are also very attached to the dog. I too am quite fond of him and do pet-sit him when BIL is out of town
That’s so sweet of you
Aww such a beautiful post. We also wanted to have a pup, had one for few days but it fell sick and we had to give it away.
Oh, so sorry to hear that, Kinshoo. Pups need as much care as a little human baby.
What a lovely story Neha…cesar was very lucky he had you as a mom..
Thanks Rashi
Breeders are the worst. No dog should have to go through the pain. Adoption is the best never look to buy. I am glad you decided to take in the pup.
Thanks dear
An interesting series Neha. Liked your post
Thank you
Such a moving narrative. I don’t have a pet but I could feel your love
Thank you, Arul
Oh this touched my core ; im a Dog mom & have decided to keep being one to as many as i can for the rest of my life.
You have a big heart, Vashi. God bless you.
That’s the harsh reality. Adoption is the best way to go for instead of shopping.
Thanks Dr Bushra
Sorry for your experience and pain.
Animals deserve all the love and mercy that humankind is capable of.
I find the instances of animal abuse abounds in our country, and even in the world, and there is nothing that is being done, and sadly, there is nothing we can do – except, make the decision to help who and where and when we can!
Even we had got a German shepherd for our house, we were not aware about the breeders ill practise. We paid a bomb to get the pub home. Later I learnt that this is not right way n we should adopt than buy… I felt really bad.
I owned a couple of cocktails and i realised the same thing as you. The misery these poor beings suffer as they are being bred for sale. Good post.
Right now my son wants a fur freind. I am not sure how we will manage that. Adoption is the best.
Wow that was such a heartfelt post and even my husband a sincere dog lover so I can relate your emotions and even I feel adoption is better than buying as this whole business needs to stop.
So so true. My Rocky was a labrador too and I have a similar tale too. They are abused and exploited. And I have vowed since the day I came to that realisation that my next fur baby will be a shelter pup. Caesar looks so much like Rocky. This brings back many memories for me.
Adopting seems way more better than buying. Your
love for your fur baby is very noticeable and I might have to rethink on my daughter’s request of getting one
I love dogs too. Totally relate with your emotions here. I pet street ones and if I get the permission I will prefer adoption from street ones . I know many are making it a business these days by selling at huge amounts
I was 18 when my siblings rescued a pup and I totally know this feeling. I didn’t let my siblings pay for a pet, hence they rescued a pup who needed our help. I so wish back then we were more aware of how these pups are illtreated and caged.
Off late, I have seen people getting awareness about breeders and the terrible conditions in which they keep the animals. Glad to find a personal experience where we can all learn to adopt and put an end to breeding business.
I can connect to your emotions. Adoption is defnily the best way.
This is an endearing post on how you met your fur baby.
My kiddo is after my life to have a pet, and can understand what this process is when you have to convince and plan to buy a pet. Lovely post showcasing how you met your pet baby. I will now for sure adopt and not shop. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you dear, My kids want to adopt dog but same problem father in law is not ready. we are going to have pup soon.
Though I am terrified of animals, your post touched my heart. Yes, we must adopt, so that homeless animals get a home, and love too.
It is important to adopt and not shop. glad your post will educate many who might be unaware.
Your fur baby is adorable.
So happy that you adopted. I think every family has a similar issue of others in the house not wanting a dog and having to find a middle ground 🙂
Enjoying your series, Neha. There are so many dogs and cats in shelters looking for a new home. It is always better to adopt than to shop.
This is such a heartfelt post. To be honest, I am not a dog person but my kids are after me to get one and they both just love dogs. Maybe someday especially after reading your thoughts on the topic.
Loving your story with your little one, your story will get a warm welcome from my kids
Good to be aware of the ethical way of getting a puppy.
I genuinely feel adoption ia better than buying from a breeder… However even with adoption you can face a similar situation… My SIL adopted a dog who died within a week because she was not given proper attention at the adoption place… So at times it’s a hit and miss case…
I have no idea about how to having a pet and it’s care. My brother is interested to having a pet. He love dogs.
I have dog in my home and it’s care is my responebility. It’s like my family member. It;s name is deny and i love deny.
I have no experience of pet caring but i like pets.
I have a white colored dog. It’s jut 1 month old and it’s so cute