Villages Dog owners

[Miles42]

My wife and I are thinking we may want another pet in or lives. Can you all recommend any breeders that are not puppy mills? Is any one in the Villages affiliated with a breeder they would recommend. We prefer small non shedding breeds.

[gerryann]

I have no idea if these folks are a puppy mill....or what they are. But....the Marion Market has many non shedding breeds for sale. (Not the ones outside). These pups are inside, very cute, cost around $400 to $600. I've always wondered myself if these are considered puppy mills. They say they are home breeders. Again...they are adorable pups. I go visit them on the weekends.

[CFrance]

I have no idea if these folks are a puppy mill....or what they are. But....the Marion Market has many non shedding breeds for sale. (Not the ones outside). These pups are inside, very cute, cost around $400 to $600. I've always wondered myself if these are considered puppy mills. They say they are home breeders. Again...they are adorable pups. I go visit them on the weekends.
I have wondered too if they are puppy mill breeders, gerryann. They are located on aisle CSouth inside the market, just past the bird store. If I were you, OP, I would check them out. Maybe ask for a card or to see their facilities, etc. They have very cute dogs, small and I'm sure non-shedding. But if they won't show you their facilities, I'd be suspicious.

[angiefox10]

There are lots of rescues and they aren't puppy mills.

Rescue is my favorite breed! You should meet my Doodle. His is the best!

100% poodle!

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f37/angiefox101/Doodle%202_zpsqacg3i47.jpg~original (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/angiefox101/media/Doodle%202_zpsqacg3i47.jpg.html)

[gerryann]

Handsome fella!

[angiefox10]

He didn't look like that when we got him. He has taken classes with Chris at Lifelong Learning and is certified!

[billethkid]

With time and effort you will find exactly what you are looking for at the various rescue organizations. Google by breed and see how many opportunities there are.

Early in our lives we used to get only breeder gogs "with papers". Then we discovered rescues. Where one can find a breeder dog with "papers" that somebody did not want for what ever reason.

The rescues seem to know they are being saved when you find the right one.

[Sable99]

Poodles and Pooch Rescue has two beautiful Maltese right now. I think they are 3 and 5 and come as a pair. They are adorable! I saw them on Facebook a couple of days ago.

[Sable99]

Here is a picture of the two Maltese at Poodle and Pooch Rescue. Aren't they adorable!
55965

[dittofred]

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are wonderful dogs and great pets. They have hair, not fur. You can contact the Tampa Bay Wheaten Terrier Rescue - you'll be getting a fabulous, loyal pet.

[dnobles]

Please consider a rescue pet

[LittleDog]

I'm sure that anyone selling pets at places like Market of Marion are puppy mills regardless of what they might say. Reputable breeders would not sell their dogs at places like that. I'd stay far away. Rescue is the way to go.

John

[Polar Bear]

I'm sure that anyone selling pets at places like Market of Marion are puppy mills regardless of what they might say...Rescue is the way to go...

I would tend to agree, but I'm not quite as certain as you are.

And I'm a huge fan of Rescue. However, I understand when somebody wants to get a breed that they KNOW won't shed. If you can do that through Rescue all the better.

[Phanatic Luvr]

You may want to try going to News - American Kennel Club (http://www.akc.org) (American Kennel Club) to look for a reputable breeder. I personally wouldn't buy a dog from Marion Market. And as others have posted, please consider a rescue. I have 2 and they are just wonderful.

[Miles42]

I have checked the rescue dog sites. Difficult to find non shedding dogs.

[Barefoot]

With time and effort you will find exactly what you are looking for at the various rescue organizations. Google by breed and see how many opportunities there are.
Early in our lives we used to get only breeder gogs "with papers". Then we discovered rescues. Where one can find a breeder dog with "papers" that somebody did not want for what ever reason.
The rescues seem to know they are being saved when you find the right one.

As Angie said, rescue is my favorite breed.
There are many non-shedding dogs that need someone to love them, and they come potty trained!
In addition to multi-breed rescues and the County Humane Society, there are many breed specific rescue associations. Yorkies and poodles come to mind.

[plimit56]

Sumter County Humane Society has many dogs the need homes, check out their website at All Dogs - Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County, Inc. (http://hsspca.org/al-dogs/). Adopt NOT Shop!!

[GeoGeo]

Rescues are the best. You can find purebred dogs that are already housebroken, some have obedience training already, they already have their shots, already spayed/neutered, etc. The best dog I ever had was my current little dog I got from South Lake Animal League. Her previous owner did a wonderful job with her.

You might check out Animal League (used to be called South Lake Animal League) and see if they have any dogs you might be interested in. I find that my dachshund does not shed much, so if you would be interested in a dachshund I can give you some names of rescues.

Here is the all breed Animal League's website: The Animal League | Rescuing animals since 1988 (http://slal.org/)

[coconutmama]

I was so uncomfortable at the animal shed at the Marion Market that I swore I would never go back there. And I have not. Go Rescue. Any of them, and there are many.

[gerryann]

I was so uncomfortable at the animal shed at the Marion Market that I swore I would never go back there. And I have not. Go Rescue. Any of them, and there are many.

Are you referring to the shed outside of Marion Market? I've never been in there, as it looks pretty nasty. The only dogs I've seen at Marion Market are Inside.

[Barefoot]

I was so uncomfortable at the animal shed at the Marion Market that I swore I would never go back there. And I have not. Go Rescue. Any of them, and there are many.

:bigbow:

[CFrance]

Are you referring to the shed outside of Marion Market? I've never been in there, as it looks pretty nasty. The only dogs I've seen at Marion Market are Inside.
On aisle C South, inside the market, there is a stall just beyond the bird stall where puppies are for sale and sometimes some older dogs (for sale or adoption, I don't know which). I DO NOT KNOW if they are a puppy mill group or not, because I've never vetted them. I just noticed them because we used to take our bird to the bird store guy for clipping.

It is not outside the market. It is inside, under roof.

[jimnc]

As others have urged, please consider a rescue or shelter dog. We have had two, a hound mix and now a beagle. Both were and are great dogs.
Maxine Hirsch, Max's Pet Connection, has her dogs at PetSmart in Lady Lake every Saturday. Maxine is very committed to her cause and to placing the right dog with the right family.
The phone number for Max's is 352-669-2855
maxspetconnection.com
PLEASE give a shelter dog a chance for a new life !!

[gerryann]

On aisle C South, inside the market, there is a stall just beyond the bird stall where puppies are for sale and sometimes some older dogs (for sale or adoption, I don't know which). I DO NOT KNOW if they are a puppy mill group or not, because I've never vetted them. I just noticed them because we used to take our bird to the bird store guy for clipping.

It is not outside the market. It is inside, under roof.

Yes, those are the dogs that I have seen as well. I have no idea if these are "puppy mill" dogs. I just know that at times there are way too many pups. Some of them are cute as anything, but I feel so bad to see them there. In the spring I have seen as many as 50/75 pups....and yes, a few adult dogs and older puppies. Most of them are non shedding "poo" mixes.

I 100% agree that a rescue is the way to go. ABSOLUTELY!!!! But, I see these adorable little pups and my heart melts. They look so lonely! I hate to think of where they are living and I just want to rescue them all.

[CFrance]

Yes, those are the dogs that I have seen as well. I have no idea if these are "puppy mill" dogs. I just know that at times there are way too many pups. Some of them are cute as anything, but I feel so bad to see them there. In the spring I have seen as many as 50/75 pups....and yes, a few adult dogs and older puppies. Most of them are non shedding "poo" mixes.

I 100% agree that a rescue is the way to go. ABSOLUTELY!!!! But, I see these adorable little pups and my heart melts. They look so lonely! I hate to think of where they are living and I just want to rescue them all.
gerryann, they are really cute puppies. And I have seen people bring their dogs back in strollers to visit the sellers. I've often wondered about them and their breeding practices.

I would be in danger of becoming the K9 version of a Cat Lady. But for my husband...

[Love2cruise]

Try Petfinder.com. You can put in the breed you want, the location, sex, age, etc. we got our little guy through this website. He is a Maltese (non shedding) and one of the best dogs we have ever had. As other posters have said there is nothing quite like a rescue dog, they know they got lucky.

[CFrance]

As others have urged, please consider a rescue or shelter dog. We have had two, a hound mix and now a beagle. Both were and are great dogs.
Maxine Hirsch, Max's Pet Connection, has her dogs at PetSmart in Lady Lake every Saturday. Maxine is very committed to her cause and to placing the right dog with the right family.
The phone number for Max's is 352-669-2855
maxspetconnection.com
PLEASE give a shelter dog a chance for a new life !!
For those of us who love big dogs, I wish there were places that bring bigger dogs to look at. Or a place to go to see big dogs up for adoption. I guess I'm not saying there aren't such places; I just don't know about them.

[FosterMomma]

Rescue for sure. Save a life!

[Jaggy]

Yes, those are the dogs that I have seen as well. I have no idea if these are "puppy mill" dogs. I just know that at times there are way too many pups. Some of them are cute as anything, but I feel so bad to see them there. In the spring I have seen as many as 50/75 pups....and yes, a few adult dogs and older puppies. Most of them are non shedding "poo" mixes.

I 100% agree that a rescue is the way to go. ABSOLUTELY!!!! But, I see these adorable little pups and my heart melts. They look so lonely! I hate to think of where they are living and I just want to rescue them all.
I know that some of the puppies inside under cover at Marion Market are brought there by a Mobile Vet.. we got our little girl there and was told we could bring her back for shots etc.. we also got a health certificate with her.. As for the people in the puppy shed.. (shudder).. cute dogs but the seller is something else.. she kept pushing puppies at me at the same time she was calling me "big Momma"... haha.. she did not sell me a pupply.. gee, I wonder why??

[CFrance]

I know I will get slammed up one side and down the other for saying this, but here goes... We have had two rescue dogs. We continually donate time and money to rescue organizations, both here and elsewhere.

However, I believe it is a good thing to maintain the breeds. If no one bought thoroughbreds, breeders would only breed for themselves in order to show dogs. All other dogs would eventually become Heinz 57, as we used to call them in Pittsburgh.

I may try to rescue a senior golden or golden doodle after our current golden passes on. But I do feel safe and comfortable knowing the breed, the temperament, and being fairly sure of what I'm getting in a dog. We are not Caesar Milan in this family; don't have the skills to untrain a rescue and retrain out of certain issues . Both of us have been bitten by dogs. We've had our dogs roughed up by other dogs. We've both been around difficult dogs we couldn't trust or had the ability to retrain. If I can't find a rescue of a golden or a doodle, we will get another golden puppy. (Unless, of course, someone leaves a beagle on my doorstep--tri color, please.)

Let the slamming commence...

[dbussone]

Why would someone slam you for being a really nice person?

[Polar Bear]

For those of us who love big dogs, I wish there were places that bring bigger dogs to look at. Or a place to go to see big dogs up for adoption...

...I believe it is a good thing to maintain the breeds. If no one bought thoroughbreds, breeders would only breed for themselves in order to show dogs. All other dogs would eventually become Heinz 57...Let the slamming commence...
Agree on both counts, CFrance. No slamming here.

I love big dogs. I used to have Mastiffs. I never had a truly big one. But a son of my female was a 230 pound gentle, lovable beauty. :)

And I don't think loving rescues and pure-breds are mutually exclusive. I hope my next dog is a rescue. But the certainty of a registered dog has its merit, as you've so aptly described.

[CFrance]

Why would someone slam you for being a really nice person?
:mademyday:

[CFrance]

Agree on both counts, CFrance. No slamming here.

I love big dogs. I used to have Mastiffs. I never had a truly big one. But a son of my female was a 230 pound gentle, lovable beauty. :)

And I don't think loving rescues and pure-breds are mutually exclusive. I hope my next dog is a rescue. But the certainty of a registered dog has its merit, as you've so aptly described.
Thanks, Polar Bear.

[Barefoot]

We have had two rescue dogs. We continually donate time and money to rescue organizations, both here and elsewhere.
However, I believe it is a good thing to maintain the breeds. If no one bought thoroughbreds, breeders would only breed for themselves in order to show dogs. All other dogs would eventually become Heinz 57, as we used to call them in Pittsburgh.

No-one is going to slam you, silly goose. You are a good person with a pure heart, someone who truly loves animals.
And Crosby, like most Goldens, is a delight. Who doesn't love Goldens.

The biggest reason I think that older people should adopt a rescue is that it is challenging and time consuming to potty-train a puppy and to train a dog to walk on a leash, etc.
Some people have limited mobility or other health issues.
And not to be negative, but a long life isn't promised to any of us.
A puppy might end up outliving us, or we are forced to go into assisted living by health issues.
And then a dog could end up his life in the Humane Society looking for a home, like Alf.

With an older rescue, a lot of problems can be eliminated while still enjoying the love and affection of a dog.
And as has been said, rescues seem more appreciative and grateful to find a forever home.
Our Lollipop (in my avatar) was a rescue Portuguese Water Dog, and we love her dearly.
As a side note, I'm working on finding a tri-color rescue beagle for CFrance and leaving him in her back yard.

[Fraugoofy]

Anyone who rescues dogs gets an A+ in my book! CFrance = A++

[airstreamingypsy]

When you buy a puppy at Marion Market, you are buying a pup from a "Backyard Breeder" what's wrong with that you ask? You are paying for a puppy from a person who bought a male and female of the same breed and lets them make babies. No health testing, no temperament testing, no concern about the future of the puppy. When you buy a puppy from a pet store, you are buying from a real "Puppy Mill" one of the horrible places you see getting raided occasionally on the news. The parents live in wire cages, no testing, never being touched by humans... living covered in pee and feces..... used until the place is raided and they are found homes, or until they stop producing when they are simply shot. Missouri leads the country in puppy mills, the Amish are also big puppy millers. Anytime you buy a puppy you want to see where it was raised, meet the parents etc, dogs sold over the Internet and shipped to you, no questions asked, are puppy mill dogs. Pet stores will tell you they buy from lovely breeders... blah blah blah... all lies. Lovely breeders care what happens to their puppies and won't sell them to the first person that shows them the money. Why should you care? You want that puppy. You should care because you are paying top dollar for what could be health and temperament problems, and you are supporting the horrible conditions the parents are subjected to. Any place that produces many small breeds is a puppy mill. The ideal place to buy a puppy is a reputable breeder, they aren't cheap though.

Another thought, depending on your age are you sure you want a dog that could live 15 to 17 more years? Are you in your late 60s or 70s? Think about it.... you are taking on the hassle of your shoes being chewed, housebreaking a puppy etc....... meanwhile there are so many wonderful dogs in rescues and pounds. I found my last three dogs on petfinder.com. Go to the website, put in your zip code and search the breed you want. Even craigslist occasionally has lovely little dogs that a relative is trying to place because their owner has passed away. The Maltese previously posted are adorable, there's also Poodle rescue. Shih-tzu rescue..... etc.... google the breed and the word rescue. The good news about rescues is they will match you with the best dog for you.

Good luck, I'm so glad you are researching before you buy instead of impulse buying and regretting it later.

[geri317]

Florida Poodle Rescue

[Sable99]

I know I will get slammed up one side and down the other for saying this, but here goes... We have had two rescue dogs. We continually donate time and money to rescue organizations, both here and elsewhere.

However, I believe it is a good thing to maintain the breeds. If no one bought thoroughbreds, breeders would only breed for themselves in order to show dogs. All other dogs would eventually become Heinz 57, as we used to call them in Pittsburgh.

I may try to rescue a senior golden or golden doodle after our current golden passes on. But I do feel safe and comfortable knowing the breed, the temperament, and being fairly sure of what I'm getting in a dog. We are not Caesar Milan in this family; don't have the skills to untrain a rescue and retrain out of certain issues . Both of us have been bitten by dogs. We've had our dogs roughed up by other dogs. We've both been around difficult dogs we couldn't trust or had the ability to retrain. If I can't find a rescue of a golden or a doodle, we will get another golden puppy. (Unless, of course, someone leaves a beagle on my doorstep--tri color, please.)

Let the slamming commence...

I'm not slamming you either! We all have to make the decision on what is the best choice for us.

I have two cats that were rescues and I love them dearly. But, I really wanted a dog. Mom and I live together and it took me two years to talk her into geting a dog!

Earlier this year, I spent a lot of time looking at rescue sites on the internet for a dog. I wanted a young, small, non-shedding dog. I was leaning towards Shih Tzus, Yorkies and Maltese. I'm in Michigan and I looked at sites several states away and in Florida (in case I was visiting TV). I applied for a couple of dogs that fit what I was looking for but I found out they were alerady spoken for!

I then decided to go for a puppy. Mom is 91 and I wanted to indoor potty train a puppy so Mom wouldn't have to take it outside if I wasn't home. I thought it would be easier to train a puppy than re-train an older dog. And, I narrowed my search down to Shih Tzus and found my Lexi who is 10 month old now.

Its been a long time since I had a puppy but then my Dad bred, raised and trained them! I had forgotten how much work a puppy is! (Cats are so much easier!) Its a constant "down, no, sit, come, etc." at our house. Sometimes its a little daunting but I still want my puppy. She is worth it.

On a side note, my mother didn't want Lexi or my two cats! They all want to sit on the chair next to her so she can carry on conversations with them, brush them or give them lots of belly and neck rubs. It is amazing how they all cater to her and want her approval.

[CFrance]

I'm not slamming you either! We all have to make the decision on what is the best choice for us.

I have two cats that were rescues and I love them dearly. But, I really wanted a dog. Mom and I live together and it took me two years to talk her into geting a dog!

Earlier this year, I spent a lot of time looking at rescue sites on the internet for a dog. I wanted a young, small, non-shedding dog. I was leaning towards Shih Tzus, Yorkies and Maltese. I'm in Michigan and I looked at sites several states away and in Florida (in case I was visiting TV). I applied for a couple of dogs that fit what I was looking for but I found out they were alerady spoken for!

I then decided to go for a puppy. Mom is 91 and I wanted to indoor potty train a puppy so Mom wouldn't have to take it outside if I wasn't home. I thought it would be easier to train a puppy than re-train an older dog. And, I narrowed my search down to Shih Tzus and found my Lexi who is 10 month old now.

Its been a long time since I had a puppy but then my Dad bred, raised and trained them! I had forgotten how much work a puppy is! (Cats are so much easier!) Its a constant "down, no, sit, come, etc." at our house. Sometimes its a little daunting but I still want my puppy. She is worth it.

On a side note, my mother didn't want Lexi or my two cats! They all want to sit on the chair next to her so she can carry on conversations with them, brush them or give them lots of belly and neck rubs. It is amazing how they all cater to her and want her approval.
I remember when I was student teaching, and my roommate and I were going to be evicted from our apartment because they found out about our two cats. I put them in a travel crate, took them to the Atlanta airport and flew them home. Only told my mother that one was coming. My now husband picked "him" up at Pittsburgh and decided to let "him" out in the car.

When he got to my mom's door, he threw his hat in first. Several nasty phone calls ensued.

When we got married 8 months later, my mother was devastated to lose those cats. (Several nasty phone calls ensued...)

[penwall]

The Sumter County Humane Society has lots of adorable dogs for your consideration. Please give them a try.