Shelters have same dogs for less

I could almost feel the collective cringe from Snohomish County animal welfare organizations after reading the article about a new trend in dog breeds in "Designer Doggies" (Jan. 25). When particular breeds become hip and trendy, shelters are burdened with the overflow of dogs that didn't quite live up to their inflated images. There were collies when Lassie was famous then dalmatians after the Disney movies were released. People rushed to get these dogs because they were portrayed as dependable or cute without the owner doing adequate research into the reality of sharing their lives with a dog.

We in the animal welfare community continue to ask why humans insist on creating more dogs, and now specialized mixed breeds, when there are so many homeless dogs in our community desperately waiting for homes. In 2003, more than 5,000 dogs and puppies ended up in shelters in Lynnwood and Everett alone.

But, I could also hear the collective chuckle from local animal organizations regarding these designer dogs. Mixed breeds are not a new idea (however, charging $2,500 for them is). Shelters have had these beautiful, even-tempered, unique animals available for adoption for years. If you stop by PAWS today, you may just find the labraherd, chowsset hound or German long-hairs water sperrier you've been looking for. In addition, if you adopt your next friend from PAWS, we guarantee you'll save at least a couple thousand dollars on the adoption fee.

TAVA BESS

Progressive Animal Welfare Society

Lynnwood