Being Sold a Bill of Goods

Here's Charlie Bob (hi Charlie Bob!).  He's a cute "Golden Doodle."

The recent surge in sales of "Labradoodles" and "Goldendoodles" are in large part due to the much touted label of "hypoallergenic."  IF that's even a word, breeders of these mixed breeds tell people that they are perfect for people with allergies because they don't shed.

Don't you believe it.

They shed.  I know.  I clean up after them.  Not all of them.  But since what people are spending hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars on is essentially a mutt, they come with no breed standard and no guarantees.  Unlike a Golden Retriever, these dogs can have uneven temperaments.  Some fetch like a Labrador, some don't.  Some are spry and lively as a Standard Poodle, and others are just dogs that won't stop barking.

To me, if you're going to roll the dice on a dog, rescue one from a shelter or spend your money on ONE of the breeds from a reputable breeder who shows the dogs so they meet breed standards.

Frankly, I could go on and on.  While I've watched many of these nice dogs, I simply do not understand why people have paid so much money for them.

However, it's not hard to understand why people believe what they've been told, trusting someone nice enough to love dogs probably are telling the truth.  Oh, wouldn't that be nice.

Truth is harder and harder to discern in our culture because competition for disseminating facts has become louder and louder by people who simply care about making money.  It is up to each one of us to do our research, examine the facts, ask many questions, and then take responsible action.  This is true whether you are buying a dog, going to vote, or determining what faith in your life means.

Our culture makes us plenty comfortable, so much so we often get very lazy.  I know I do.  We want to trust that nice breeder, that clever news anchor, and that young man in the nice suit on our front porch with a flyer.

Not knowing the law doesn't mean you will not be prosecuted by it if you fail to obey.  Choose to do the hard work.  So much is at stake.