Your Fur-Ever Friend -The Tale of Choosing with Heart
If you’re reading this, I know you’re no animal hater. In fact, if you’re ready to spend big bucks to bring home a furry friend, you’re already an animal lover. This isn’t for those who just want a “fancy” breed to flaunt on Instagram (I hope aliens find you posh enough to whisk you away to their planet for endless reels).
For the rest of us — those who fell in love with Labradors, Golden retrievers, Huskies, Pugs, or Persian cats thanks to movies or, like me, the classic Vodafone pug ad — hey, I get it. But have you ever wondered where all these exotic breeds, not-so-native to our country, actually come from? They don’t exactly pop up on street corners (except the unfortunate ones that get abandoned).
The answer? Pet shops. And they’re booming — “There are over 1 lakh pet shops and dog breeders in India operating in flagrant violations of relevant laws. The industry generates business worth at least Rs 1000 crore a year, all in black” — Quote National Herald
These shops need a steady supply of adorable puppies and kittens, and unfortunately, many of them come from hidden “puppy/kitten mills,” where breeding conditions are tragic at best.
Picture it: the shops show off puppies and kittens in cute clothes and beautiful cages, making it seem like they’ve just stepped out of a spa day. But behind the scenes, it’s more of a horror story than heartwarming. These mill mothers are kept in tiny cages, forced to breed back-to-back with little to no care, never knowing a soft bed or clean water. They’re often abandoned when they’re too exhausted to breed anymore. The pups? Usually taken from their moms right after birth, missing out on the essentials of nursing and mom’s care. Some survive, many face health issues, and a lot end up back in shelters.
You’re probably thinking, “But I bought my pet from an ethical breeder — or a friend’s dog’s litter!” And yes, you did your best to avoid contributing to these mills. But here’s a little more food for thought:
- Supply and Demand… the Doggy Edition: Every pup bought says, “We want more!” And breeders listen, even if they’re super ethical. The more people buy, the more pups pop up!
- Keeping Breeding ‘In Style’: When you get that cute pup from a breeder, it keeps the “new puppy” craze going strong. We’re basically telling people it’s perfectly cool to bring new pups into the world when so many are still waiting for love in shelters.
- Accidental Overpopulation: Even with careful breeding, life happens. Sometimes, that adorable puppy you bought doesn’t stay with the family forever. More pups mean more chances some will wind up needing new homes, which puts a strain on the shelters.
And here’s the kicker — you might be missing out on the most heartwarming experience of all: rescuing. Trust me, nothing compares to the joy of giving a home to an animal who truly needs one. When Chitta was “distributed” to me (thanks, universe!), I had no idea how much this little furball would save me. In just four years, she went from being a random rescue cat to my unexpected saviour. She gave me purpose, a reason to smile every day, and a new kind of love I didn’t know I needed. It wasn’t just about giving her a home — it was about how she ended up saving mine.
Rescuing isn’t just about helping an animal; it’s about being reminded of our shared earth. We’re not here alone — there are countless creatures who deserve a safe place, too. Taking in a dog or cat who’s waiting for a second chance might be one of the best, most fulfilling things you’ll ever do.
Alright, I’m not here to guilt-trip you into adopting a pet. All I’m asking is that before you open your wallet at a pet shop, you spend just an hour at a rescue centre or adoption drive. Take a furry friend for a walk, play a little, and get some cuddles (or if you’re with a kitten, maybe a few scratches and accidental licks — feisty little things!). Worst case, you still decide to buy a pet; best case, you might just fall in love with a rescue. (I’ll be rooting for you to pick a charming little Indie though!)
But if you’re absolutely set on a specific breed, just keep an eye out for these red flags to avoid accidentally supporting a mill:
- Home Visit Refusal: Can’t see the living conditions? That’s a big nope. Trustworthy breeders are proud to show you their setup.
- Every Breed on the Menu: If it feels like a dog-and-cat buffet, it’s probably a mill. Good breeders focus on just one or two breeds.
- Instant Availability: Ready-to-go kittens and puppies year-round? Quality breeders usually have waiting lists.
- Tiny Tots for Sale: Anyone selling kittens or puppies under 8 weeks old is cutting corners. Responsible breeders let babies stay with mom for at least 8 weeks.
And hey, I’m still secretly rooting for an Indie. But whatever you choose, just make sure it’s an informed, compassionate decision — your new best friend (and all of us who care) will be forever grateful! After all, you wouldn’t want your BFF to come from a traumatised, violent home, would you?
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Below are some amazing rescues in Chennai -
Paws chennai
Madras Animal Rescue Society (MARS)
Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary
IAdopt (@iadopt) and Dogs Of Madras (@dogsofmadras) do an amazing job finding foster/permanent homes for rescues on social media.
If you would like to learn more about the Pet breeding industry in India
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU9bWb5XFbQ
https://www.strawindia.org/blogs/1070/buying-a-dog-heres-what-you-need-to-know.aspx
or just Google and you’ll find a number of horror stories online!
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