Before you buy a dog...

IMHO, anyone who is thinking of the buying a dog should realize the committment it entails. Here's something to read: HOW COULD YOU By Jim Willis 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was 'bad,' you'd shake your finger at me and ask, 'How could

Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, King of the Yukon, the JRT in the movie Mask. Each time there was a buying frenzy for that breed. Media projects the illusion that dogs have near human intelligence but unfortunately a lot of the humans that obtain dogs have a lower IQ than their pets.

Media never shows the trials and tribulations of raising a dog but only the tricks and marvels usually done with clever editing.

If it wasn't for the media, there wouldn't be so many unwanted pets.

I agree that this is the case. Unfortunately, the more popular the movie, the worse the problem becomes. IMHO *no* movie has done as much damage as '101 Dalmatians'... Also true...the movie will get folks who have *no* business with any dog to adopt a dog that takes *lots* of time and attention. Time and attention that these folks have *no* intention of providing.

For me and my wife, the 'trials and tribulations' are part of the joy of having a dog. They are our 'furry kids'. We want to be active in all facits of their lives. Yup...the media and *stupid* people... People can be educated if you start when they are children. The media may be hopeless...

Don't forget Lady and the Tramp

oh yes, let's not forget to thank Wm Wegman for his wonderful photos of weims, as well as the sesame street shows and honda advertisements. i cannot tell you how many calls i get from folks wanting a weim because they saw them on tv and they just seem so mellow and trainable. HA!

Ruth Nichols

Yes, IMHO Weims areas active as Dalmatians...and Weims are *bigger* dogs!!! I have also heard rumors that Weims get very depressed if kenneled or if their owners leave them with someone for a while...

well, weims are definitely active, high-energy dogs and require alot of exercise. they are also a fairly dominant breed and require an owner committed to training. while they are extremely people oriented and are often called velcro dogs, a well-bred and well-socialized weim should not have issues with being left with others. as for size, the standard calls for a 'medium' sized dog; bitches usually at 50-65 lbs. and males at 65-80 lbs. unfortunately with the recent upsurge in popularity over the past few years, there are tons of poorly bred weims out there. our rescues are full and are placing about 5-6 times the dogs than we placed only 5 years ago. because of this, many issues with temperament and health have arisen within the ranks of byb weims. my advise with weims and any breed is to research, research, research and make sure you are dealing with a responsible, reputable breeder.

Ruth Nichols

scene has them (Huskies) sipping drinks while reclining in beach chairs

We can only hope that the 'dog' movies are unpopular. The fewer people who see the movies, the fewer bad choices to get a dog will occur IMHO.

Huskies are another breed that requires a lot from the owner... and are best with owners who have experience with the breed. Huskies are one of the several breeds that *I* would *not* feel competent to own.

Last night I watched Dr. Doolittle on tv. It frustrated the heck out of me that when he was at the vet, there was a shepard there to get fixed and he was really resisting and saying, 'Please dont take my manhood, anything but that!' We have enough of a problem with people thinking that way already, now we have the movies telling us that dogs think that way too!! Too bad that they arent more responsible in Hollywood.