road to responsible dog ownership

Through past millenniums dogs have remained loyal to humans as social and hunting companions, service dogs for the physically challenged and in police and rescue work. They are an inherent part of our culture. To own a dog is a right and a privilege.
We'd like to share a historical tribute to dogs by an American Senator, George Graham Vest (1830-1904). He served as U.S. Senator from Missouri from 1879 to 1903 and became one of the leading orators and debaters of his time. This delightful speech is from an earlier period in his life when he practiced law in a small Missouri town. It was given in court while representing a man who sued another for the killing of his dog. During the trial, Vest ignored the testimony, but when his turn came to present a summation to the jury, he made the following speech and won the case.
"Gentlemen of the Jury: The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us, may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.
The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. He will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.
If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death."
George Graham Vest - c. 1855
We invite you to become one of the 52 million RESPONSIBLE dog owners of America. Follow the Road to Responsible Dog Ownership.

the dog best friend

Imagine a world where our pets did not die in animal shelters, a world where every pet was an appreciated member of the family. The shameful conditions in puppy mills, the impersonal cruelty of dog auctions and the proliferation of unwanted dogs carelessly bred in "backyards" are circumstances we can change.
is dedicated to improving the lives of purebred dogs because we believe that a strong and ethical conscience cannot be selective. We are committed to education as a means of bringing about lasting change and attitudes. We are certain that responsible breeders selling to responsible owners can make this happen.
We have crafted this site to guide potential or new dog owners through the maze of selecting and purchasing a healthy puppy suited to your family. Carefully selected articles can assist you in planning, purchase, training, and activities to help your family appreciate the companionship of a well-behaved canine. Follow the Road to Responsible Ownership.
We invite all dog breeders and purebred dog clubs to visit our Ethical Breeders area where we offer the tools for responsible breeding. We encourage you to print and use the Code of Ethics and puppy protection contracts as a backbone for your breeding programs.
There’s a Just For Kids section intended as entertainment and learning, a "kids' safe site." You will notice we are not encouraging parents to appoint "caring for the family pet" as a child’s chore. The word "chore" should never be linked to a pet, and all family pets should be part of the family unit. Most importantly, parents must make their own decisions about children and responsibility, a discussion that belongs in the Responsible Owner section.
Our For All Dog Owners area is for dog owners of every age. It includes legislative links, dog issues, health alerts, animal welfare organizations, animal shelters, veterinary links and our recommended book list.
is a work in progress. The best educational tools come from experience; with your help and expertise we can do anything. We want your feedback. Tell us what you need. Our video department is off to a good start and we have awarded the first Annual Award of Recognition to a breed club.
Sincerely,
Barbara BouyetPresident