PET STORES

We recently put our family cocker spaniel out of his misery--the poor dog had developed cataracts and chronic ear infections. Hardly a normal condition for a dog 6 years old; the vet credits congenital defects due to inbreeding of the most popular breed in the United States. He probably could have been nursed along for another few years on systemic antibiotics, but there was no guarantee that the quality of his life would have improved, nor did it seem quite right to spend so much money, given the far greater needs we have as a society.

Next time we get a dog, we’ll go to a private breeder, or better yet, adopt from the pound. These animals so badly need a home, and “mutts” are often easier to get along with than highly wired pure breeds. We’ve learned our lesson, which basically boils down to responsibility on the part of pet breeders and owners. Too bad people don’t take a course in pet care so they appreciate the full magnitude of the responsibilities and costs before buying that adorable little thing in the window.

SHELLEY OJEDA, Downey