How Tacky Was This?

[va32h]

This weekend I had a booth at a local craft fair. I saw a couple walking by with two dachshund puppies, a long-haired red one and an adorable short-haired buff one.

I commented that I had never seen a buff dachshund, and the couple brought the dogs closer. We got to talking, and I mentioned that our doxie was very old, suffering from recurrent kidney infections, and would probably not be with us much longer. So the woman says "oh you'll need this" and hands me her card - they were breeders! Then her husband pipes up that they have puppies available now, and two more litters due in the next few months.

My poor little dog isn't even dead yet, and they're trying to sell me a replacement!

I was so surprised I couldn't even answer. I think I just said "oh. thanks."

 

[Pop Daddy]

I thought you where gonna say that they where going to sell you the kidneys of one of there dogs

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

sounds like you came across a breeder and not necessarily a dog lover. I'm sorry about your doggie...

I hope you won't be considering her in the future, she is obviously in it for the money...

 

[ChristmasElf]

They probably didn't realize that by giving their card to you that they were upsetting you. People don't think. Don't let it bother you.

 

[Pam]

My thought? They saw how much you liked the buff doxie, heard you say that your pet was very ill and they probably just figured that maybe you would want another pet to love and nuture once your doxie dies.

I don't think they were being insensitive. What if, somewhere down the line you were to decide to get another dog, even if your beloved doxie is still alive and you wondered, "Gee, wish I had the card from those folks I met at the craft show." Now you have their phone number. You can keep it or toss it.

 

[Uncle Remus]

I thought you where gonna say that they where going to sell you the kidneys of one of there dogs

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

sounds like you came across a breeder and not necessarily a dog lover. I'm sorry about your doggie...

I hope you won't be considering her in the future, she is obviously in it for the money...

I'd say that what she did was very tacky... any dog lover knows you can't replace such a wonderful old friend, and that many people don't want another pet right away. I would have said that you just weren't interested and thanked them anyway as you were on your way. I definately wouldn't give them to buisness.

 

[tiggersmom2]

My thought? They saw how much you liked the buff doxie, heard you say that your pet was very ill and they probably just figured that maybe you would want another pet to love and nuture once your doxie dies.

I don't think they were being insensitive. What if, somewhere down the line you were to decide to get another dog, even if your beloved doxie is still alive and you wondered, "Gee, wish I had the card from those folks I met at the craft show." Now you have their phone number. You can keep it or toss it.

I agree. I don't think they were out of line at all, in fact I would have appreciated it if I had been in that situation.

 

[fabshelly]

I think they were motivated more by trying to help than by greed. For some people, getting another pet right away helps. For others, time is needed.

 

[JR6ooo4]

I think,
Dog people like dogs. THey make us happy. You cannot replace what is lost.
But you can find more love.
Mikeeee

 

[Poohbear123]

I agree. I don't think they were out of line at all, in fact I would have appreciated it if I had been in that situation.

Me neither, we replaced our 16 year old 3 years ago, within 4 weeks of his passing, with 2 more. I couldn't take my DH crying every night over the Dog that had passed....

 

[disykat]

Many people get new dogs as part of grieving the loss of their beloved pet. I'm sure she meant well.

 

[grlpwrd]

I think the sense that the dogs are a commodity is disturbing, but I hope she meant well.

 

[FreshTressa]

My thought? They saw how much you liked the buff doxie, heard you say that your pet was very ill and they probably just figured that maybe you would want another pet to love and nuture once your doxie dies.

I don't think they were being insensitive. What if, somewhere down the line you were to decide to get another dog, even if your beloved doxie is still alive and you wondered, "Gee, wish I had the card from those folks I met at the craft show." Now you have their phone number. You can keep it or toss it.

Yes, I have to agree, I would not be offended. I would think it odd, but not be offended.

To a real dog lover it is like saying your child has cancer and someone giving you a card for an adoption agency, so I can see how you might have taken it wrong.

But many people don't view pets that way and are more along the lines of saying that your old corolla is about to die and someone giving you a card to come see their Ford dealership.

So...knowing that they probably had no clue that they would offend you, I bet they just wanted to share how wonderful their buff babies are.

 

[maddiemouse]

Many people,like myself, cannot imagine life without a dog. I have had many dogs over the course of my life, each one unique and irreplaceable. And it often happens that introducing a puppy into a household where there is an older dog gives the older one a new lease on life, and can definitely ease the grieving process for the humans in the family when the inevitable happens.
I am a real dog lover, and getting a new dog is nothing remotely like replacing an old car with a new one, but more of a continuing of a celebration of life and gratitude that the creator chose to give us such a wonderful gift.

 

[Pam]

Many people,like myself, cannot imagine life without a dog. I have had many dogs over the course of my life, each one unique and irreplaceable. And it often happens that introducing a puppy into a household where there is an older dog gives the older one a new lease on life, and can definitely ease the grieving process for the humans in the family when the inevitable happens.
I am a real dog lover, and getting a new dog is nothing remotely like replacing an old car with a new one, but more of a continuing of a celebration of life and gratitude that the creator chose to give us such a wonderful gift.

Great post, Maddie!! You conveyed so eloquently what I was thinking.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I don't think it was mal-intended. I think they thought you maybe in the market for another dog (lots of people try to replace what they have lost).

Take care of your dog and best wishes to you both....

 

[Jynohn]

I have a Great Dane who is 6 years old. Unfortunately, the life expectancy for Danes is only 6-10 years. Cricket is very happy and healthy right now, but DH and I have already started thinking about starting our search for a new puppy. Not because we think we can in any way replace her, nor would we ever want to, but because we can't imagine not having a Dane in our life. To us, loving a new puppy does not in any way negate the love we have for Cricket, it will just help a little in easing our pain when the inevitable happens (hopefully many years from now).

I do think the breeders may have been a little insensitive in how they approached you, but I don't think it was meant in an unkind way.

 

[Stitchfans]

I agree not very tactful, if you ask me. Like another poster said, she is only in it for the money. Shame on her.

 

[robinb]

I don't think it was tacky. You were showing interest in her dogs and breeders are always looking for good homes for their pups. Since you already know the breed and obviously love and take care of your current doxie you would be the perfect candidate for a puppy. Perhaps even now when your current dog is sick. Like maddiemouse said, a new puppy in the house of an older dog can be a good thing for the dogs and the owners. The puppy can bring new life to the old dog, the old dog can teach the pup some manners and the people have the younger dog in place to help with their grief.