b'SO OFTEN WE HEAR ADOPT DONT SHOP,but as a breed specific rescue that loves Scotties, Lisa andKarrie understand the desire to have and love them. Ratherthan preaching about not buying a dog, they want to sharehow to responsibly select an ethical breeder. WHEN SELECTING A BREEDER, HERE ARE SOME RED FLAGSTHAT YOU MAY BE COMMUNICATING WITH A PUPPY MILL:lThe kennel breeds multiple breedslNo health testing is done lThe breeder asks no questions about you lPuppies are readily availablelPuppies are sold at 5 to 8 weeks oldCOMMON PRACTICES SEEN WITH AN ETHICAL BREEDER: lHealth testing (tests will vary based on which breedyoure considering). lWaitlists: Reputable breeders usually interview/selectfamilies prior to breeding a litter. lHomes are secured before the puppies are born. lPuppies are selected for homes once theyre old enough toevaluate for best fit. lPuppies are kept together for at least 10 weeks, sometimesa little longer. lThe breeder has just as many (or more) questions for youas you do them. Whatever route you take when adding a dog to your family,just plan to be patient. Adopting a dog takes time for reasonssuch as most groups are volunteer-run. Selecting a dog from areputable breeder takes time, as their litters are well-planned.Do your research. If you can make a call and get a puppy rightaway, its very likely youre supporting a puppy mill. If peoplewere not purchasing from them, they wouldnt exist. A FEW OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER: lWhat breed or breeds am I interested in? lWhy am I interested in those breeds? lWill the breeds environment needs and tendencies be amatch for my lifestyle? lWhat is their personality like? Does that fit my lifestyle? lWhat is grooming like, and am I prepared to provide that? lWhat health conditions is the breed prone to? b Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeastwww.ScottieSoutheast.orgCampobello, South CarolinaFacebook @STRSoutheastInstagram @ScottishTerrierRescueSEwww.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER 37'