Analysis Paralysis
I think that I think
too often, to the point where sometimes it feels as if my brain is in
an endless spiral of thoughts. I spend a ton of time looking at
pedigrees and trying to analyze & predict (guess) what risk
factors are, and will be for a cross. It is sometimes hard to feel OK
with a decision. In this case about dogs, of course! Border Collies
are generally a super healthy breed and longer lived. They do have
some genetic issues, both predictable and those that can pop up when
not expected. I miss having my Mentor, that I could talk this stuff
through with, so try to reach out to others who I know have
experience, when I have questions.
The saying “you
don’t know, what you don’t know” applies to so many things,
including being a breeder. You can try to know, but the info isn’t
always there. After-the-fact analysis of temperament and genetics in
a cross is also just as, if not more important-some people I respect
share that info too. It is really hard to take a hard look in the
mirror, but celebrating a successful decision is also awesome!
Knowing when it is best to move on or choosing a different path is
also part of it and IMHO the responsible thing to do. That can come
from trial and error experience too.
If you are new to
it, and don’t have the experience, trying to research and gain
knowledge can be hard-there is so much more out there to learn, than
an online database can provide. Having an experienced mentor is
invaluable, if someone is open to learning and listening to
knowledgeable advice. Even with experience, you can have regrets about decisions...
BYB and puppy
millers never think of ANY of this! Profit at the expense of misery
is their story. You can’t “rescue” a dog from a petshop, you
just supported the worst of humanity. Yes, you can rescue a dog from
a shelter where we have dogs in the US that need homes! (why are we
importing dogs from other far away countries?) I am all for adoption
after working in animal welfare and fostering over two hundred dogs,
but a little Terrier mix is not going to do the same job as a working
Border Collie, but could be the perfect pet for someone. I know the
mantra “adopt, don’t shop” is anti-intentional breeding, but
why is supporting lack of spay/neuter by transporting pups north and
random breeding, okay? One of my favorite foster pups abandoned on
city streets developed distemper, it broke my heart. If she had been
raised in a safe place, maybe she wouldn’t have become a statistic?
Many may disagree, but I think there is room to support both rescue
and responsible breeding. Just like with breeders, some rescues are
“better” than others, retail rescue is also a sad reality.
Sometimes, the more
you know, the more paralyzing it can be! Hopefully...especially in an
attempt to produce healthy dogs with good temperaments and working
ability, there is always room to learn and grow. There are so many
layers to a dog, a pedigree is just a piece of paper but it is also a
road map to what ability, traits and genetics are behind a dog. So,
here I am at a decision crossroads, and pretty much thinking I am
just going to go with my gut! Talking myself in circles is
exhausting, and gets me no where. I know I am not reckless in
choices, and always wanting to make good choices while thinking of
the future and the people that will love that pup. I think instead of
over-thinking, going to listen to what my gut is saying, just jump
off the ledge, go for it! So, I think I will. Announcements coming soon...
