Most rescues have a mantra that they eat, sleep, live, and breathe; it is, "Don't breed or buy while shelter dogs die." By and far, rescue work can be very rewarding when there is a happy ending, but people that do rescue are forced to see some of the baser and uglier sides of human nature. It also places breeders and rescuers in opposing positions due to their differing views. However, breeders and rescuers can work together! There are a few simple things every breeder can do to help overpopulation; cull your stock, adhere to a code of ethics, and rescue.

There is a negative connotation attached to the word "cull". Culling simply means to choose, select or pick. Basically, keeping the healthiest and most correct stock for breeding. Breeders, that means that you have a responsibility, or, a moral imperative even, to inspect your pups as closely and as objectively as possible to ensure health and soundness. If your pup is not a good representative specimen of its breed, take it out of the breeding population. That means, spay or neuter the pup before it leaves your facility or sell the pup on a strict spay/neuter contract to ensure adherence to the breeders' wishes.

Adhere to a code of ethics! Every single breed club and registry has a code of ethics for breeder to follow. What does this mean? It means that the breeder holds his or herself to a higher standard than what is considered normal. Every breeder should have a certain set of criteria by which they judge whether or not a dog should be bred. Only mature dogs (i.e. dogs older than two years) that have been proven in some arena or venue should be bred. Temperament is paramount! Health testing should be performed on all breeding stock. These are a few things covered by a code of ethics.

Finally, take a tour of the local Humane Society or Animal Control and see how many different breeds are represented; or, how many of your breed are in the shelter at any given time. Offer to foster or rescue! Try to find local rescue representatives and volunteer time. If that is not possible, monetary and/or supply donations are gladly accepted. Foster a relationship with your local veterinarian and ask them for donations of time, service, and/or profit. Most veterinarians and/or veterinary clinics are willing to help rescue organizations and/or breeders that do rescue work.

Rescuers are, on a daily basis, being subjected to the evils of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect. All three are heinous in their own right, yet together, are appalling in their scope and depth. They live by the mantra of, "don't breed or buy while shelter dogs die", and yet, breeders and rescuers can work together. Breeders can do a couple of things help control overpopulation in shelters, and yet, still contribute correctly to the gene pool of their chosen breed. If all breeders would cull, adhere to a code of ethics, and rescue, overpopulation would be a thing of the past.