ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Make sure pet is healthy and not 'puppy mill' grad

Hawaiian Humane Society

•	'Ilio dog magazine available at stores News about the dog and cat breed and obedience clubs and breeders can be found in the 'Ilio dog magazine, available at the Hawaiian Humane Society and many pet stores state-wide at $4 an issue. On the Internet, find the American Kennel Club at www.akc.org and the Cat Fanciers' Association at www.cfainc.org.

Many families adopt their animal companions from the Hawaiian Humane Society. More than 6,000 pets found homes in 2003.

Other families have their hearts set on a purebred dog or cat, which comes from a breeder or a pet store.

"Sweet puppies and kittens are always a joy, and sometimes it's difficult to imagine the commitment to care for your new pet for a lifetime," said Pamela Burns, Hawaiian Humane Society president. "Poi dogs and domestic shorthair cats are each unique, while puppies and kittens from breeders should conform to breed standards.

"We have found that not all breeders produce healthy, well-adjusted litters, and we would like everyone to do their homework before adopting. It's easy to fall in love on the spot with an adorable animal."

Begin by researching the breed to discover the nature of the dog or cat, behavior traits and any genetic diseases the breed is prone to. Then research the breeder. A brochure with guidelines for breeders can help you know what questions to ask to determine who is a responsible breeder.

"Registration papers from the American Kennel Club do not guarantee the quality of the puppies or that they will be free of genetic defects or other health problems," said Gerri Cadiz, president of the Hawaiian Kennel Club. "AKC papers mean the (father and mother) of the puppies are registered with AKC. If AKC papers are important to you, do not take the puppy home until you have the papers in hand."

Be wary if a breeder offers to meet you in a parking lot with the puppy and does not allow you to see where the pups are being raised or meet the puppy's mother and father. Also ask to see three generations of pedigree, ask how many litters the mother has had and get written proof of vaccinations.

The litter should be kept together until the pups are at least 7 weeks old, but preferably 8 weeks old. Responsible breeders know this early "puppy training" with the mother and siblings helps puppies grow up to become well-adjusted dogs.

The recommendations are essentially the same for choosing a purebred cat or kitten from a breeder.

"Anyone can produce litters of puppies or kittens — they will be beautiful and appear to be healthy," said Cadiz. "A responsible breeder will be able to prove that they are healthy."

"We've unfortunately got our own 'puppy mills' here on O'ahu," said Burns. "Check to make sure that the breeder you are buying from has bred only healthy, mature dogs who have had proper, healthful spacing between litters. A little bit of research in the beginning can make a big difference."

Call the humane society to request a copy by mail of the free brochure, "Guidelines for Responsible Breeders"; leave your name and address at 946-2187, ext. 223.

ADOPTABLES

Tag No. 22888

Jazzie is a great family cat with a beautiful coat of gray and black tiger stripes and subtle white accents. She will playfully roll over so you can pet her belly. Already spayed, Jazzie is ready to go to her new home today.

Tag No. 684

This attractive big black Labrador mix was kept in a fenced yard and loves to chase tennis balls. She already responds to "sit" and "come" and enjoys training. Roxy is about 4 and would like to join an active family with children.

These animals already may have found new homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and Prince Kuhio Day. The incoming-animals always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.