[I<3MyBabies]

I agree with the above post --

I am, as many people know, a rattie mama AND a piggie mama.

As we rat owners know far too well, rats have been inbred and inbred an inumerable amount of times. And now, we have cancer ridden, URI prone, short lived little creatures. Who maybe get one good year of life before the health problems kick in, if they are LUCKY.

Is backyard, inexperienced, uncontrolled breeding wrong, irresponsible, and selfish? --Yes.

Is breeding in itself wrong? --Absolutely not. And after much debate with myself I have reached that decision.

There are breeders who, yes, by definition are ADDING more animals to the world's population. However, knowledgeable, responsible, credible breeders who are breeding to prolong lifespan and longevity. Get rid of Myco. Reduce tumor/cancer occurences. Strengthen immune system. These such breeders ARE good and are pursuing a noble task.

I as a rattie mom would, in a heartbeat buy/adopt a baby from a breeder as mentioned above, in order to support their endeavor. I also have no qualms with rescuing. My 4 babies now are rescues.

I believe this principle rings true with ALL animals. Much harm has been done by irresponsible and selfish people to so many species. Someone has to take the time and compassion and money to undo some of that. So, bashing all breeders is just plain out silly. You want to bash the people who are trying to cure your best friend? You want to bash the people who are trying to let your animals and your beloved pets live long, healthy, happy lives? Because, I thought that is what this forum was all about. Giving animals the best. And what better way to do that than giving them a life without surgery and tumor removal, without absesses and URI's? I truely can't think of one.

I understand how terrible the evil is that lets millions of animals die in shelters. But that doesn't mean that because of human's mistakes, those who have the right idea about bettering the species should not get that chance. Fighting evil with good is the only right way. Maybe the good guys won't ever win, but they can sure as hell try.

And yeah, a breeder CAN be breeding to better the species, while realizing that no matter what they do, there may always be more animals that are homeless or sick. So, why can't they do the same thing you do (rescue) without being called an "oxymoron"? Just because the world won't always balance out perfectly, doesn't mean the people who are trying to do good are wrong. Breeders who are trying to make it so that my rat babies can live longer than 2-3 years are wonderful people. I can't be more thankful. When I sat holding my dying little girl (Abby), I would have done anything to be able to let her live a longer life. And if she had been bred from a good healthy line of parents and siblings, perhaps she would have had that gift.

All I know is, the world is not always as black and white as it appears. And sometimes, you have to be willing to have a little grey so that eventually, hopefully, it will all be white once again.