Sample Letter in Response to a Request for A Puppy to Auction Off
Dear:
We understand your group is seeking to obtain a Golden Retriever puppy for fundraising purposes. We would like to share our grave concern about this practice.
Year after year, 10,000 Golden Retrievers are surrendered to rescue programs, with the most common reasons being "no time for the dog" and "we didn't know the puppy would be so large and so active". Though a person might purchase a raffle ticket, often out of generosity, good will and impulse, the decision does not reflect the careful planning that we believe is necessary for responsible dog ownership. This decision should be arrived at after careful thought, research, and planning. It should also include an honest appraisal of one's ability to care for, train, socialize and afford the expenses of such a family addition.
The American Kennel Club's (AKC) position is that auctions and raffles are not reasonable and appropriate methods to obtain or transfer dogs. The Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) supports this position and considers providing a Golden Retriever to an auction or raffle a violation of its Code of Ethics.
Reputable and ethical breeders will not make a puppy available to you for such purposes as your group has in mind. Certainly your group would not intend for a person demonstrating the good will of supporting your fundraising to receive a puppy of questionable heredity, health, stability, and temperament. We urge you to seek other fundraising venues.
Thank you for understanding the value breeders place on carefully selected homes for all puppies, and especially for Golden Retrievers. We encourage you to contact us for further information about this wonderful breed. www.grca.org/pec.
Sincerely,
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