Katie Holmes is being publicly urged to adopt a rescue dog from a shelter

In yesterday’s Katie Holmes post, I mentioned that Katie, Suri and some “friends” (!!) had made a visit to a pet shop in Manhattan over the weekend. Katie and Suri left empty-handed (and with Suri in tears because her mom wouldn’t get her a puppy!), but I do think that a pet is probably coming. Katie seems to be sending the message to the world: she’s putting down roots in New York City, Suri will be a New York girl, and everybody better get used to that. I said that I hoped that Katie and Suri would end up with a kitten – to me, an indoor cat just makes more sense when you’re living in the city. I kind of ignored the “controversy” over the fact that Katie and Suri were looking at puppies in a pet store rather than a shelter – which… is this a thing? Yep.

A national pet shelter organization is urging Katie Holmes to consider adoption after she was spotted shopping for a puppy in a Manhattan pet store, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting. The Batman Begins actress took her daughter Suri to a high-end pet shop on Saturday.

A sales assistant took two of the pups out of their display cases to show the actress. One of the tiny dogs was a French bulldog and the other looked to be a Morkie, Yorkshire Terrier/Maltese mix. Holmes ultimately left the store without a puppy and that had a disappointed Suri in tears.

But now the North Shore Animal League America – the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization – is inviting the soon-to-be-ex-Mrs. Tom Cruise to visit their facilities and adopt a dog through their organization.

“It’s a matter of education,” Devera Lynn, spokesperson for the Animal League, tells Radar exclusively. “Unfortunately most pet stores are provided their dogs from commercial breeding organizations otherwise known as puppy mills. The breeder parents are not kept in conditions that are acceptable to caring for companion animals. They don’t get the medical care they need. They are overbred and when the dog is no longer able to breed they either sell them to auctions or kill them.”

The New York-based organization is inviting Katie to follow their motto to “adopt a pet and save a life.”

“If you go to a shelter you’re going to find beautiful, healthy puppies, even purebreds,” the spokeswoman says. “Not only that you will also be saving a life. We would love to show Katie the animals we have if she is ready to adopt.”

[From Radar]

Ugh. I’ve always gotten my animals from the pound or from friends who have “rescued” an animal but can’t commit to a pet long-term (that’s how I got my current puppy, who was 5 pounds when I got him and is now a 100-pound monster). I believe strongly in adopting from shelters and adopting “rescues”. I also believe this shelter has a right to get some publicity and educate the public by using Katie and Suri’s visit to a pet store. But I don’t think Katie and Suri should be tagged as “bad people” or “bad pet owners” if they don’t end up with a rescue. Different people want different things, and Katie has a lot on her plate right now. If she does get Suri a puppy, she might be looking for a specific breed that will be good with children, good with city life, good with apartment living. I’m not saying that Katie couldn’t find a puppy like that in a shelter – only that she shouldn’t be harshly judged if she does end up with a pet store puppy.

Or she could just get a cat! Incidentally, my mom just got a kitten and then she promptly left town, so I’ve been looking in on him – this kitten is absolutely CRAY. And he’s a rescue too. I should donate him to Katie and Suri. Suri will be able to keep with him (my mom named him Opossum).

Meanwhile, Radar has another story about Tom Cruise and Suri video-chatting with each other. It feels like we’ve already heard that story…? A source tells Radar, “It’s all part of the divorce settlement that Tom be allowed to video chat with Suri. Likewise, when Suri is with Tom, Katie can video chat with her… Tom and Katie were advised that this could be a very useful tool to help Suri with the adjustment of her parents getting divorced. Tom and Suri have been video chatting and Tom just lights up when her face appears on the computer screen. Tom and Suri also communicate on the telephone and there is no limit on the contact for either parent. If Suri wants to talk to Tom she will call him, with help of course.” I wonder if Suri tearfully told her dad that EVIL MOMMY wouldn’t let her get the puppy she wanted? Hopefully, Tom backed up Katie on that one. But that might be too much to hope for right now. Tom probably screamed, “PUPPIES FOR EVERYONE!”

PS… I am SO OVER Katie’s booties. But I grow increasingly enamored with her lovely purse.

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

167 Responses to “Katie Holmes is being publicly urged to adopt a rescue dog from a shelter”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. kennakatleen says:

    No, NOT a pet store puppy. If Katie wants a specific breed she can find a reputable breeder, see the parents, check their health records & temperament. Buying a puppy from a pet shop not only enriches puppy mills, it can lead to heartbreak for the new owners. A rescue animal is best, but a pet shop pet is NEVER a good idea.

    • Jocelina says:

      I completely agree. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting a particular breed of dog, but there are many, many reputable breeders a person can go to for that (especially a person with the financial resources Katie Holmes has!), breeders who treat the dogs in their care humanely.

    • Anne de Vries says:

      +1. Pet stores aren’t even allowed to sell puppies or kittens in most of Europe exactly because it’s just the customer facing end of the puppy mill industry.

      If you want a specific breed and get it as a pup, go to a reputable breeder. You’ll probably have to wait, but you’ll know that all animals involved will be treated with care and respect and that every possible step to avoid health issues has been taken.

      I think in their position they should look at adopting a trained adult dog – perhaps an assistance dog who washed out of training. It’ll be far better equipped to handle their lifestyle than a puppy.

    • gg says:

      I really do not trust pet stores AT ALL. The breeder or the prior owner of an animal should be consulted before obtaining an animal, if possible. I always go to shelters because I don’t personally see the point in spending massive amounts of cash for what I want, which is just an animal to love that is sweet and not too big.

    • Canda says:

      I am actually a little annoyed with Kaiser’s “they shouldn’t be branded as bad people” comment if they buy from a pet store. They should be called “ignorant” and “uninformed” perhaps, but YES, there is a growing taboo about buying from pet stores. And thankfully, most of the American public is learning to follow the lead of animal advocates and will hopefully end up putting pet store animal vendors out of business.

      Most, if not all, pet stores buy from puppy mills, which in turn supports the heinous treatment and long-term suffering of breeding dogs (trust me, I adopted one after 3 years spent in a mill, and 6 years later she’s still suffering), because REPUTABLE BREEDERS don’t sell to pet stores.

      If someone wants a specific breed, yes, do your research and either buy from a quality small-operation breeder, or go through a rescue. PetFinder.com has hundreds of breed-specific rescues, and many actually DO have puppies… I know dozens of people who have purebred dogs they got as puppies from the pound and through rescues, myself included.

      Sorry but I have zero patience with anyone who thinks buying from a pet store is acceptable.

      It’s not.

      It’s financially supporting puppy mills, an evil, sickening, harmful industry that ONLY benefits the sickos who run it, and believe me, those people don’t care about the animals AT ALL, they just want their money. There are many ways to get a good pet that is a match for your family, and buying at at pet store is NOT one of them.

      • RocketMerry says:

        I have always gotten my puppies and adult dogs from a person who breeds them, with the exception of one taken from the kennel. It never even occurred to me that one could buy from pet stores.

        Still, I guess there are a million of reasons why Katie could have taken Suri there: maybe she wanted to let her play with a puppy for the day and the store was the best and closest option. Maybe she wanted to make her consider the possibility of adopting. Maybe she just never got her pets from stores and the controversy never touched her… so many possibilities.

        I just wouldn’t go harshly on her since she did not even buy a puppy!

      • Marie Antoinette Jr. says:

        I agree with you Canda. I wish people like Katie Holmes would realize that because of her celebrity, by going into a pet store she legitimizes it’s existence. I know it’s just a photo op, but it still bothers me.
        There’s always a silver lining though, and maybe because she went in there, a few more people will learn about the horrors of puppy mills.

    • Veronica says:

      Pretty much any breed of dog you could ever want has a rescue group somewhere and many of them are trying very hard to find their dogs good homes.

      • kazoo says:

        This is so true! Petfinder.com lets you search specifically for breeds, and there are SO many shelters rescue groups that are for particular breeds.

  2. QQ says:

    I think this post could benefit from a picture of your 100lbs puppy and Oppossum … just saying

    • Zimmer says:

      +1

    • Dany says:

      Exactly what I thought! Show us Monsterdog and Possy! 😀

      PS: Katie seems to like her boots… maybe they are part of her new found freedom to wear what she’s comfortable with… anyways – right on, Katie! 🙂

      PPS: Adopt, don’t shop, girls. 🙂

    • deehunny says:

      Hehe… Thought I was the only one who had a cat named another animal species. My husband named our cat Squirrelington (Squirrel for short) because when he gets excited/playful he runs around the house with the puffed up tail most cats get when they are scared or agitated. Squirrel-tail became Squirrelington, because it is more austere!

  3. MoxyLady007 says:

    Sigh. Katie Holmes. The girl who broke free of a cult and an abusive relationship.

    Now she must be all things to all people. Always perfect. That’s not pressure…. Ugh.

    I hope everyone gets their dog from a good breeder or rescues instead of a pet store that supports puppy mills but I won’t hate her or turn against her if she doesn’t.

  4. Talie says:

    So, she cried, big deal. At least Katie can actually put her foot down without having to get permission now.

    • CG says:

      Yeah, I actually wondered if maybe the reason Katie did that is to teach Suri that she’s going to start hearing “no” now? Like when she starts at that Catholic school in the fall, she’s in for a rude awakening if she thinks she can still get her way all the time. So I wondered if maybe the reason Katie took her to a pet shop and then denied her a puppy was so she’ll start understanding what “no” means. But I don’t have kids and I’m not a child psychologist, so I’m sure commenters who are parents will tell me I’m a cruel delusional bitch. 🙂

      • tripmom says:

        I have three daughters and I think this seems smart. It does seem a teensy bit mean to take her to see puppies with the express purpose of saying no, and I doubt that was her intent. But all kids need to learn to hear “no” at some point, and I’m sure this lesson is coming later in life for Suri than most kids. I know it would be tempting to really spoil and indulge a child going through a rough transition like a divorce, so if Katie is standing her ground despite that, then I think it makes her sound like a very good parent.

        Saying no to your kids is so much harder than I ever thought it would be!

      • ZigZagZoey says:

        tripmom ~ Saying no to your kids is so much harder than I ever thought it would be!

        Agree! It sucks. The least fun part of parenting besides punishing for bad behavior. However, sometimes it it the most important part of being the parent and unfortunately people let their kids turn into monsters because they don’t do the hard part!
        And people wonder why their kids are awful……

      • Tara says:

        Honestly that’s what I wondered too.

      • bettyrose says:

        No kidding re Catholic school. I went to public school myself, but as a teacher I’ve always appreciated kids who’ve spent some time in Catholic school: respect and mastery of basic skills. Very nice.

  5. gee says:

    The boots have grown on me! I like them now.

    My first dog was from a pet store.. he was 4 months old, marked 60 percent off and ‘on his way’ to the pound according to the woman I rescued him from. Sometimes, you can rescue a dog from a store. He is the love of my life!

    • RobN says:

      That’s actually a marketing ploy used by pet stores worldwide to get you to take an animal you may not necessarily want but they’re tired of feeding.

  6. lower-case deb says:

    in that third picture, katie looks like blair waldorf.

    NYGirl!

  7. cmc says:

    Honestly, I feel it is very-visible celebrity’s responsibility to adopt vs buy a pet. I know they should be free to do what they choose, but it would set a great example. I can’t help but react negatively if I hear a celeb has bought a dog, but I’m a major tree-hugging vegan animal-loving hippie so I guess I’m the extreme 🙂

    • StephanieMarie2685 says:

      +1

    • really says:

      Agreed, on all points.

    • Anne de Vries says:

      I have no problem with buying an animal from a reputable breeder. If you want a specific breed puppy or full control over the socialisation period (which with some celeb’s lifestyles seems reasonable to me) then a reputable breeder is the way to go. Not everybody is willing or able to take on a dog who may have behavioural issues, and I won’t judge about that.

      Pet stores though? Urgh. As I mentioned above, in most of Europe pet stores aren’t even *allowed* to sell dogs and cats.

  8. Zimmer says:

    Hope Suri gets her non-puppy mill puppy soon and I also hope her mom installs a gorgeous aquarium with live plants to bring nature into their home. It will be soothing for little Suri.

  9. justme says:

    Adopting a rescue dog is certainly a fine thing, but not for everyone. I had a rescue cat for a short time – she was a cute kitten and I was assured she had a nice temperament, but it quickly became apparent that she had a vicious streak – probably she had been mistreated, but I could not risk my young daughter with her – she would attack her face! I hated to do it, but I brought her back to the shelter. Then I went to a breeder, checked out the temperaments of the parents of a purebred Siamese kitten whom I knew had been treated with kindness and love always and am so happy that I did – the sweetest cat in the world. Did the same with my dog – going to a reputable breeder is sometimes the right thing to do. Not a pet store though – encouraging puppy mills.

    • tmbg says:

      I understand where you’re coming from. I will never buy from a pet store, but when the day comes for another dog, I just might hire my trainer to help me find a responsible, ethical breeder.

      I’ve rescued two dogs and each came with some pretty difficult issues. My first one from a rescue was aggressive at first, but with training, he became my good pal and always loved my husband. The only issue was he hated everyone else and bit my MIL. Then he developed the most severe thunderstorm phobia. It required us to get in touch with a special vet from Cornell. We did modification therapy, music therapy, storm shirts and capes, natural things like melatonin and flower essences, dog appeasing pheromone spray and finally, medications. She tried many on him (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, anti-depressants and meds for dogs like Clomicalm) and none had any effect. The phobia began spilling over into other areas of his life, where he became afraid to take walks on sunny days and wouldn’t sleep at night. He had to wear diapers because he peed constantly if there was even rain outside. These were truly dog panic attacks. His breathing was so rapid, he couldn’t eat and he became so hot to the touch that he almost felt sweaty. After years of this, we saw another specialist who recommended putting an end to his misery. We did and I’ll never know if we did the right thing. There’s so much guilt because he was only seven.

      My dog now is also a rescue and has some aggression issues. We’re working on those with a positive-only trainer. None of that Cesar Milan business.

      So the point of this rambling is that rescue isn’t for everyone and I understand what you went through, justme.

      • JessSaysNo says:

        The ‘specialist’ told you to euthanize him for that? Wow…

      • Canda says:

        I know where you’re coming from on this one… we’ve had a dog for 6 years who was dumped at the pound bc she could no longer have babies at 3 years of age (what does that tell you about how many litters she’d had and how little medical care?).

        I get especially enraged when people minimize pet store puppies and don’t understand how puppy mill environments RUIN animals’ lives and break their spirits. We were close to putting her down bc she literally sat in the corner under a table for 2 years and vibrated in place out of fear. She constantly messed in the house, never wanted to go outside, and had to be hand-fed for over a year. She’s still afraid of any kind of noise and prefers her own company hiding under the bed or tables. Once in a while she snaps out of it which is the only reason we haven’t put her out of her misery, so I wouldn’t judge others who have had similar stories with rescued dogs who just can’t shake their problems. There isn’t therapy available that will ever “cure” them, but if they’re not responding to a loving home after years and years, it may be kinder to euthanize them. I certainly don’t recommend that as a first option just bc they seem difficult, but it seems like you sure did everything possible for the little pup. 🙂

      • bluhare says:

        We rescued a dog who turned out to be a former breeding bitch at a mill. She was a wonderful little dog. We got her when she was old and only had her for two years, but they were great years.

        I still miss you Ella!!

      • Inari says:

        @ tmbg:

        This may not mean much in your situation, but based on what you wrote I think you did the right thing. It seems that you really tried pretty much everything to help him and gave him a good home. What else could you ask for? Sometimes letting go is the best and most merciful thing.

        @ JessSaysNo:

        How long would you force someone to live that way?

        Our amazing “little” seal of a dog is, amusingly, both purebred from a reputable breeder and basically a rescue. Yes, the parents may be absolutely fantastic and successful specimens, but it doesn’t mean that their offspring will always be as beautiful as them. Apparently not getting the new “superstar” means (to certain people) that it is completely okay to simply discard the less-than-perfect looking but extremely kind and intelligent dog.

        So, in this it’s both a good and a bad thing that the breeder picked the wrong buyers. At least the morons decided to give him away before they managed to do irreparable damage by their complete lack of care…

        ETA: I was kind of shocked when I first found out that in some places pet shops are really allowed to sell dogs.

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      Thanks for posting this. Sad you had to return that rescue kitty 🙁

      I also got my Scottish Fold cat from a breeder. I always take a lot of heat from my friends about it, especially because I volunteered at an animal shelter all through high school and was well aware of how many kitties need homes.

      When I got my cat Zizou I was living in a TINY (and I mean TINY-one room) studio apt and I really didn’t want a cat that would be miserable and restless stuck in such a small space. I’ve always loved Folds and decided that if I could find one at a reasonable price, that the Fold temperament would be the most suitable for my lifestyle.

      After driving for 11 hours and shelling out $250 (she had her first round of shots already) I drove home with the sweetest cat of all time.

      When people give me crap about buying a kitty instead of adopting, I just take it. They’re right-if I had adopted a cat I would love him/her just as much as I love Z. But I always say that I NEVER regret my decision. This cat is seriously the sweetest animal I have ever encountered. She loves to be held, loves to give “kisses”, never scratches anyone (loves to scratch my furniture though 🙁 ) and is really just the sweetest teddy bear.

      Here’s a pic of her when she was just a little kitten:

      http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l216/melwigmanich/preciousnugget.jpg

      • gg says:

        Omg, I just fell in love with your little kitten. I adore tabbies too. Tabbies are known to be especially friendly and mine have been. AW!

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Thanks, gg! Funny you should say that (assuming that’s your cat in your gravatar), I have ALWAYS wanted a black and white kitty 🙂 Growing up, I had a calico and a Tortoishell.

      • bluhare says:

        OK and gg: If you merged your two avatars, they would looke like my black and white kitty! She’s a former rescue, now diva of the house, including three dogs. Loves everyone, even strangers!

      • Mira says:

        @Kitten – Your kitten is adorable! 🙂 I miss my dog after reading this post 🙁

      • apsutter says:

        Awww…I love folds! I don’t really like when people purchase animals either when so many others need rescued. But I’m a total cat person and also severely allergic to most cats, sadly. It sucks cause I’d love to just be able to go to the shelter and adopt any cat I’d like but the only ones that I can own are Siberians. They’re totally awesome and great for people with allergies but you need to buy them from a breeder because they’re kind of rare in the U.S. Really I’m just happy that I’m not allergic to all cats!

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        @bluhare-Nice! Didn’t know you were a cat person, thought maybe a bunny person, based on your name 😀

        Thanks, Mira!!!

        @ apsutter-thx! I stalked a fold rescue site for a year before I got her and I actually ended up submitting a few pics of Z for their annual Fold calendar that generates money for the organization. They chose that pic to be featured so Z was Miss October! 🙂 I bought 3 calendars to support them and continue to purchase one every year. PS Siberians are awesome!

        I’m putting the link below for other Fold-lovers. They never have Folds available in my tri-state area which is why I gave up my hope of adopting. Most seem to be out on the west coast or mid-west/south.

        http://scottishfoldrescue.com/

    • Turd Fergussen says:

      As someone who volunteers specifically with cats in a shelter, it makes me angry to read that there are still people out there — some commenters here, for example — who justify buying from “responsible” breeders. It’s just bullsh-t. I like purebred cats, too, specifically Himalayans. And guess what? I have two of them, and they’re both rescues, abandoned by people who didn’t want them. So many wonderful, sweet, non-schizo pets are EUd every day because of selfish assholes who make up every reason in the world why they’re so special that they NEED to get a pet from a breeder. Buy a pet from a breeder and you’re 100% responsible for a shelter pet being killed. Period. You may not like it, it may be a harsh fact, but it’s true. Hope you enjoy your designer toy dog or cat.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        @ Turd Fergussen-That’s like saying that people who have babies instead of adopting babies are responsible for children laguishing in foster homes for years and ending up on the street when they’re 18.

        The people who are responsible for cats and other pets getting euthanized are the people who ABANDON their pets or who buy/adopt and don’t spay/neuter their animals. So if I adopted a cat and let it get pregnant and then brought all the kittens to a shelter, I’d be “a-ok” in your eyes because my cat was a rescue? PLEASE.
        People who villify good owners because they bought from a breeder really lose sight of what matters: that the owner of said pet is loving caring and does right by their pet. People who adopt animals are not impervious to blame-as someone who volunteered in a shelter for many years, I saw rescue cats that were recovered from disgusting homes, where they were neglected or abused and sometimes left to die.

        I agree that many animals need homes as did my cat. If she didn’t go to me she would have gone to someone else so please save your sanctimonious BS and reserve your anger for the people who deserve it.

      • justme says:

        @ Turd Fergussen – Gee thanks very much. I guess I should have had allowed my shelter cat (whom we treated with kindness and love btw) attack my five year old daughter’s face and possibly put out her eyes. It was not the poor creature’s fault, I know that, but I am a mother first. With the breeder I was able to meet both mother and father and see how the kitten was treated.
        Bravo to anyone who takes in a rescue, but watch with the judging of others.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        @ Justme-Don’t feel guilty for doing what was right for you and your baby. Other people’s mistreatment of animals-specifically abandoning/not spaying is not your problem. You tried your best and had your heart in the right place. Some people need to get off their soapbox and realize that being a good pet owner is an important and valuable contribution in and of itself. Attempting to shame those that don’t feel the inherent responsibility to make right on other people’s terribly irresponsible decisions really doesn’t help anyone nor does it further the cause.

      • Marie Antoinette Jr. says:

        Turd, I understand your anger. I used to feel the same way. But now I realize that just because puppy mills treat animals horribly, it doesn’t mean that all people who buy from breeders are evil. It’s possible that the person who buys from a conscientious breeder actually does good for animals in other ways.
        Also realize, in some areas it is extremely time consuming to adopt a pet from a shelter. The back ground checks to some people seem intrusive and insulting. You and I may understand why it is so important to check out a potential adopter, but people who are intent on getting a new pet for a kid’s birthday or something really don’t care about that. They are busy and in a hurry and they just want to be able to go out and buy a pet. So a lot of times, caring people who would prefer to adopt, feel forced into buying a pet from a breeder just for the convenience of it.

      • crtb says:

        Stop with the guilt tripping! I have a top of the line pure bred cat and I have a cat that I found the the street.

        The people who are responsible for animals dying in shelters are the ones who get bored when their puppy or kitten isn’t cute any more once it got big.

        They are the people who didn’t take the time to train their pets and now are angry when these animals destroy their furniture/clothes.

        They are the people who think it is funny to rough house with their pets when they are little then wonder why the animal is vicious when it is an adult.

        They are they ones who get a pet on summer vacation or at the beginning of a relationship and get rid of it in the fall or when they break up.

        But you want to know who is NOT responsible for animals dying in shelters? People who decide that they would rather buy a pure breed cat/dog for what ever reason?

        That is like saying people who eat well are responsible for people who are starving. Or People who live in houses are responsible for those people who are homeless. Bull!

      • bettyrose says:

        @ Turd – Thank you for saying this. I can’t believe people object to background checks from shelters. Pets are a HUGE commitment and breeders don’t give a crap. They just want your money. If no unwanted animals were brought into this world – and only the most responsible pet lovers were allowed to become pet parents – this would be a better planet.
        @ OriginalKitten – your argument is a logical fallacy because a shelter wouldn’t release a pet to you without spaying/neutering it. Thus, if your pet got pregnant and you abandoned the babies at a shelter, it would be because you had purchased from a store or breeder who hadn’t taken the time to ensure that you’re a responsible, loving pet parent.

      • mayamae says:

        Turd Fergussen –

        I understand what you’re saying. I am uncomfortable with purchasing “perfect” pets from “reputable breeders” because I feel they contribute to the problem and along with dog shows create the false image that an imperfect pet is discardable.

        Breeders constantly striving towards stringent AK

      • mayamae says:

        I apologize for posting an incomplete comment. Here’s the whole thought for what it’s worth.

        Turd Fergussen –

        I understand what you’re saying. I am uncomfortable with purchasing “perfect” pets from “reputable breeders” because I feel they contribute to the problem of pet over population and along with dog shows create the false image that an imperfect pet has no value.

        Breeders constantly striving towards stringent AKC criteria that slowly create problems in a breed – pugs and bulldogs who have respiratory problems and easily overheat, german shepherds with the odd submissive butt tuck, breeds that have to have ears and tails chopped off to be “fashionable”. (Kudos to UK for being less accepting of this.) Then they contribute to overpopulation by not allowing show dogs to be sterilized.

        It’s not guilt but a cold hard fact. Every single time you purchase a pet from a breeder or mill, the pet you could have chosen will be put to sleep. That’s a fact. Your actions clearly show that is something you have no problem with. Just own it.

        Of course everyone has a right to obtain a pet in whatever fashion they choose. You also have the right to try to justify why you did not use a shelter if you so choose. You do not have the right for everyone to reassure you that you did the right thing. It’s not my problem if you’re sensitive to this topic – it’s obvious by the way you all attacked her that many of you are defensive.

        Turd Fergusson states how she feels and everyone comes down on how horrible she is. People get very upset when they feel others expect sacrifices from them. I have experienced the most hostility of my life from people offended by the fact that I’m a vegetarian. I don’t preach – I don’t give a shit. It’s your conscious and you have to live with it at the end of the day.

        I am frustrated that I can’t explain what I mean and sometimes it’s hard to be eloquent because there is often a gang mentality against a minority statement.

        Just please be open to possibilities. If you feel just a twinge of guilt, contemplate your next pet coming from a shelter. But you can’t distance yourself and claim ignorance. Just like people can no longer pretend it’s ok to buy pets from puppy mills. It’s baby steps and the true believers (of shelters) can get frustrated by the knowledge that animals are deliberately created when there is already an overabundance who are desperate for homes.

        Anyone who was patient enough to read my whole post – thanks. It can sometimes feel like you’re fighting a battle that you have no hope of winning when your passion is animal rights. I find trying to guilt people causes nothing but reactionary defensiveness. I think Turd was probably venting frustration rather than trying to personally attack posters who have shared their stories here.

        Lastly (finally!), I would so appreciate it if people could restrain the comments like – “be sure to shine your silver star everyday”. I claim no moral superiority and would not want to give that impression. I’m just like everyone else here trying in my own way to explain why I feel the way I do.

    • tmbg says:

      Well, justsaysno, you didn’t witness what his life had become. He didn’t enjoy anything anymore. None of us slept during summers. We had to be constantly viglant about him being around strangers because he’d lunge/bite. It wasn’t just the specialist – it was the Cornell vet and our trainer who also saw no other options. When our last viable option would be to hold him down and rub an anesthetic gel on his gums to knock him out until the storm passed, enough was enough. He may not have been physically ill, but he was mentally ill and incapable of being helped. My ipad to this day is loaded with weather apps from two years ago that I used to try and get an early start on the heavy t-storms that kept hitting us. I timed his medication to work early so he would relax, but nothing. It may sound like a simple problem to you, but it’s not until you personally live through it and watch an animal you love become an empty shell who enjoyed nothing.

      Anyway, who knows. I may never get another pet. I know rescue just doesn’t work out for us because as much as I check over these animals, I’ve wound up with two with difficult behavior issues. Thankfully this time we found a very good trainer.

      PS – thanks, Canda. I hope everything works out for your pup. It’s sad when they’re so scared that they can’t enjoy themselves. My current dog, despite his one issue, is kind of amazing in that he bounced back from a sick, starving 35 lb. boy into a robust 72 pounder who isn’t afraid of much and could play from sunrise to sunset.

    • bettyrose says:

      Okay, I’ll be the one to say it: There is NO such thing as a “reputable” breeder. Why? 1. Breeders bring new lives into the world while other lives face death sentences from kill shelters if no one adopts them. 2. Breeders are in it for the money. They DO NOT interview future pet parents to ensure they understand the responsibilities of a pet (dogs are very hard work, and most breeder dogs end up in shelters anyway. Thus, if you want a breeder dog, visit your local shelter). The truth is that no true animal lover will contribute to shelter pets being “put down” or sold to labs for cruel testing. My rescue pets (one cat and one dog) are the sweetest, most precious creatures imaginable.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        @ bettyrose- Theoretically, my cat is a RESCUE cat, I didn’t say shelter cat. Could have been a kitten I got from a friend or a feral cat that I took in so indeed it may not be spayed or neutered. I specifically chose that scenario because I was trying to illustrate the fact that not spaying or neutering is the biggest contribution to pet overpopulation in the shelters and pets being euthanized, NOT breeders.

      • crtb says:

        That’s not true! Stop making blank statements about all breeders. The person I got my cat from asked many more questions than any shelter does and felt very comfortable about not selling her cats to people whom she felt would not make good parents. Not everyone is in it just for the money.

        The crazy people are the Cat Rescue women!!!!! Ask any vet. That is how I ended up buying a cat because they wouldn’t let me adpot a cat. And I have heard the same story from a least two dozen other people. Either you are too young or too old. You can’t have kids or work. you can’t already have cats or you need to already have cats. There is always a reason why you can’t adopt a cat and all of these women have 100 cats in their homes.

  10. gatinha says:

    those jeans!!!!!!!!!!! they just look painfully tight. i love how she looks in a trouser cut, which would be much more comfortable anyway in the summer heat. i agree about the booties. she needs to tuck both items away until fall.

    • Janet says:

      I have a pair of jeans like that. They stretch six ways from Sunday. Very, very comfortable.

  11. Zvonk says:

    “PUPPIES FOR EVERYONE!” Hahahaha

    I can understand that the rescue organisation took the opportunity to get a bit of free publicity by making their statement. Good for them. But now that they’ve said their piece, they should shut up and allow Katie to buy a puppy from wherever she wants. It really is none of their business.

    • Aussie girl says:

      Agreed

    • Trek Girl says:

      I agree with you. I also find it ridiculous that of all the things going on with her right now, she has people trying to find something wrong with her going into a pet store; she didn’t even buy anything. She can buy a pet from whomever she wants to; it really isn’t anyone’s business.

      • Kolby says:

        Agreed. And I think the main point here is that she didn’t even buy a puppy! They were just looking.

  12. boobytrap says:

    those jeans are so unflattering! burn them katie.

  13. stinky says:

    the shark has now been jumped.

  14. heidi says:

    Gotta hand it to Katie for seeming to do her best in a difficult situation. School(socialization) will be good for Suri. I see some adjustment problems ahead but with her new team in place it looks like Katie is on the right track. Suri looks like a typical spoiled kid~~disgruntled, unhappy, etc. Hopefully that all changes for the better in the near future. Heard that Tom treated her like a little adult.
    I’m all for a pound puppy.

    • Cazzee says:

      Great point about the demeanor of a spoiled child – after my stepdaughter returns from spending a weekend with her uncle and his husband, she is almost unbearable! A constant stream of complaints and demands emerge from her mouth and although she is expecting me to wait on her hand and foot like her uncle does, it’s not like she’s happy about it. They only visit from Mexico city intermittently but still – all they do is buy her anything she wants and take her to the movies for three days straight, and then I have to deal with the aftermath!

      How much do you want to bet that the ex husband buys Suri a pet as competition?

  15. Ayame says:

    Maybe they can find a puppy similarly rescued from a cult! 😛 Either way, adopting a dog from a shelter is the way to go, supporting breeders only leads to millions of dogs and cats being euthanized every year for lack of homes.

  16. Amanda says:

    When is the publicity tour going to be over? How many more times is she going to wander round New York City, wearing that shit-eating grin on her face and tarting her daughter out for the cameras?

    Alright Katie, we get it. You’re a free woman. Enough already. Eeesh.

    • Anne de Vries says:

      Is she supposed to lock both of them inside her apartment? How do you suggest she should avoid the paps?

    • tripmom says:

      I TOTALLY disagree. What she pulled off was clever, brave, and amazing, and I can’t get enough of seeing these two look normal and happy.

      Granted, Katie has more resources at her disposal than most of us, but she is a fantastic example of a woman who successfully removed herself from a bad situation. She is an inspiration to women everywhere who feel trapped in bad or abusive relationships, and seeing her out there enjoying life is a terrific example to set. More of this!

    • G says:

      The paps can stop anytime……

      Probably we’ll get a few shots of Tom’s first visit and then they’ll fade away.

    • roger says:

      its NYC not LA or DeMoines, you walk in NYC. She is going to be outside because she is going to WALK from place to place, that is what we New Yorkers do. It’s not her fault people are currently following her around taking her picture. Once the divorce drama dies down so will the pictures, right now they are waiting for her, but soon they will only get her at the big places you always see the paps.

    • islandgirl says:

      Don’t you know that you are not suppose to say anything bad about America next sweetheart. She is our hero. Our girl lol

  17. Elle says:

    I do not understand why people care so much about protecting animals and having a pet when there are starving and homeless children in this world. I will adopt and feed a child not a dog!

    • tripmom says:

      Can’t you care about both? Why is it one or the other?

    • mayamae says:

      How many children have you adopted now?

    • Canda says:

      Some people are “kid” people and some people are “animal” people. Mostly because starving, homeless children have hundreds of organizations already helping them out and, in many places, laws governing their rights. Animals don’t have that benefit, and are often the by-product of human stupidity and ignorance.

    • bluhare says:

      I have news for you. Some animal lovers actually like people too.

    • Inari says:

      I just checked, just to be sure, and it does indeed look like there are more colours than just black and white. Well, at least here.

      I “get” animals, always have. Kids… I didn’t really understand them even when I was one. I guess I could try to adopt one, aspie and/or avoidant personality disorder tendencies (yeah, it’s complicated) be damned! Or, I’ll give some money to kid-related charities and adopt dogs. I guess that makes me a horrible person.

  18. Rachel says:

    Kaiser, your argument doesn’t really hold up. If Katie is looking for a dog with a certain temperament or to fit in with her lifestyle, she is more likely to find one thru a rescue where the dogs are temperament tested and put into many situations to determine where they will best thrive. As opposed to a pet store where you have no idea what kind of temperament the dog will have because it’s lives its life in a kennel.

    • Turd Fergussen says:

      +1

    • olcranky says:

      are they even allowed to sell puppies at pet stores in NYC? I thought they were thinking of banning that practice.

      I volunteer for a rescue and we do adoption events at pet stores. Is it possible the puppies they were looking at are from a shelter?

    • Janet says:

      Definitely agree and it goes for cats as well as dogs. When my son and daughter in law adopted their kitten, they were introduced to half a dozen of them and matched to the one who most suited their temperament. She’s been their devoted pet for ten years now.

  19. Memphis says:

    She probably didn’t get a dog before because, as we all know, Tom the OT can can talk to animals with his mind and she didn’t need another spy in the house. LOL

    I hope she does get a puppy. It will help the transition for Suri. Plus she has enough help that that the dog will wont be overwhelming in the puppy stages. Lord knows I don’t miss the puppy training stages!

    • benny says:

      “Tom can talk to animals with his mind, and she didn’t need another spy in the house!”

      That’s one of the best things I’ve read about their break-up so far!

    • aussied says:

      lol, agreed, I have also read tom was telepathic, and can communicate with animals and “humans” as well as thetans.. although I don’t think I have ever seen tom near an actual animal…his telepathy doesn’t see to be working for him lately though; the tech must have failed, perhps he should stick to flying 🙂

  20. casey says:

    Another day, another photo op. Can’t this poor child take a break. Look at her. She looks so annoyed.

    Can celebitchy feature here that article from New York Times about “Katies calculated break up”.Well I guess not since it is unfavorable to the next biggest moviestar Katie Holmes.

    “even Kim Kardashian has to lay low after her divorce”from NYT.lol.Im sure once Katie read that article , we can at least take a break from daily photo op.The media is starting to notice her agenda.LOL.

    • Bite me aka aniston says:

      Just read the article very interrrsting

    • Lucy2 says:

      Idon’t think her and Kim’s situations should be compared. People are happy to see Katie leave a dangerous cult, vs Kim who got married fir attention, publicity, and tv ratings.

    • aussied says:

      in all fairness they’d need to feature so many more, that tell of toms controlling ways and his churches various crimes [and I mean proven crimes, not alleged], that probably prompted her run like hell with an army of support from an organisation that goes through peoples rubbish bins and that tries to destroy reputations,and families when they leave the org. She hasn’t just left tom has she?
      I think “calculated” should read as “strategic”, after all she is battling the king of media manipulation,king of the fake manic teeth grinding grin, the 50 year old thrice married man[and 3 times failed] in the self imposed sc. bubble. She no doubt learnt a lot from the way he treated his first two wives and she beat him at his own game, and good on her. That is why she gets support. I am shocked she had it in her and I have a whole new respect for Ms Holmes.
      Speak to any person; man or woman, who has escaped an emotionally controlling or abusive relationship, or even a cult; go and perhaps chat to women and children in a refuge…they’ll explain her behaviour to you. Fortunately she has more resources than most, but control and abuse, and marriage breakdown cross all demographics.
      She learnt from history as all smart people do or should, and as you would expect from a straight “A” student from a good, stable and solid family; a mother who is no longer the child bride, and is now in her 30’s. The publicity will die down eventually, especially no toms not parading them around at will. She’ll be able to live her own life hopefully. She’s being smart.

  21. DianeP says:

    Opt to adopt, Katie! There are so many rescues that need homes. Do NOT buy from a pet store.

  22. JessSaysNo says:

    I would never buy a puppy from a pet store but I have gone into several pet stores with friends to look at/play with the puppies. It tugs at my heart because you just want to rescue them from the store but you know that will just help the stores business. I just like to play with them so they get out of the cages a bit.

  23. Embee says:

    Pet stores are a fun place to visit with a child. She didn’t buy anything…it was just a a fun outing for them.

    Suri’s childhood has something of a “Secret Garden” or “Little Princess” feel to it. Spoiled rotten and then life places her in a tough circumstance that causes her to develop the character traits that are more enduring. At least I hope that is how it works out!

  24. gg says:

    All kittens are crazy. Completely manically mental. Just be glad they’re not any bigger at that stage.

  25. justme says:

    What a cute little Scottish fold! My little Siamese is like that – loving and cuddly. It’s funny how many people have a bad opinion of Siamese cats – too many viewings of Lady and the Tramp I think! 🙂

    AARGH – this was supposed to be in reply to @TheOriginalKitten!

    • mayamae says:

      I went with my friend to pick up her Siamese. On the drive home he tore apart his carrier as we were in the front seat screaming! She loved him and took care of him but said he stayed crazy.

      I’ve never paid for a cat and I never will. In some cities adoption fees are waived in shelters for adult cats.

    • mercy says:

      My Siamese cat was a big ball of love. Best cat ever.

      • skuddles says:

        I used to have two Siamese myself for many years – sadly lost them both over the last three years(a lynx point and a tortie with the bluest eyes you’ve ever seen) and they made fabulous pets. Both super smart, very loving and quite easy to train… with just a hint of the weird Siamese personality thrown in to make them interesting 🙂

    • skuddles says:

      I just loved that song from Lady and the Tramp!

      “We are Siamese if you please… we are Siamese if you DON’T please” 😀

  26. Lucy2 says:

    Maybe she’s not actually pet shopping- my friend’s kids always want to go see the cats at Pet Smart, though they can’t get one. Sometimes kids just like to go see cute animals.
    If they do get a pet it would be great if it was a rescue, but they also have to get what’s right for their lifestyle, any allergies, etc.
    I adopted my cat from a local rescue group, and I know people who have used petfinder and been happy with that.

    • olcranky says:

      I think all the cats at Petsmart are available through the Angel Network which is a cat rescue

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        olcranky is right, lucy2. The Petsmart kitties are actually shelter kits up for adoption 🙂

      • Lucy2 says:

        I know the Pet Smart cats are rescues, they are affiliated with many rescue groups. The one in my town has all cats from the local shelter. I like that a big company like that is trying to adpot rescues, I think it’s great.
        That wasn’t my point though, I was saying that just because she took Suri in to see puppies doesn’t mean they are getting a pet. It seemed premature for some to be angry at her for going into a pet store when she might not even be looking to get a pet.

  27. Sabrine says:

    Good Gawd….leave the woman alone – All she did was walk into a pet store with her daughter, look at a couple of puppies and now there’s a big statement from the animal shelter and websites are putting in their two cents making mountains out of molehills. So ridiculous.

  28. mercy says:

    Pet stores should be outlawed. So should those ankle boots and papps who stalk children. I wholeheartedly support giving TC and Scientology the boot, but maybe New York City wasn’t the best idea.

    • Trek Girl says:

      New York was most likely chosen by Katie for the advantages she would have in the divorce and with custody matters; it was a very smart move. Paparazzi would probably follow her around no matter where she was, so New York is a fine place to be.

      • Kolby says:

        And most celebrities who live in NYC are *mostly* left alone by the paps. Once all this dies down, Katie and Suri will be left alone, too.

  29. TG says:

    Is it not 90 some degrees in NYC? How the heck is she walking around in tight jeans, long shirts and booties every day? Amazing. Maybe she is the one who has reached OTIII or whatever the cult is calling it. If she gets a pet I hope it is a true rescue and that she realizes a pet is for life so a dog would be likely a 14 year commitment. I can’t even talk too much about pet ownership because there are so many lazy and bad owners out there. I always wonder if you don’t like to walk what would possess someone to go and get a dog. When does it enter their brain that they want a dog? Doesn’t make sense to me.

  30. Suzy says:

    I bought my pug from a reputable breeder & she is great but there are soooo many dogs in shelters who need a home. We foster for pug rescue & I highly encourage people to do the same 🙂

    • Tara says:

      Thanks to all of you who have advocated for adoption or at least a reputable breeder option instead of buying from a pet store. Im going to be truly selfish and post all my pent up comments from other articles where the comment-failure seems to happen when there are 200+ comments.

      Re: tom telling Katie to “sit there,” maybe he thought she was an ashtray.

      Re: suri being evil because she can deliver some mean side-eye. Please. My two year old must be multiple Antichrists rolled into one. If a petulant look is the criteria.

      Re: the catholic school thing and Catholicism just being the cult that’s replacing Scientology in suri’s life… They are just NOT comparable in 2012. 1612 probably… But not in the US in 2012.

      also think catholic school/church will be a good illustration of a group of people operating within a belief system that allows dissension and fraternalizing with all brands of apostates :). Seriously tho, I credit my catholic upbringing with a fair to middling grasp of grammar, but more importantly with the experience of learning about a belief system and deciding its not for me. And no one ever came knocking on my door or shunned me. IMO that’s a valuable path to travel; you get familiar with all sorts of landmarks and navigation tools. 

  31. benny says:

    The BEST place to buy a dog is a reputable breeder. Research the types of disorders your intended breed is known for, then ask the breeder for the records of their dogs to make sure the dogs are genetically sound (for example, if you want a large breed that is prone to hip dysplasia, ask for the breeder’s OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) records).

    While it’s “nice” to get a dog from a shelter, you have no idea of that dog’s breeding. It could be severly inbred and face future health problems just as if you got it from a puppy mill. After all, where do you think the puppy mills dump their unsold or useless dogs? Shelters.

    If all you want is to save a dog’s life, then get it from a shelter. However, if you want the best chances of getting a sound and healthy dog, get it from a reputable breeder.

    • Lbeees says:

      BULLSHIT

      • RobN says:

        Sorry, Lbeees, that you don’t enjoy hearing the truth, but it is a simple fact that you don’t know the genetic history of shelter dogs. You don’t know if there’s a history of cancer, a history of hip dysplasia, a history of genetic eye defects, a variety of thyroid based diseases, etc. You get that knowledge from a responsible breeder. Shelter dogs don’t come with some magic exemption from all the problems associated with their breed.

        There is actually nothing wrong with wanting the healthiest possible pet for your family, despite the protestations from people who scream bloody murder at people who buy from breeders.

        I am not responsible for there being thousands of pets put to sleep every day; those responsible are those that get a pet with no idea of the responsibility required to have an animal and dump them at the first opportunity. Spew your venom at them.

      • bettyrose says:

        This

        Ugh, that was a response to Lbeees. NO SUCH THING AS “REPUTABLE” BREEDERS. They’ll sell a pet to anyone with a credit card.

      • Mrs.Krabapple says:

        Of course there are “reputable” breeders out there. Where do you think healthy dogs come from?

        Why would anyone want to put responsible breeders out of business? Where would all of our family pets come from if responsible breeders didn’t exist? The shelters? Those are puppy mill dogs.

        And in case you want to argue that not ALL dogs in a shelter come from puppy mills and that SOME are healthy dogs that come from “good homes” — ask yourself this: where did THOSE good dogs come from in the first place, a puppy mill or a responsible breeder?

        If you put the responsible breeders out of business, then by default every dog in America will come from garbage breeders. Is that what people want? How does that help the various dog breeds?

        That’s short-sighted thinking.

        Again, please boycott retail pet shops. But do not think that shelters are the longer-term answer. Responsible breeding is the long-term answer. Support responsible breeders.

      • bettyrose says:

        @ Mrs.Krabapple
        Breeders will sell to ANYONE who can afford to pay, thus they are not reputable. The only “long term” solution is a system in which adoptive pet parents are screened to ensure they understand the responsibility they are undertaking. No for profit entity (i.e. breeders) can be trusted to do that.

    • mayamae says:

      benny –

      Wow! Such generalizations. You just contribute to the belief that shelter animals have no value. I guess you would euthanize them as they come through the door.

  32. JoJo says:

    Like someone else said, I have no problem with them deciding not to go to a shelter/rescue org. BUT, if they don’t go that route, they should definitely go to a reputable breeder (keyword: reputable) instead of just buying from a pet store. Pet stores that sell puppies/kittens aren’t even allowed in many parts of Europe, and they’re just a funnel for the puppy mill industry. I should know – we got a dog that route and learned the hard way. I also had a few friends who bought dogs from pet stores, one of whome ended up with distemper and died. Even if the dog ends up healthy and great, if you buy from a pet store, you’re supporting that industry, which is a terrible one. No responsible breeder who cares about the dogs they breed is going to ship their dogs off to stores around the country – they’re going to make sure they give them to responsible, caring homes. Ok – off my soap box – but really, they need to either a) adopt/rescue or b) buy from a responsible breeder. Buying from a pet store really does send a BAD message to the masses who are already not aware of about the horrible breeding mill conditions those animals come from.

    • chalkdustgirl says:

      @JoJo, I agree with you 110%. There have been so many times in the past few years when I’ve wanted to “save” a dog or puppy from a pet store environment, but have had to resist so I wouldn’t be supporting the industry through my cash. It’s a hard pill to swallow.

  33. chelsea says:

    agreed on the boots/bag. get RID of them!

  34. chalkdustgirl says:

    I would love to see Katie adopt from a rescue organization or a shelter. However, I also agree that she should adopt the dog she and Suri want, whether it be a mutt or pure bred. A dog/puppy is a part of the family, and it’s an extremely important choice. If she opts for a pure bred dog, yes, she needs to *avoid* pet stores like the plague. I’ve volunteered for a rescue organization for over 10 years and know for a fact that any decent breeder would not sell their dogs at or through a pet store, because they want to have contact with and get to know the owners firsthand. They also want to be responsible and make sure the breed temperament fits the potential family and vice versa. Puppy mill dogs are sold at pet stores, period. And, in all honesty, I will never believe otherwise after all the crap I’ve seen over the years.

  35. Tansey says:

    Shortly after my husband and I got married, I said I wanted a dog, so we did the “right” thing and went to the local shelter. We adopted a chow/lab mix puppy. Know what happened? We had to put him down less than 2 weeks later. The shelter adopted him out to us when they knew he had distemper. We weren’t the only ones either. Dozens of people went to the local news with stories of adopting pets from the shelter that had distemper or parvovirus. It was one of the worst experiences ever. So, 6 months later we decided we still wanted a dog and this time, we went to a breeder. We bought a chihuahua puppy and still have him almost 8 years later. I just can’t go through again what we went through as that’s what “doing the right thing” got us. I know my situation is the minority, but I can’t risk it. I’d never gone through losing a pet before that chow/lab puppy and having to put a puppy down was so heartbreaking.

    • chalkdustgirl says:

      @ Tansey: Unfortunately, there are shady people on both ends,as well as crazy or unhealthy dogs, even in shelters. I think it just becomes unacceptable when the shadiness is due to the desire to make dollars as opposed to ignorance or inexperience. Sounds like you eventually went to a reputable breeder or just got lucky. :0) That’s awesome.

      15 years ago after my husband and I got married, we went to a pet store and bought our first puppy–a black lab we named Eddie. His life was plagued with health issues. Most of them, our vet told us, was from extremely poor inner-breeding, which is very common in mills. He also had some weird behavioral issues from being reared at a puppy mill (which we had never heard of before), but not severe enough to ruin his life. He finally died from a severe seizure due to his epilepsy.

      • Tansey says:

        @Chalkdustgirl Oh believe me, I researched a ton before getting my chihuahua. Every website said stay away from pet stores as the majority are from “puppy mills”. It’s so sad the way some people treat animals, all for money. I ended up going to a chihuahua forum and asking for advice and help on finding a breeder. They were so helpful, telling me the “do’s and don’ts” of breeders and gave me a bunch of other info. I found my dog’s breeder in the local paper and when my husband and I went to his home, he had both parents as well as my dog’s two siblings there, he gave me all of his first round shot records and the vet info, plus some computer printouts with a lot of helpful info. He never used the word “teacup” and my Chico is a very healthy, playful, strong little guy.

        The shelter I spoke of in my first comment was actually shut down. The local news story sparked an investigation by the city and 3/4 of the animals there (dogs as well as cats) had to be put down because they were too sick to be saved. The rest of them were sent to the SPCA. I’m just glad that something good, the shelter being shut down, came from all the heart ache we and the other families had to endure.

  36. Lbeees says:

    One way we can avoid this whole conversation is by everyone agreeing to SPAY & NEUTER their pets. No excuses.

    • Emily says:

      +1

    • Mrs.Krabapple says:

      I agree that 99% of pet owners should have their pets fixed. But not ALL owners. If that happened, dogs and cats would go extinct. Again, it’s all about supporting responsible breeders, not pet shops.

  37. bored says:

    I too wish to see monster dog….

  38. Chris: now with 10% less negativity says:

    Get two Dobermans. They’re awesome dogs!

  39. april says:

    I’m not a fan of Katie’s but they both look really good in these photos. I’ve always thought Suri is a beautiful little girl.

  40. Evelyn says:

    I adopted all of my dogs, except my last one who I bought from an owner who had two dogs that’d had puppies by accident (he’s a boxer/sheltie, you can tell me that happened on purpose haha) plenty of loving, sweet, dogs have been abandoned or abused and need good homes. You can rescue any kind of dog, purebred or mixed. I personally think they should get mix, they usually have less health problems and live longer

  41. Jane says:

    When we were looking for a puppy for my son last Xmas he said, “but shouldn’t we be getting a puppy that doesn’t have a home?” He was four. If he knows at that age, any adult should too.

  42. hmm says:

    That kid always seems to be COMPLAINING about something! What an ungrateful little BEAST she must be.

    • Chris: now with 10% less negativity says:

      Yeah she should act her age and stop being so childish.

    • kazoo says:

      LMAO OMG. I’m glad that I’m not the only one who looks at pictures and thinks of how bratty she seems. I feel sorry for her nannies and future teachers.

  43. Emily says:

    Is the Co$ blaming Suri for the divorce now? All this “how dare a 6-year old child not be a perfectly happy being at all times!” “Suri is evil” stuff is creeping me out.

  44. hmm says:

    I can’t believe she can squat in those tight ass jeans. It looks painful.

    She definitely needs a sundress and some sandals in her life!

    • Emily says:

      The jeans have that stretch material in them, I can tell from looking at them. You can’t squat down on the ground with your kid while you’re wearing a sundress, especially when you’re being photographed everywhere you go.

  45. hmm says:

    Has anyone else noticed how many days a week this child eats ICE CREAM?! Every report I read is about an outing to the ice cream parlor. I’m surprised she’s not obese.

    • RobN says:

      It’s summertime, it’s hot and she’s skinny as a rail. Her whole world is upset and it seems like a good time for an ice cream. Seems pretty reasonable to me.

    • Emily says:

      I ate ice cream every single day in the summer when I was a kid. Big huge heaping bowls and cones full of it, often more than once. I was also skinny. There are these weird things called “playing” and “growth” that require a lot of calories.

  46. Floridaseaturtle says:

    I fully believe that Katie will get Suri a pet soon. In one way, I am thinking, what is the extreme hurry. More for Katie really, because too much change at once, even positive change, can be stressful on the body and mind. Pets are a huge responsibility. On the other hand, that probably doesn’t apply, since she probably has help, and Suri definitely likes to cuddle with dolls and stuffed animals, so it would most certainly be a fantastic and loving distraction. I would say puppy or young dog, before cat. Simply because cats can be so independent and fickle by nature. Dogs are just love, love, love, even when you just want to go to sleep. Oh, and hearing the word ‘no’ once in a while is hardly a bad thing for Suri. My gosh, no doubt, she will get a dog. Better her ears hurt just a little over a gentle NO, then her brain seize later over a No.

  47. Rosalee says:

    We fostered dogs from the a no kill shelter until “Cookie” a minature poodle, who was used for breeding purposes in a puppy mill. The Cookie is a timid little guy with a huge heart, he lived in a small cage with five other dogs with no room to lay down to sleep. He was so matted they had to shave the filth off him. Underneath, they found the most adorable little apriocot poodle, he had to learn from zero..it took time, love and patience we are now his forever family. He is curled up on his large designer pillow watching me..it was not easy but so worth it.

  48. moi says:

    Do you really think that these people will have time for a puppy? A very busy mother and a 6 year old child? How does one propose these people to have one? Puppy also needs attention – who picks up the poo – who’d take the pup out to do it’s business? who’d play with it? C’mon people!

    • theoriginalamber says:

      She has help. I am sure it is not that bad. I would agree, but not the same world as the rest of us.

  49. Bec says:

    I think Katie just went in to look and had no intention of doing anything right away. I do hope that she adopts from a shelter just because she has enormous influence as a role model right now – but wouldn’t they get pap’d all the time walking the dog? I think for that reason alone she is gonna hold off until things die down. Or she’ll get a cat 🙂

  50. erika says:

    my pug is from a breeder who specializes in pugs and she is by the book (healthy, pure AKC etc- I don’t understand why pet shops are perm closed down)….

    —–BUT! HEAR ME OUT —-before you all scream at me…

    I always wanted a pug but refrained from doing so (live in SF, work, travel intl’ a lot- so not fair to a dog). I had a car accident 3 yrs ago that left me paralyzed (waist down)from a spinal cord injury (hey! i’m a ‘push girl’ too) and committed to life in a wheelchair. I spent 4 mths in hospital/phys. rehab and I needed LOVE.

    I also knew my life from now on would be very sedentary (I do work PT) so I treated myself to a pug puppy. I wanted to make sure I had the healthiest, pure bred pug BECAUSE….I had/still have enough health/phys. issues that I have to contend w/ I surely didn’t want a dog that had health/training/behavior problems on top of all the stress I was under(and NO, not all shelter dogs are like that).

    I wanted a pup so we could grow together and I could have the love of a dog that I so desperately needed at that time and wanted all my lifetime. Fair enough?

    he even walks underneath my wheelchair where ever I go, literally dances forward, backwards, side to side in coordination with how I move –

    check him dancing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8LSaoYfBYE

    p.s. agree w// CB she should get whatever the Hell she wants (I say DOG, they are God’s right hand buddy…the emotional bond and lift you get from dogs is ….let’s just say, I take a LOT of medication for my spinal cord injury but no magic/happy/pain relief pill can equal the love of a dog)- n’ Tommy boy has controlled katie too much let her be free!

    • moxylady007 says:

      oh my god, thank you for that. I laughed and laughed at your little pug man- he is so cute and he just is so smiley!

    • Bec says:

      Okay, that was amazing! Thank you for posting this. You are amazing.

      Oh and I seriously love that your dog is named Larry David.

    • Emily says:

      I like both cats and dogs, but I forge far closer emotional bonds with cats. I still say Katie and Suri should get one of each.

  51. DACK says:

    She looked in a pet store. That’s its people. Until she buys or adopts, its called looking ! Who’s to say she wasn’t explaining this whole issue to Suri???.And hello Katie got custody because Chris Klein is the Daddy. DOI. The booties are clearly to piss off TC everyone knows they are hideous and not even comfortable. Just ugly dirty boots that skiped their way away from Tiny Tom and his Mini Minion

  52. DACK says:

    She looked in a pet store. That’s its people. Until she buys or adopts, its called looking ! Who’s to say she wasn’t explaining this whole issue to Suri???.And hello Katie got custody because Chris Klein is the Daddy. DOI. The booties are clearly to piss off TC everyone knows they are hideous and not even comfortable. Just dirty boots that skiped their way away from Tiny Tom and his Mini Minion

  53. Francesca says:

    Who cares?? Puppy panacea from where ever is fine for them right now. I too, have only rescued animals but – hey – I’m not getting a divorce either. I say, buy sell or trade and get a pet. I am sure it will live a lux life and I am sure Tom won’t have a pet ever.

  54. twoblues says:

    I have purchased one dog from a mall pet shop. I worked at the mall while going to college and I looked at her often. She broke my heart. She was getting big and I worried about her because she had been “marked down”. My boyfriend, now my husband bought her for me. She was a darling and I loved her completely. She lived for fourteen years and was a perfect little girl. That was a life we saved and I have no regrets. I haven’t stepped foot in a pet store since. My current pet child was a stray from our neighborhood.

  55. KAL says:

    Animals aren’t products/accessories to be produced for sale and purchased in a store. They are living beings… have some compassion, people.
    There are millions of dogs and cats euthanized in shelters every year due to lack of space. If you want a specific breed, check out petfinder.com or a breed-specific rescue. There is a rescue out there for every breed and most of these animals were not given up for behavior issues… There are many reasons why people give up their pets…
    When you purchase a puppy in a pet store, you are helping only to making room for another litter of puppy mill dogs. When you adopt from a shelter, you are saving the lives of 2 animals: the one you adopted and the next one that you’ve made space for.

  56. ZenB!tch says:

    LOOKING in a pet store is a thing? I’ve always LOOKED in pet stores, I still do. I like to play with the inmates.

    My pets as a child were always adopted usually puppies from a neighborhood bitch who had a litter. In the 70s and 80s, there was a belief that a bitch had to have a litter before she was fixed so if you had one, there would be puppies and a lot of kids who wanted them, so it kind of worked out.

    Now there seem to be too many dogs because breeds become trendy and then not and because people are so transient that pets end up at the shelter.

  57. Angel says:

    Big F’ing deal! She was looking at puppies in a pet store!!!!! I do this all the time and I’m a pet owner. Little girls like puppies, what is wrong with going in to look at them? And you know what? It’s none of our business if she bought one or not.

    I still say I “rescued” my dog from the pet store. She was 5 months old, living in a cage. So sue me! She’s the love of my life, she makes me smile everyday and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Last time I checked, pet stores are still legal. And NOT every pet store buys from puppy mills, do your homework beforehand.

    Also, rescues aren’t the easiest, friendliest, helpful people in the world. My experience with three breed specific rescues here in LA was terrible. They demand a lot of private information and can show up at your house anytime they want to check on the animal. You have to sign a contract agreeing to that, and they may deem you unfit at any time and remove the animal. All of that I agreed to and they still made it incredibly difficult. I wanted a young dog, not necessarily a puppy. The only ones I was offered were older dogs, 7-10 yrs, all with health problems; blind, heart defect, missing legs, the list went on. They ALL required ongoing medical care. They finally approved us for a two year old cutie, then called at the last minute saying they changed their mind and it was going to a guy that was able to take her to work every day with him. That was a two year process of my husband and I actively looking for an dog. So my frustration led me to a reputable store in my area. I guess my post won’t be popular here, but I had to give my two cents. I will NEVER feel guilty for buying my dog.

    The PC police are out in full force today. Next.

  58. erika says:

    — SIGN THIS PETITION FOR USDA TO STOP ONLINE PUPPY MILLS——

    http://www.change.org/petitions/usda-stop-online-puppy-mills

    this is from change.org, it’s an online petition (no $$) for the USDA to stop the promotion of puppy mills, it’s what we were all talking about. here is the URL

    1- all you have to do is click on the ‘sign here’ box. THAT’S ALL. point your mouse and click

    if you sign up for http://www.change.org you get daily emails of petitions from here and around the world to stop all sorts of god awful things, like puppy mills

    all you have to do is point and click your mouse, NO $$$ how EASY is that?

  59. PortlandJan says:

    What I’d like to know is, why Katie and Suri Holmes should have to adopt ANY pets at this point. They’ve been out of ShortShit’s orbit for less than three weeks. I wouldn’t think they need any more upheaval at the moment. They might be better off waiting for Suri to settle into a school routine and then committing to a pet 2-3 months from now.

  60. haythere says:

    Wow, this post is garnering a large number of comments! I just wanted to add my two cents here: my local animal shelter just reported last week that they are so full, they are now being forced to euthanize adoptable cats and dogs. By purchasing an animal from a pet store, and yes, a breeder counts here, you are ruining a chance at life for a perfectly lovely cat or dog from a shelter. Try sitting through that SPCA commercial with Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” playing in the background and then tell me you’d go to a “reputable” breeder. It’s an oxymoron. Breeders are contributing to pet overpopulation in the same way puppy mills are. Spay/neuter and always adopt if you love cats and dogs.

  61. may says:

    You adopt rescue? I love you and the blog even more!!