pet connection

I’m still shaking my head over this piece in AARP The Magazine on “fun” ways to spend your tax refund. Among the suggestions: Buy a “thoroughbred” puppy and get paid back with stud fees.

The writer, Karen Hube, is a very accomplished financial journalist, with publications such as the Wall Street Journal in her list of credentials. She just could not be more off-base with this piece, though, starting with the use of the word “thoroughbred.” Ms. Hube, please note: A thoroughbred is a horse, not a dog. For reference, please watch the Kentucky Derby, a week from tomorrow. Do those look like dogs to you?

She also writes that you can get a pet at an animal shelter for free. Geez, one phone call to any shelter in the country would have set her straight on that one. (Shelter pets aren’t free, but they are one heck of a bargain, since the small amount charged for them generally covers vaccination and neutering. Now there’s a deal!)

As for making money on breeding: Believe me, no one walks up to the average dog lover offering hundreds of dollars for stud fees — nor should they! Casual and commercial breeders have done incredible damage to many breeds, producing dogs with chronic skin conditions, painful orthopedic problems, lethal heart defects and horrific temperaments. The last thing we need is more people who haven’t a clue breeding even more damaged dogs.

There’s a reason why I don’t write about financial topics: I’m ignorant about them. The difference between me and Ms. Hube is that I know I shouldn’t write on topics I know squat about, lest I give someone bad advice. And Ms. Hube’s advice is very, very bad indeed.

Karen Hube, can we make a pact? I promise I won’t write about personal finances. Now, will you please promise not to write any more about pets?

Please read the piece, and write AARP The Magazine a polite note letting them know how incredibly off-base they are. You’ll be in good company: The AARP is being hammered with complaints, and rightfully so.