http://www.columbiamissourian......-breeders/

I should like it, as someone who has spent 18 years as a volunteer professional SAR responder. Because it’s axiomatic in the public safety world that “professional” applies to how you do your job, not whether you get paid for it.

But I think in this context it can’t be salvaged from the implication that a breeder who is doing it right is doing it a lot, and making quite a bit of money at it.

Too bad “amateur” has had its meaning degraded. It used to mean someone who followed a discipline for the love of it, literally. Now it implies a lack of skill, the opposite of its original sense.

Well, #1, I’m not going to let those frootloops co-opt a perfectly lovely English word like “ethical.” It’s ours and they can’t have it.

And #2, it must totally chap their butt-floss to see the term “ethical dog breeder.” Ethical dog breeding. Ethical breeding. Ethically-bred litter. I urge you to buy from an breeder who treats animals ethically.

Has Ingrid’s head ‘sploded yet?

Responsible is pretty good, but doesn’t resonate for me.

“Reputable” carries nearly, but not quite, the overtones of “elite.” There’s a subtext of “wins dog shows” that may not be intended, but may be received. And implies that it is what others think of you, and that they think of you, not what you actually do, that is important.

It says you don’t just throw together any old b!tch and dog - you responsibly do breed and pedigree research, examine health histories, crossfault to maximize temperament and type, and so on. And that you responsibly provide nutritious food, appropriate shelter, and needed veterinary care.

And so on. It says that you do NOT abdicate your responsibility.

Yup - I like “Responsible”. Here’s what Dictionary.com has to say about it:

1. answerable or accountable, as for something within one’s power, control, or management (often fol. by to or for): He is responsible to the president for his decisions.
2. involving accountability or responsibility: a responsible position.
3. chargeable with being the author, cause, or occasion of something (usually fol. by for): Termites were responsible for the damage.
4. having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable; capable of rational thought or action: The defendant is not responsible for his actions.
5. able to discharge obligations or pay debts.
6. reliable or dependable, as in meeting debts, conducting business dealings, etc.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Hey! I like that. Let me use Teh Googles to see if it’s already being used.

…

Oh drat! Already taken by people who appear to be using it ironically.

Yes, to date that has resonated the most with me because it implies thinking, weighing.