Genetic engineering of two decades ago allowed scientists to create plants and animals from unrelated species and gestate the embryos to bring into being new life forms that would not occur naturally, such as the geep (a mix of the goat and sheep).  These forms of life had characteristics of the two forms from which the egg and sperm had been taken.  Scientists have created many new forms of life through this now simple mechanims of fertilizing an egg with the sperm of another naturally occurring animal.  In the past few years, however, that genetic engineering has allowed humans to go beyond genetically modifying plants and animals, but to creating entirely new life forms not members of any existing species.  For instance, scientists can manipulate genes now without relying on egg or sperm cell to carry the genetic information uninterrupted.  Now scientists can tinker with the genes inside a fertilized egg to create an entirely new form of life.  Should such experimentation be allowed to take place?

It is obvious that there can be momentous benefits from genetic engineering, especially of plants.  We can generate drought resistant plants, or alkaline resistent crops.  Improving output can feed hundreds of thousands of people.  We can add special benefits to foods, having them express favorable elements such as medicines or flavors to further benefit humanity.  We can make crops resistent to invaders to lower the risk of famines.  Furthermore, modifying genes in humans can relieve individuals or groups of weakening or life-threatening medical conditions.  Gene therapy is the process by which illness or syndromes are treated with gene-modifying treatments.  

However, things can go wrong.  A genetically modified crop can wipe out the original naturally occuring form, and it can diminish the genetic variety in the gene pool, making the gene pool more susceptible to a single catastrophe.  In other words genetic diversity protects that life form from being killed off entirely by one strain of pest, bacteria, or other foreign invader; whereas, when the gene pool gets very uniform, the risk to the entire life form can be threatened by an unanticipated event or foreign influence.  We might create a new form of life that is detrimental that we cannot control. 

Humans can now control the gender of their offspring.  This is creating a population scarcity of women in China.  Upsetting the natural balance of the human population could lead to increased social stress and a poor quality of life for Chinese men in the majority in China.  However, we may be able to genetically engineer replacement organs for the elderly to give them the best of health and postpone their lives so that living 100 years could become the norm.  Furthermore, some clones become old before their time, and we may introduce additional suffering into the world.  

There is no simple answer for genetic engineering, and now that the genie is out of the bottle, it can never be put back in again.  The spectrum of scientists is great, and there will be those doing good work and those pushing the margins of evil, like all new technologies.  

I also find it mind boggling that so many people are willing to spend so much money for a mutt that has been dubbed as “designer” or “hybrid”. These dogs are no different than the thousands of mongrels that have been filling animal shelters for years.

The breeders of these designer animals will often tell potential buyers that they are healthier than purebreds. They claim that by mixing the two breeds you get the best of each in a cute little package. Sure, but along with the good, you get the worst of the original breeds as well.

There doesn’t seem to be any enforced regulations for these kinds of breeders either. It seems that as long as these people give the dog a fancy name and show proof that it has had its first shots they are in business. They simply let nature take its course as quickly as possible and haul in the profits.

But what if the breeder is neglectful in getting the proper shots?

The headlines in Toronto newspapers this week were all focused on a mixed breed dog that was sold to a woman for $200 at a local indoor Flea market. Within hours of taking the dog home it became very sick. Because she was unable to pay for a vet, she took the dog to the humane society, where it was determined that it had rabies.

I was shocked when I read about the puppy having rabies, but was nothing short of appalled when I read that someone who had spent $200 on a dog just hours before could not afford to take the animal to a vet!! If there is anything worse than an irresponsible breeder, it is an irresponsible pet owner. Authorities say that the vendor who sold the rabid puppy did not break any laws, but has been banned from selling any more puppies. The woman on the other hand is free to purchase any animal she wants, even though it is beyond her means to take it to a vet if it becomes sick.

I have two mixed breed dogs that were both rescued. Chancy is an eight year old Retriever and Australian Shepherd cross. We took her in when she was only a week old and nursed her as we had our own babies. Her mother had a litter of eleven puppies and rejected her and a few others. Shadow is almost 17. We adopted her after she was kicked out of the Police Academy, where she was being trained as K-9 NARC (a drug sniffing dog) Her owner said that although she was brilliant at her job, she was forced to leave when they found out she was part Coyote. Their loss was my gain. I could not have asked for a more loving and loyal pet.

For those that find these dogs to be this seasons “must have” accessory, you might consider checking your local humane society or even answering a free to good home add. And remember that it should be your handbag that is designer; not what is peeking out of it.

If you feel you must buy from a designer breeder, at least check them out first. Make sure that they are not running a Puppy Mill.

Things to avoid

• Avoid buying from anyone who calls themselves a breeder yet will not show you where he/she does the breeding. This could be because they do not want prospective buyers to see the condition of the site.
• Avoid buying from a breeder who makes excuses for not being able to have the parents on site for you to see
• Avoid buying from someone who seems too eager to sell and asks you no questions at all. Reputable dog breeders have certain requirements that you must meet before they will sell to you. This can be anything from making sure you have a fenced yard to having you sign a written spay/ neuter agreement.

Things to look for

• A good dog breeder does not breed frequently, as they will breed only when they find what they feel to be a good match in a breeding pair. If both are healthy and have a good temperament, they can better insure that the puppies will be as well.
• Good breeders will also breed only when a certain number of homes have been evaluated and deemed appropriate
• A good breeder will have references available for you. Check references before you buy.