| Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC | | | | because of the negative press they've received. |
| I love dogs. And I'm not alone -- my town of | | | | Similarly, the odds of selling an "extra-large" dog (e.g. |
| Alexandra, VA is one of the United State's friendliest | | | | Saint Bernard or Greater Swiss Mountain). Mixed |
| dog towns. Since there are lots of dog lovers in this | | | | breeds can be successfully sold, especially if it |
| part of the world, each year I usually sell one or two | | | | combines two popular breeds (i.e. cockapoo or |
| donated puppies as part of a live benefit auction. | | | | labradoodle). |
| Selling a puppy in a live auction makes the event | | | | 2. Be sure that the puppy's temperament is calm. |
| memorable and typically (in D.C.) brings a $2,000 to | | | | If you have an option, select one of the least |
| $5,000 sale. Most bidders respond to the animal | | | | high-strung puppies of the litter. As adorable as that |
| positively and are eager to pet the little guy while | | | | puppy is when its squirming in its pen, we don't want a |
| inquiring about its age, vaccinations, breed, etc. | | | | puppy squirming in a volunteer's arms during the silent |
| Be sure that you have the paperwork proving the | | | | auction. Calm, quiet dogs show best and will sell better. |
| vaccinations were done at the appropriate time are | | | | 3. Sell the animal early in the live auction. |
| furnished by the veterinarian administering the shots. In | | | | To minimize stress on the puppy keep it inside the live |
| the event the winning bidder is from out of state, it is | | | | auction room for a short amount of time. Noise can be |
| necessary to show proof of Rabies vaccination. It's | | | | hard on those little ears! |
| best to keep all of the puppy's veterinary paperwork | | | | 4. Sell only one animal per live auction. |
| together in a file that can be given to the winner so | | | | Keep it memorable by selling only one. |
| that the exchange can be done quickly and smoothly. | | | | 5. Know that some national groups don't agree with |
| To make the sale a positive experience for human | | | | the sale of live animals at a gala. |
| and creature, here are some tips. | | | | The official position of the Humane Society is that |
| 1. Select the right breed | | | | animals should be prohibited from being sold at auction. |
| Choose a popular breed such as Retrievers, German | | | | Animal rights groups have a fear (perhaps valid) that |
| Shepherds, Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. If you're | | | | the dog will go into a home where it won't get good |
| not sure, be sure to visit to check out the current | | | | care. Consider ways you can protect the animal to |
| favorites. Be sure to avoid exotics or any breed with | | | | ensure it goes into a great home. Every creature |
| negative press. I adore pit bulls and bull terriers, but I | | | | deserves TLC. |
| don't suggest selling either in a fund raising auction | | | | |