One day a young man was
taking a sunrise walk along a beach. In the distance he caught sight of
an old man who seemed to be dancing along the waves. As he got closer
he saw that the old man was actually not dancing, but picking up starfish
from the sand and tossing them gently back into the ocean.
"Old man,what are you doing?"
the young man asked.
"The sun is coming
up and the tide is going out; if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But old man,
there are miles and miles of beach with starfish all along it--you can't
possibly make a difference."
The old man bent
down, picked up another starfish, and placed it lovingly back into the
ocean, past the breaking waves.
"I made a difference
for that one," he replied.
..
If you give of your
life energy to help animals, professionally or as a volunteer,
you know this story. You live it. You know the urges of compassion;
you know the driving desire to help. And you know the pain of
seeing how many more there are, and the pain of realizing you
can't save them all. And you know the joy and fulfillment that
comes from helping and saving the ones you can.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion"
-- Unknown
"A man's soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog."
-- Charles Doran
"A dog is not "almost human," and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such."
What Is a Puppy
Mill?
And why
should you care whether the puppy you buy comes from one?
..By the
formal definition, a puppy mill is a large-scale breeding operation that
produces large numbers of puppies for profit. What the formal
definition overlooks is that most puppy mills are inhumane in their
treatment of breeding dogs and puppies. Many are filthy, and are run by
people who have no idea about or concern for the genetic implications of
breeding or about what dogs require in terms of basic health care and
socialization. Many are simply hellholes in which the breeding dogs are
kept in the most deplorable conditions—dogs confined to small wire cages
for their entire lives, fed inadequately, kept in unheated buildings,
denied basic veterinary care. The breeding dogs are sick, wounded, and
malnourished. And their lives are miserable. When their breeding
usefulness is over, they may be killed or dumped. Large-scale mills do
not take their older dogs to shelters, as a rule, because they don’t
want to draw attention to themselves.
In rescue,
we are sometimes fortunate enough to rescue
breeding dogs from mills. These dogs
always—without exception—have health problems, most of which have been
chronic and neglected for years.
So why
should you care whether the puppy you buy comes from a place like this?
Because the chances that the puppy you buy will have genetic defects
that will cause disease are extremely high. Because puppies in
mills are so poorly socialized that they often develop severe
fearfulness and shyness. And because the money you pay for that
cute puppy in the window will go right back to the mill owner, who can
use it to buy and mistreat more dogs.
If you are
thinking of buying a puppy from a pet store, if you want to take part in
the efforts to eradicate puppy mills, or if you just want more
information, use the links below to educate yourself.
If you have purchased a
sick puppy from a pet store, click here
to find information on how to report the problem. You can help shut down
a mill!
..
Links to Information about Puppy Mills
www.canismajor.com/dog/puppymill.html.
A good place to start, this site includes extensive definitions of all
types of businesses involved in dog breeding, as well as a link to a
harrowing eyewitness account of a puppy mill.
Hearts United for Animals. A
personal favorite of many dog lovers and AHDRS members, HUA began as a
no-kill rescue shelter in Nebraska. HUA has become one of the strongest
voices against puppy mills in the U.S. They work tirelessly to educate
the public about the evils of puppy mills and they are a significant
lobbying force, urging government officials to enforce existing animal
welfare laws and to pass stronger new legislation.
HUA has a web site
devoted entirely to puppy mills. It's probably the most comprehensive
web site about puppy mills on the Internet.
www.millbusters.com.
This web site
offers not only educational information about puppy mills, but a forum
for discussions and a comprehensive, up-to-date page of news items about
puppy mills and millers. An excellent site, but not for children; many
of the photos of actual mills are graphic and heartbreaking.
www.nopuppymills.com.
An outstanding website maintained by Kim Townsend. It is relevant,
concise, current, and specific, as well as clear and easy to navigate.
Thoughtful while avoiding rhetoric.
Flawdogs
Adoption. This Missouri organization rescues dogs from puppy mills
and always has a long list of available dogs, many of them dachshunds,
for adoption.
Wisconsin Puppy Mill
Project. An excellent and complete source of information about
puppy mills in general and in Wisconsin in particular, where Amish and
Mennonite "farmers" are following the lead of the Pennsylvania Amish and
adding dogs to their "livestock."
www.wonderpuppy.net. Wonderpuppy.net is a great web site, containing
numerous links to information available on the Web about various issues
related to dogs. This particular link will take you to their page with
info on puppy mills, breeders, and breeding your own dog.
..
A
Heartening Decision
It is all too rare an event when puppy millers find themselves at
the gavel end of the long arm of the law. It happened in June,
2002, in Memphis, Tennessee, as reported in the July 7 edition of
the Memphis Commercial Appeal. We can only hope that other judges
and jurisdictions take a page from Judge Alan Glenn's book.
Judge Glenn, of the Court of Criminal Appeals, turned down the
appeal of a couple who had bred and kept as many as 350 dogs sick
and starving in filthy kennels. Judge Glenn has the heartfelt
thanks and appreciation of all humane people for doing what so few
jurists seem willing or able to do. Here is the text of his
ruling. The names of the millers have been deleted.
..
The Court finds that [these
people] have been found guilty of 11 counts of cruelty to animals.
Bonds are set at $1,000 in each of the 11 counts, which was done
by a jury of good and lawful citizens of Gibson County.
Over 350 puppies and dogs were victims of this gross violation of
the law. The victims of this crime were animals that could not
speak up to the unbelievable conduct of [these people] that they
suffered. Several of the dogs have died and most had physical
problems such as intestinal worms, mange, eye problems, dental
problems and emotional problems and socialization problems.
Since dogs have entered domestic service of human beings, they
have given solace and companionship when needed. They have helped
hunt, guard flocks, and in ice and snow have pulled sleds. They
have rescued people when lost in snowdrifts. They act as police in
sniffing out crimes, and they become eyes for those who cannot
see. They guard homes and possessions. All this these creatures do
for kind, humane treatment.
Watching this video of the conditions that these dogs were
subjected to was one of the most deplorable things this Court has
observed in the 22 years in the course of being on the bench.
And you, [the woman] you urge this Court to take into
consideration the mitigating factors that you've been sick up to
two years prior to them being rescued from your care. You say
you've been sick. You talked about reducing the population, but
the only thing you did was sell puppies.
The Court finds that you have a previous history of criminal
convictions or criminal behavior, that the offense involved more
than one victim, that the victims were particularly vulnerable,
that you have a previous history of unwillingness to comply with
conditions of a sentence involving release into the community, and
that you abused the position of public or private trust.
The Court further finds that you were charged with this exact same
charge in 1993, and after a period of probation, the matter was
dismissed. You are sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in each of
the 11 counts of cruelty to animals. These will be run concurrent.
Further, this Court finds that probation would not serve the ends
of justice, nor be in the best interest of the public, nor would
this have a deterrent effect for such gross behavior. Therefore,
you shall serve six months of your sentence on condition that you
make restitution to the Dyersburg Humane Society for $3,242 for
the expenses involved in freeing those dogs from their purgatory
and your payment of the fine and costs in full. You are further
prohibited from ever running or owning any animal kennel or owning
any animal as a pet.
[The man], the Court finds that your offenses involve more than
one victim. The victims were particularly vulnerable. You treated
the victims with exceptional cruelty. You abused the position of
public or private trust. You were charged with the exact same
charge in 1993 that after a period of probation was dismissed.
You are sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in each of the 11
counts. You shall serve 90 days of your sentence on condition that
$3,242 be paid to the Dyersburg Humane Society for the expenses
involved in removing the helpless dogs from your custody. You are
further prohibited from ever running or owning any animal kennel
or owning any animal as a pet.
There are those who would argue that you should be confined in a
house trailer with no ventilation or in a cell three-by- seven
with eight or ten other inmates with no plumbing, no exercise and
no opportunity to feel the sun or smell fresh air. However, the
courts of this land have held that such treatment is cruel and
inhuman, and it is. You will not be treated in the same way that
you treated these helpless animals that you abused to make a
dollar.
......Puppymills : What can you do?......
What You Can Do
..
No one has more power to fight puppy mills than the consumer. In each individual's hands is the ability to stop the cycle of abuse that ends with the purchase of a puppy mill puppy at a pet store.
Don't Buy A Dog From A Pet Store.
It's that simple. Most puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. Because it is virtually impossible to determine the quality of the breeding facility listed on the puppy's papers, the more humane option is simply not to buy the dog at all. Although the consumer may be assured that American Kennel Club (AKC) papers guarantee a quality dog, in reality, nothing is further from the truth. After years of artfully dodging the question of how AKC papers could be registered to dogs and puppies found in the worst of puppy mills, the AKC itself is admitting the misconceptions that are connected with purebred papers.
Opt To Adopt Instead.
When you're ready to bring a dog into your life, visit your local animal shelter. Millions of homeless dogs are waiting at animal shelters for life-long, responsible homes. You won't be supporting the puppy mill industry, and at the same time, you'll be fighting the tragic pet overpopulation problem. If you are interested in a particular breed, your animal shelter can help you locate a breed specific adoption group that will match you with the type of dog you want.
In addition, some humane societies and animal shelters are working in cooperation with pet supply stores in adopting out shelter animals. Check with your local shelter to find out who they may be working with in your area.
Why Adoption?
Unlike buying, adoption usually focuses on matching the adopter's lifestyle and habits with the animal's needs and characteristics. When an animal is sold, profit comes first. Most pet stores will sell an animal to almost anyone. A young puppy may be sold to someone who may not have the time to take care of her. The profit motive only puts the animal's interests in jeopardy.
Make Your Voice Heard.
Outrage at the conditions found in many puppy mills has brought increased awareness to the issue. Legislators listen to calls and letters from constituents, and plan their priorities accordingly. Contacting your state and federal representatives does makes a difference. On the personal level, resolve to inform friends, neighbors, and family about the puppy mill issue. Many people who care deeply about animals are not always aware of the connection between the pet store puppy and the breeding female trapped for life in a mill.
There is light at the end of the tunnel for dogs housed and bred in puppy mills. Collectively, we can fight an industry that views dogs as mere profit machines. Dogs, our best friends and companions, deserve our best effort. After all the licks, wags, and love they have given us, we owe them this fight. Their lives depend on it.
Rachel A. Lamb is Director for Companion Animal Care at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in Washington, DC.
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....
Hundreds of thousands of puppies are raised each year in commercial kennels.
Puppy mills are distinguished by their inhumane conditions and the constant breeding of unhealthy and genetically defective dogs solely for profit.
HOPE IS A MALTESE!!
Very often the dogs in puppy mills are covered with matted, filthy hair, their teeth are rotting and their eyes have ulcers. We have seen many dogs whose jaws have rotted because of tooth decay.
The dogs are kept in small wire cages for their entire lives. They are almost never allowed out. They never touch solid ground or grass to run and play...
Many of the dogs are injured in fights that occur in the cramped cages from which there is no escape.
Many dogs lose feet and legs when they are caught in the wire floors of the cages and cut off as the dogs struggle to free themselves.
Very often there is no heat or air-conditioning in a puppy mill. The dogs freeze in the winter and die of heat stroke in the summer. Puppies "cook" on the wires of the cages in the summer.
Female dogs are usually bred the first time they come into heat and are bred every heat cycle. They are bred until their poor worn out bodies can't reproduce any longer and then they are killed. Often they are killed by being bashed in the head with a rock or shot. Sometimes they are sold to laboratories or dumped. This is often by the time they reach five years old.
Puppy mills maximize their profits by not spending adequate money on proper food, housing or veterinary care.
The food that is fed in puppy mills is often purchased from dog food companies by the truckload. It is sometimes made of the sweepings from the floor. It is so devoid of nutritional value that the dogs' teeth rot at early ages.
Dogs in puppy mills are debarked often by ramming a steel rod down their throats to reputure their vocal cords.
Puppies are often taken from their mother when they are 5 to 8 weeks old and sold to brokers who pack them in crates for resale to pet stores all over the country.
The puppies are shipped by truck or plane and often without adequate food, water, ventilation or shelter.
Innocent families buy the puppies only to find that the puppy is very ill or has genetic or emotional problems. Often the puppies die of disease. Many others have medical problems that cost thousands of dollars. And many have emotional problems because they have not been properly socialized in the mills. Don't bring this misery into your home.
There are over 4000 federally licensed breeding kennels.
Approximately 3,500 pet stores in the United States sell puppies. They sell approximately 500,000 thousand puppies a year. It is estimated that the puppy industry in Missouri is valued at 40 million dollars a year. The puppy industry in one county in Pennsylvania - Lancaster - is valued at 4 million dollars a year.
There are seven states that are known as puppy mill states because they have the majority of the puppy mills in the country. They are: Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
RESCUED FROM A LANCASTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA PUPPY MILL
There is federal law, the Animal Welfare Act, and many states have laws that purport to regulate puppy mills, but the fact is that those laws are rarely enforced.
Pet stores often tell customers that their puppies come from local breeders or quality breeders. Don't believe them, ask to see the paperwork and find out where the puppies really come from.
If the people of the United States refused to buy a puppy in a pet store, the misery of puppy mills would end. Please tell everyone you know about the puppy mill and pet store connection.
Buying a puppy in a pet store has significant risks for the purchaser and their family. A state funded survey in California found that nearly half of the puppies sold in pet stores were sick or incubating diseases. This doesn't count the ones suffering from genetic diseases. Imagine bringing a puppy home from a pet store only to have it die from parvo and cost thousands of dollars in vet expenses because of genetic problems like hip dysplasia.
Some dogs are so psychologically scarred from the mind numbing boredom of being imprisoned in a small cage for year and years that they have developed repetitive habits like going round and round in circles for hours and hours or barking at the wall for hours.
Do I Go Home Today? a Poem
My family brought me home, cradled in their arms,
They cuddled me and smiled at me, said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me, they showered me with toys,
I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats,
They even let me sleep with them, all snuggled in their sheets.
I used to go for many walks, often several times a day,
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.
They used to laugh and praise me, when I played with that old shoe,
But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, and for hours we would tug,
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said I was out of control and would have to live outside,
This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time,
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to a shelter, but were embarrassed to say why,
They said I caused an allergy, and then kissed me good-bye.
If I'd only had some classes when I was just a pup,
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle, when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left," I heard a worker say.
Does this mean a second chance? Do I go home today?
Author Unknown
Rescue Me
Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well.
I will respond to you.
Rescue me not out of pity but out of love.
I will love you back.
Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.
Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.
Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.
Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you.
Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become.
I will grow and mature.
Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me.
I will never let you down.
Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust.
I will be loyal and true.
Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.
Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to soothe your spirit.
I will cherish you.
Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love.
Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care!
I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
My body is aching, it's so racked with pain,
and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain.
That someone will love me and give me a home,
a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.
My last owner tied me all day in the yard
Sometimes with no water, and god that was hard.
So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away.
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now God, I'm tired and hungry and cold,
and I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.
They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones,
while I run the streets just looking for bones!
I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,
or I have become just a "Victim of Man!"
I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas,
and all that I want is an Owner to please!
If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good,
and I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
I'll love them, protect them and try to obey....
when they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
cause I'm getting so weak and I'm so all alone.
Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die.
And I've got so much love and devotion to give,
that I should be given a new chance to Live!
So dear God, please answer my prayer,
and send me someone who will REALLY care..
That is, Dear God, if YOU'RE REALLY there!
Unknown
"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." - Edward Hoagland
About me:
I am the founder of SCRAPS Inc. SCRAPS stands for Small Canine Rescue And Placement Services, a non profit, no kill dog rescue. I take in small dogs from kill shelters and private surrenders. The dogs are then evaluated so that I have a good idea of each dog's personality and quirks. We do not have a shelter and have just recently become a non-profit corporation, so our space and finances are limited. However, no small dog is too old, too cranky, or has too many problems for us to try and help. WE ARE A NO KILL RESCUE.
Do not weep for me when I am gone
For I have friends in the great beyond.
All the little ones I used to feed
Will come to me in my time of need.
They will purr and bark in great delight,
And I will hold and hug them tight.
Oh what a great day that will be
When my furry friends all welcome me.
From time to time, people tell me,
"lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled,
the time spent, or the costs involved for
"just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with
"just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was
"just a dog,"
but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by
"just a dog,"
and in those days of darkness,
the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog,"
then you will probably understand phases
like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or
"just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence
of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and
patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early,
take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog"
but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams
of the future, the fond memories of the past,
and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and
diverts my thoughts away from myself and the
worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that
it's not "just a dog"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps
me from being "just a man."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog."
just smile, because they "just don't understand."
DON'T SHOP!!! ADOPT!!!!
A RESCUER’S CREED
[Susan M. Pearson]
I shall be a believer of all that is good in man and of all that is deserving in animals. I shall plead for their lives, campaign for their safety and uphold their right to a natural death. I shall seek out the injured and the maimed, the unloved, and the abandoned and tend to them in their last days. I shall not forget their place in the hierarchy of life, nor that we walk in each other's paths. I shall bear witness to the wonder they bring into our lives and to the beauty they bestow upon our souls. I shall renew their spirits when they are waning, bind their wounds when they bleed, cradle them when they whimper, and comfort them when they mourn. I shall be near them in their hour of greatest need - a companion and friend when the time has come. I shall watch over them and console them and ask that the angels gather them in their arms. From the creatures of the earth I shall learn the fruits of compassion and undying love, and I shall be called the beloved of God. In their company I shall indeed be blessed. ~
Add to My Profile | More Videos
....
..
There are hundreds of thousands of dogs suffering in kennels across this country, just like the ones you see here that we rescued.
They are kept in small cages for their entire lives and are bred every time they come into season from six months of age twice a year every year, year after year after year.
They freeze in the winter and swelter in the summer, never to know a loving touch. never a toy, never a soft bed or a treat, never anything to do but stare at bars of the cages in the Puppy mill prison they only just survive in.
Imagine spending your whole life barefoot in a tiny wire cage, feet always bloody and painful.
When you go to the toilet, it collects in a big pile underneath you, never cleaned, the stench rises in the summer heat, uric acid burning your eyes and nostrils.......... covered in flies........the dogs go blind over time. Your only protection from the sun, rain, wind, and snow is a torn canvas tarp that blows in the wind on top of your cage. You are constantly forced to breed, and your puppies are taken from you too young and sold, to pet stores.
When you're done breeding and you are not worth feeding, like us above, they dump you at a vet to be killed or in a shelter........or worse! they leave you to die in agony.
SCRAPS survives solely from donations and without them, we cannot continue to save these pets. Your donations, which are tax deductible, are very much appreciated.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit this WEBSITE even a dollar helps. The puppies depend on you! Many pets are euthanized in shelters every day because they are considered "unadoptable" due to the extensive care they will require. By giving them the care they need and rehoming them with families who will continue to give them the love and attention they so deserve, SCRAPS plays an important role in letting these pets have a second chance at life. A PUPPY MILL PUPPY'S STORY
I don't remember much of the place where I was born. It was cramped and dark, and we were never played with by the Humans. I remember Mom and her soft fur, but she was often sick, and very thin. She had hardly any milk for me and my brothers and sisters. I remember many of them dying, and I missed them so.
I remember the day I was taken from Mom. I was so sad and scared, my milk teeth had only just come in, and I really should have been with Mom still, but she was so sick, and the Humans kept saying that they wanted their money and were sick of the "mess" that me and my sister made.
So we were crated up and taken to a strange place. Just the two of us. We huddled together and were scared, still no Human hands came to pet or love us. So many sights and sounds and smells! We are in a store where there are many different animals! Some that squawk! Some that meow! Some that peep! My sister and I are jammed into a small cage. I hear other puppies here. I see Humans look at me through the glass. I like the "little humans", the kids. They look so sweet, and fun, like they would play with me! All day we stay in the small cage, sometimes mean people will hit the glass and frighten us, every once in a while we are taken out to be held or shown to humans. Some are gentle, some hurt us, we always hear "Aw they are so cute! I want one!" but we never get to go with any of them.
My sister died last night, when the store was dark. I lay my head on her soft fur and felt the life leave her small thin body. I had heard them say she was sick, and that I should be sold at a "discount price" so that I would quickly leave the store. I think my soft whine was the only one that mourned for her as her body was taken out of the cage in the morning and dumped.
Today, a family came and bought me! Oh happy day! They are a nice family, they really, really wanted me! They had bought a dish and food and the little girl held me so tenderly in her arms. I love her so much! The mom and dad say what a sweet and good puppy I am! I am named Angel. I love to lick my new Humans! The family takes such good care of me, they are loving and tender and sweet. They gently teach me right and wrong, give me good food, and lots of love! I want only to please these wonderful people! I love the little girl and I enjoy running and playing with her.
Today I went to the veterinarian. It was a strange place and I was frightened. I got some shots, but my best friend the little girl held me softly and said it would be okay. So I relaxed. The vet must have said sad words to my beloved family, because they looked awfully sad. I heard Severe Hip Dysplasia, and something about my heart... I heard the vet say something about back yard breeders and my parents not being tested. I know not what any of that means, just that it hurts me to see my family so sad. But they still love me, and I still love them very much!
I am six months old now. Where most other puppies are robust and rowdy, it hurts me terribly just to move. The pain never lets up. It hurts to run and play with my beloved little girl, and I find it hard to breathe. I keep trying my best to be the strong pup I know I am supposed to be, but it is so hard. It breaks my heart to see the little girl so sad, and to hear the Mom and Dad talk about it might now be "the time." Several times I have went to that veterinarians place, and the news is never good. Always talk about Congenital Problems. I just want to feel the warm sunshine and run, and play and nuzzle with my family.
Last night was the worst. Pain has been my constant companion now, it hurts even to get up and get a drink. I try to get up but can only whine in pain. I am taken in the car one last time. Everyone is so sad, and I don't know why. Have I been bad? I try to be good and loving-what have I done wrong? Oh if only this pain would be gone! If only I could soothe the tears of the little girl. I reach out my muzzle to lick her hand, but can only whine in pain.
The veterinarian’s table is so cold. I am so frightened. The Humans all hug and love me.They cry into my soft fur. I can feel their love and sadness. I manage to lick softly their hands. Even the vet doesn't seem so scary today. He is gentle and I sense some kind of relief for my pain. The little girl holds me softly and I thank her, for giving me all her love. I feel a soft pinch in my foreleg. The pain is beginning to lift, I am beginning to feel a peace descend upon me. I can now softly lick her hand.
My vision is becoming dreamlike now, and I see my Mother and my brothers and sisters, in a far off green place. They tell me there is no pain there, only peace and happiness. I tell the family goodbye in the only way I know how-a soft wag of my tail and a nuzzle of my nose. I had hoped to spend many, many moons with them, but it was not meant to be. "You see," said the veterinarian, "Pet shop puppies do not come from ethical breeders." The pain ends now, and I know it will be many years until I see my beloved family again. If only things could have been different.
(This story may be published or reprinted in the hopes that it will stop unethical breeders and those who breed only for money and not for the betterment of the breed)
Copyright 1999 J. Ellis
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TO ALL OF YOU BACKYARD BREEDERS AND THOSE OF YOU WHO SELL PUPPIES FROM PET STORES... CoolerCode.com Graphics & Layouts
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BREAKING NEWS!! Pennsylvania kennel regulations released for comment. Please help get new regulations to help the dogs. Please go here: PRISONERS OF GREED
Arkansas Kennel Rescue
Hundreds of thousands of dogs suffer in puppy mills in this country. The dogs are prisoners of greed. They are locked in small cages. They freeze in the winter and swelter in the summer. The dogs never get out of their prisons. They are bred over and over again until they die. The only way to free them from the misery of these horrid puppymills is to eliminate the demand for puppies by refusing to buy a puppy in a pet store and boycotting those pet stores that sell puppies. When people stop buying puppies in pet stores, the puppy mills will go out of business and the misery will end. The state and federal governments do not enforce the laws to protect the dogs. The commercial breeders and brokers have huge well-funded lobbying efforts. Please join this fight to free the prisoners of greed. The only person who is going to make a difference for the dogs suffering in puppy mills is you. You, the people, can free them from their puppy mill prisons.
You can view the movie about puppy mills called Prisoners of Greed by clicking PRISONERS OF GREED MOVIE
It is a very large file so may take some time to download.
Or get a Free CD from ihelppets.com
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Birthdays are special. I wish for you a day filled with happiness. It's time to celebrate... One year older, one year wiser, let your day be filled with smiles... Happy Birthday! Your Friend, Woofie
Hey Teach!! Just wanted to say thanks for the pep talk today, it was greatly appreciated. U made me feel much better, thanks there ol'buddy ol' pal!! :)
Thank you so much!! I really enjoyed it, too bad you couldn't celebrate with me!! Miss ya lots! I tried emailing you but it won't go through so send me your email address :)
Thanks so much for the poem, really made me feel better. Yes it is a very sad thing to deal with, i still think about him every day and think i will for the rest of my life. How are your doggies? x
Hey stranger! Sorry ive been so busy with moving places i haven't had many chances to come online. Having a bad time at the moment, we had to put our family dog down on wednesday, he was 18 going on 19.. he meant the world to me, nothing will ever be the same without him and the whole family is still grieving. But it was for the best, he was old (although if you look at my photos he didn't look that old at all) and he started tobecome incontinent and other things started to go wrong. We didn't want him to suffer. Anyway im rambling on.. just trying to get it round my head that hes gone.
I AM SO SO SO SORRY!! I WENT TO VEGAS AND NOW I JUST HAVE A TON OF DRAMA!! I'LL CALL YOU SO I CAN COME BY AND VISIT THIS COMIN WEEK!! AGAIN I'M SORRY!!
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Hundreds of thousands of puppies are raised each year in commercial kennels.
HOPE IS A MALTESE!!
Very often the dogs in puppy mills are covered with matted, filthy hair, their teeth are rotting and their eyes have ulcers. We have seen many dogs whose jaws have rotted because of tooth decay.
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RESCUED FROM A LANCASTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA PUPPY MILL
There is federal law, the Animal Welfare Act, and many states have laws that purport to regulate puppy mills, but the fact is that those laws are rarely enforced.
Pet stores often tell customers that their puppies come from local breeders or quality breeders. Don't believe them, ask to see the paperwork and find out where the puppies really come from.
REST IN PEACE HUGHIE. OUTLAWS FOREVER!!!!
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