I have written about puppy mills before. It is no secret that I think they are irredeemable abominations. Puppy mill owners deserve the full weight of the justice system. There is no excuse for that kind of commercial farming of any animal, and the practice is particularly heinous when it involves a dog, a highly social pack animal. Puppy mils are a betrayal of animals we domesticated to be our companions.
Last weekend, friends in the Washington, D.C., area told me about a puppy mill rescue involving National Mill Dog Rescue. Arrangements were made for the organization to transport dogs and puppies to two local animal rescues: A Forever-Home Rescue Foundation (AFH) and the Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART). An AFH volunteer initiated the contact and HART provided crucial additional foster homes.
I had the honor of watching as nearly 100 little lives, previously filled with torment and anguish, were turned over to loving, caring humans, something they had never known. As much as I write and read about puppy mills, I was not prepared for the emotional impact of the event.
Logistics are key
In advance, AFH lined up foster care (fosters) and assigned the incoming dogs to pre-approved, pre-screened homes. The fosters arrived at the designated drop off, as instructed, ready to open their homes and hearts to whichever dog is handed them, in whatever condition. These must be the most selfless people on the planet.
Fosters stood congenially with patient expectation in the cold and approaching darkness on the sidewalk of a suburban Virginia strip mall, waiting for the transport from The National Dog Mill Rescue. Their names were on the pre-approved list, next to the breed and sex of the dog they would receive. Dogs with known serious health problems, such as one little Yorkie with heart murmur, were assigned to particular and specific homes.
As the time grew near for the transport to arrive, fosters were told they would be called forward by breed of dog. An AFH volunteer began to form groups based on breed by announcing, “All the Yorkie people together over here.” Soon, breed-specific huddles of people formed little fellowships.
Dogs in this rescue came from several puppy mills, discarded because they were sick, poor breeders, or "surplus" due to the poor economy. Normally, the mills would kill these dogs or sell them at auction, but the National Mill Rescue Group was able to get the dogs, instead. Most of the dogs were small breeds, such as the Yorkie, Maltese, Shitzu, Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahua, Bichon, and Boston Terrier
Finally, a call came to one of the rescue group leaders that the transport was entering the parking lot. Word spread and people began to cheer before the transport became visible. People were clapping and whistling by the time the truck approached the curb. The memory of that moment brings chills.
The fosters had earlier in the evening received the initial supplies they needed to take care of the dogs, such as food, collars, and crates. AFH provides all supplies and medical treatment, estimating that it costs an average of $500.00 to get each dog ready for adoption. Puppy mills are synonymous with neglect and rescues assume great financial burdens to find homes. Some dogs will require thousands of dollars of medical treatment, but AFH turns no animal away, no matter what treatment is needed.
What happens in a puppy mill?
Many people do not understand the real plight of puppy mill dogs, and it is hard to describe in the space I have here. For the most part, female dogs live in small breeder cages their entire lives. There, they eat, sleep, have puppies, and sit—confined their whole lives. Just imagine if you had to live in one small cage, barefooted and naked, sitting in your own urine and feces, exposed to the elements. Dogs that can no longer breed are starved and discarded like trash.
Many puppy mill dogs do not know what it means to stand on grass, to have a toy, to lay in a bed, to be loved, or even touched. Many harbor long-term psychological damage, as well as physical damage such as embedded nails, frostbite, ear and eye infections, and dental damage. Puppies born in these conditions do not receive the critical early-stage social interaction required for proper brain development. Some never recover. Unsuspecting and uninformed buyers purchase puppies from ruthless pet stores and discard them when the dog gets sick or exhibits problem behavior.
The moment we all waited for arrived
When the transport stops, the door opens and rescue leader remove the sickest animals first and hand them over to the special waiting arms. The other fosters parents become anxious, but order prevails.
The rescuers know that the dogs are afraid and that extreme care must be taken to keep them from running. They handle dogs one at a time, placing them securely in waiting crates to go to their foster homes.
Wide eyes all around in dogs and humans, a few tears of delight that the dogs are finally safe, a few cries of anguish at the condition of some of the worse, and many sighs of relief ensue over the next few hours.
After an exciting night, photos and stories of physical transformation begin to surface the next day. See AFH and HART websites their stories and photos. The Washington Post and local television stations helped spread the news and are to be congratulated for covering the story. Let them know you if you appreciate the coverage.
By the next day, matted and sawdust-caked hair has become shiny and groomed. Some lucky pups are settling in and playing with others in their foster homes, learning the basics of being a dog. Others will require much tender care, dedication, and patience. Puppy mill dogs may look like other dogs, but their faces hide a life of brutality and abuse.
Zero tolerance
Puppy mills simply must be closed. We must establish and enforce laws to put the monsters who run puppy mills out of business. They must not be allowed to hide.
AFH and HART will do whatever it takes to prepare these dogs for what they deserve—a loving, forever home. Most puppy mill dogs are not so lucky.
Educate yourself about puppy mills. Please do not support puppy mills. Use the links above to find out what you can do to help stop this cycle of abuse.
Correction: the original version indicated that the dogs came from one mill, but they came from multiple mills.
Read here about another rescue involving the National Dog Mill Rescue.
Click here to view Angels Among Us, a slide show of the event by photographer, Neha Khurana, if video is not visible below. Used with permission.
Comments
Great article! I'm amazed at the people who have no idea about puppy mills. I volunteer with a group that holds rallies outside pet shops that sell puppies once a month. I hope that some people look at our signs and are enlightened. We have adopted a mill dog and she is still a mess. Thanks for educating people to the horrors of mills.
Thank you, Monica, for your support. It is amazing how people can be so unaware of the extreme horrors of puppy mills. People such as you, on the front lines of rescue, make all the difference. You perform heart wrenching acts. Your vigils and rallies provide the information, the missing piece.
I believe if people are informed, they will not choose to support puppy mills. Congrats on your dog. Keeping a dog with "quirks" is an example of the unconditional love they deserve. You walk your talk, as they say. Kudos.
The story of Nelson on your page made me teary, but what a great life he finally got to live. Thanks to caring people, he got the life he deserved, carrot and all.
Read about Nelson at www.examiner.com/x-7768-Indianapolis-Pet-Rescue-Examiner
Thanks for your time and attention. Keep up your good work.
this story made me happy and cry all at the same time......
Ruth: I know exactly what you mean. The video, itself, is extremely moving. The photographer, a young AFH intern, did a fabulous job on that. It's a challenge not to let the sad emotion take us over because these little guys need us to be tough and step up for them. Thanks for reading. You have a good heart and you care. The pups need more people like you.
What an excellent article. Thank you so very much for sharing your moving experience with us.
Theresa of The National Dog Mill Rescue is nothing short of a hero. We had the honor of meeting her in Phx., AZ when she spoke on behalf of the forgotten mom and dad dogs of the horrible puppy mill industry before a trip to rescue 128 dogs from deplorable conditions. Twenty eight of these dogs were beagles which were brought to AZ to be rehabilitated and fostered by the wonderful volunteers of AZ Beagle Rescue.
Best regards,
Veronica
Animal Advocates of Arizona
Veronica, you are so right, she is amazing. I've never seen such passion and energy. Keep up the good work in Arizona. I saw an unleashed dog make an unsuccessful attempt at crossing Camelback Road one night in Phoenix. The driver did not stop, but quite a few animal lovers did, hopping out of their vehicles to find the dog and seek help. A chilling experience, but it was clear that Phoenix has some committed animal lovers, and you are one of them. Looks like you have a great group. Way to go...way to make a difference. Now, when I think of Phoenix I can think of the Animal Advocates of Arizona. Thank you for your time and attention.
I have s lab mix nammed Savannah the love of my life. I am constantly working with local and national elceted leaders on different issues. This is going to be my priority to make them aware of the severity of the problem and to try and make the laws and the sentencing as horrible as the offense. I was very moved by your article and expected nothing less than your full committment to stop this business in its tracks.You are a good person and I know this.It is so wonderful to know that there are others like us who want this to stop. THERE HAS TO BE A NATIONAL MOVEMENT that will cancel all the monsters who take part in treating gods creatures as inanimate objects,those who plan this suffering should be made to understand the immorality and pain for which they are responsible.
P. Elizabeth Anderson writes, "Many people do not understand the real plight of puppy mill dogs." I contend that many people don't understand this issue because there has been no national, *highly visible* campaign to educate people about the horrors of puppy mills. HSUS has an annual budget of $100 million dollars yet it spends its television advertising $$ on ads that exploit horrible puppy mill images to *fundraise* without explaining what a puppy mill is and how to avoid supporting the abomination. Hey HSUS, how about spending some of that DONATED money on a few Superbowl ads that actually educate the public?!
Elizabeth- I love this article! It made me think so much about this past event and the horror of puppy mills in general! It was phenomenally written and you have fulfilled your job to educate the public about this issue. We need more people like you. Thank you once again for featuring my pictures in your article. It is an honor. I am reading your articles and i will look for follow-ups to this one in the future. :) Thanks for everything. Neha Khurana
Annette R: Thank you for your kind words and your support. You're right, a national focus is key to success. As you say, there are lots of people out here like us, who want to see this senselessness stop. We need to stay informed and be assertive in our resolve to educate others about the horror of puppy mills and the more acceptable ways to bring dogs into our lives. UNTIL THERE ARE NONE; ADOPT ONE. I applaud you in making this a priority and I intend to do the same.
Mo: You have hit on something very important, as did Annette R: we need a national campaign. We need an organization with a national audience and resources to mount a sustained, major educational campaign that is focused specifically on ending puppy mills. Problems with animals are so widespread that it is difficult for the organizations to focus on a few issues, at the expense of others. I get that. I'm with you, though, it's time for puppy mills to be exposed for what they are and people given the tools to shut them down! You and Annette have inspired me to dig a bit deeper. More later. Thanks again for your time and attention.
Neha, I am humbled by your words. Your photo and video gave the story life!
I am encouraged that young, talented, courageous, compassionate, and energetic people such as you are in the movement to make life better for animals.
As part of the "old guard," I feel that animals have a chance in your capable hands. :)
Keep up the phenomenal work and keep the animals in your heart. People like you are their only hope.
You are an inspiration and your work is extremely motivating.
Wow. I'm so grateful for this article. Thank you so much for writing it. People need to know about the horrors of puppy mills and that the way these horrible places stay in business is by people buying dogs/puppies from pet stores or online. Thank you soooo much for spreading the word. I hope everyone forwards this article to everyone they know. ADOPT, DON'T BUY A PET and ALWAYS HAVE YOU PET FIXED. Thanks Elizabeth. You Rock!. Debbie
I am fostering a puppy mill dog right now and I can testify about how she is scarred for life!! It will take a really special home to help this little girl! Yes, we really need to concentrate on getting these horrible places closed forever!! Thanks to all the people that helped this effort!! God bless you!
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