Puppy Mills: Dogs Abused and in Need of Champions
#Puppy Mills Dogs Reunited 1 Year After Rescue The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 40,000 puppies will be born into dog mills in the next 7 days alone. With recent news of Furry Babies, Inc. being sued for allegedly selling unhealthy puppy mill dogs, it is clear that most people don't understand just how puppy mills work. (Newswire.net -- June 18, 2013) St. Louis Park, MN -- What is a puppy mill? It varies from small operations with several dogs to large operations with hundreds. The main objective is to breed quickly with the lowest overhead with little welfare for any of the animals. Many times their entire life is spent in a wire cage--even the floor is wire with no padding so they can defecate with ease and never have to go outside. Some puppy mill rescues are wonder struck at being let outside. Jane, a little Havanese rescued from a backyard breeder, loved to gaze at the moon. It was obvious she had never seen the sky before. Common Problems While some are locked in cages or garages, others are tied up outside and are never let inside no matter what the weather is like. This was the case of the male Bernese Mountain Dog, Bentley. His owner had plans to shoot all of the adult animals in his care because the state of Iowa was harrassing him. Luckily pet rescue intervened before he could carry out his plan. Bentley was neglected for so long that his coat had to be shaved off. This turned out to be 80 pounds of matted fur, burrs and such that couldn't be combed or brushed out. Can Puppy Mill Dogs Be Rehabilitated? Today each of these dogs has been placed in a loving, "forever" home. This is proof that puppy mill survivors can be rehabilitated. Some can make very good pets with proper care and loving attention.
Facts About Puppy Mill Dogs Generally puppy mill breeders overvaccinate and overbreed which causes genetic disorders, cancer and short life spans. One breeder in Minnesota was caught on hidden camera using diluted bleach to treat mange and to clean open wounds. Puppy mill breeders advertise online, in newspapers and sell in pet stores. If you buy from a store that gets their dogs from a mill, you are supporting the industry. As soon as one dog is sold, another will quickly fill the open slot. Consider that buying from any one of these places is the same as personally visiting a puppy mill, seeing the abuse and saying that it does not matter. Before adopting an animal, investigate exactly whom you are buying from. If possible, adopt from a rescue organization or local shelter. There are many amazing dogs available who deserve to live pampered lives with loving families. Who Buys Puppy Mill Dogs and How to Help Underdog Rescue of MN (UDR) is an organization based in the Twin Cities that specializes in not only rescuing animals from puppy mills, but rehabilitation as well. UDR is foster based with many dedicated volunteers throughout the Twin Cities. If you can't adopt or foster a waiting animal, donate. Financial donations are gratefully accepted, and will help to provide food and veterinary care. You can also visit their online store. Help raise awareness by buying a t-shirt, cap, coffee mug, iPad cover or dozens of other items. Website: http://www.underdogrescuemn.com/ Online Store: http://www.cafepress.com/underdogrescue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnderdogRescueMN ### Google+ Contact Jackie for more information at jackie@getsocial101.com or 612-749-7577