"I'd love to say that every puppy mill survivor only needs love to turn it into a wonderful family pet. But that would be a lie. Love is definitely needed in large amounts, but so is patience. The damage done during the years in the mill usually can be overcome, but it takes time and dedication."

For those who have wound up with a puppy mill dog, this website may help you:

http://www.nowisconsinpuppymills.com/mill-survivors.html

I live in Wisconsin, and the laws here on puppy mills are pityful. Many organizations are doing all they can to change the laws. One thing you can do - no matter where you live - DO NOT buy a puppy from a pet store. That is an invite to winding up with a puppy mill dog, plus it only helps these terrible, cruel places to continue doing what they're doing. It's so sad.

Please... for the sake of all dogs and puppies, buy from a reputable breeder, go to a humane society or animal shelter, or purchase a dog or puppy from a rescue. There are many homeless animals out there, and they all need our love. Just don't support the puppy mills by buying from a pet store.

Dawn

My Pet Haven

http://www.mypethaven.com

Please consider an event similiar to this in YOUR area.  Personally, I have never adopted a pet store dog, but I can imagine BREEDING animals to death--and what the result would be.  Consider a "meet and greet" type meeting (run free ads, post flyers, ask if you can be part of adoption clinic), and get together with other GOOD PEOPLE in your area on a monthly basis.  You can make changes in your own community and stop the misery.  I once met someone who sends printed info to the IRS in an attempt to shut down breeding facilities and make people pay taxes on the animals.  I don't know if it has worked (as I'm not in the same state), but anything is better than nothing. 

See below:

When:     Saturday, September 20, 2008     11am-5pm           
                Intercourse Community Park - Leacock Township in Lancaster County  3730 Old Philadelphia Pike   Ronks, PA 17534

Who:       Special guests include: LCA president and founder Chris DeRose, Author of "A Rare Breed of Love" Jana Kohl, RescueInk, and

WWW.LCANIMAL.ORG  Last Chance for Animals

If you would like to organize a Puppy Mill Awareness Day in your area contact volunteer@lcanimal.org 

For more information visit www.BanPuppyMills.com

Thank you so much for the information. Do you know our law inforcement can't even do anything about cruelty in this area? I think it's so terribly sad. Supposedly they are going to add 1 person eventually, but who knows how long that will take.

You gave some very good advice. I have friends who have formed a group to try to help. They do walks, etc. to raise money for spaying and neutering for those who can't afford it, and also to try to spread awareness of cruelty cases. Hopefully we can't get something done around here that has been long overdue. Thank you

Glad I could help.

Please also consider legislation.  The ASPCA is making great efforts on the subject of puppy mills.  If you ask, they might help you get the cooperation of legislators, maybe even add it to their alerts (not exactly sure how it all works).  There's no doubt that there's strength in numbers, though, so many good people can do more than one good person working alone.

You can do this.  Much success.

PS - Also consider League of Humane Voters.  Although not yet in your area, maybe they can help you form a small group soon.

It's wonderful to know people care.   If you need a central location, I also have a very small (new) Yahoo group for people trying to locate other good people in communities:  animaltaskforce   Feel free to use this database (or whatever it's called) for your community's use.  Whatever it takes to save lives and stop the misery.  :-)