That puppy mills exist (in general) makes me sick to my stomach, what bothers me even more is how little information is usually given on the subject when they do actually make the news.
Rescued Kennewick dogs
*photo by Herald/Bob Brawdy
They do mention the poor condition of the animals when they are rescued.
Occasionally they point out the special care these dogs will need upon adoption, but in my opinion it is not stressed hard enough. Dogs who have lived out their lives this way are often very afraid of people, all they know of humans is cruelty. They have never felt the love that most pets have become accustomed to. These dogs need to be taken into a home in which they are the only pet and can have attention showered upon them.
http://www.seattlehumane.org
Although, I never see anything in the newspapers about the actual breeding or their quality of life.
The age of breeding in a puppy mill is whatever age a bitch (female) first comes into season, usually when she’s around six months. A breeding bitch is usually bred two-three times a year until her body gives out at around the age of five to six. These poor females usually die an early death from the toll of constant pregnancy and birth put on their exhausted, malnourished bodies.
These dogs are usually kept in cages throughout their lifetime. No games of fetch or walks in the park for these beautiful creatures.
The age which a bitch is bred in a private setting is a minimum of two years of age, never in her first season, and then only if she is judged to be emotionally mature and ready. A bitch should only be bred four times in her life (that’s about the maximum. Maybe five.) They are walked, trained and play is a part of their daily life…along with love.
Most of the dogs raised in a private setting are actually part of the family, and kept on as such whether they have been retired from breeding or were never bred at all.
I would love to take one of these canines into my home but as I already have a large breed dog, I know I could never give it the attention it deserves. I’m afraid that not just anyone can be successful with a dog that's been through this trauma. Unconditional love and infinite patience are very important factors in the adoption of such an animal because they may never be able to live up to any traditional expectations but they WILL love YOU unconditionally.
I am about to ask an enormous favor on behalf of these animals. Please think long and hard before adopting one. The amount of care you need to procure is no small feat. These poor, neglected, overused sweethearts need homes they can count on and grow old in.
Please don’t rush to adopt one of these dogs when you see a puppy mill bust on the news. Think it through carefully. They’ve already been through so much, please don’t make them start a third life.
If you wish to donate to The Humane Society of the United States (Please Stop Puppy Mills) please visit: https://secure.hsus.org/01/sun_valley_kennel_puppy_mill_rescue?source=gabhbt
