a puppymill baby's story

[luv4yorkies]

I don't remember much from the place 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 do 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 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, 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.

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 OK. So I relaxed. The Vet must have said sad words to my beloved family, because they looked awfully sad. I heard Severe hip dysplacia, 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 6 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 breath. 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 veterinarians 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, good-bye 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.


PUPPY MILLS MUST BE STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!

[eensor]

I'm crying just reading this. I hate puppymillers and wish they would go to prison! We just have to keep spreading the word about boycotting pet stores that sell puppies.

[Figment713]

OK...well you broke my heart too!!!!!!!!!

As has been previously noted (on much more "fun" posts), you have a genuine talent for writing.

Soooooooooo sad!!!!!!!!!!!

[simonandhallie]

Oh My!! I am crying so hard (at work)! That is so so so sad! And I think the saddest part is that is a very real reality today! I'm in agreement with eensor, they MUST be stopped somehow!

[eensor]

The vast majority of puppymills are in Missouri, followed by Pennsylvania. Perhaps some of you don't know that the Amish communities are big puppymillers. It is easy for them since their communities are so closed off t the rest of the world. Perhaps we should pool our money and buy ads in major newspapers and suggest boycotting anything from these 2 states! I'll bet if enough people did that, the state governments would sit up and pay attention! sorry if you're from MO or PA, but this is a grave issue that needs fixing.

What frustrates the hell out of me is this is a problem that could easily be fixed if people would stop buying anything form pet stores that sell puppies! PetCo and Petsmart do not sell puppies--they have adoptions for dogs who need homes, so they are ok! Don't even buy a toy or greenie or anything from a store that sells puppies!!!!!

[browniesmom622]

i couldnt finish reading it dont wanna cry once i start i dont stop great writing its very sad

[red98vett]

I've seen heartbreaking story and have never gotten half way thru it without crying ...it's a sad reality and really does tell the life of a mill puppy - After I get done crying ...I want to go kick some butt...The way these animals are treated is so terribly heartwrenching and it goes on in EVERY STATE

[luzangela428]

Hey..we were having a similar coversation at another post this mronign about puppy mills, one of the members offered webiste that helps puppymills to redesign the site to make more user friendly...I ahave contacted a friend at NY1 news and am trying to email this tradgedy to as many news stations that I can to get the word out. Many people aren't aware of where they are getting there "petstore" puppies from!!!!! I think is enough of us from this forum and others banned those stores that sell puupy mill animals we could force change. I think I will send some links to our congressman and see what I can do to help.

[red98vett]

I agree - the more 'NO PET STORES' is said - the more people will open their eyes...

[luzangela428]

I have found a wonderful site that is campaigning against
Puppy Mills. If you have the time please stop by this site
Http://www.hua.org/Prison.html and fill out the form to
send to the AKC. Also see if there is anything there thant YOU can do to help end puppy mills. Another good site to visit is http://teresa.maro.net/dogs/mills.htm. I never knew the details of puppy mills until I visited these two sites. It brought tears to my eyes. Together, a step at a time WE can make a differnce too.

[Biddy's Mom]

I have been with my boyfriend for almost 9 years. During this time we have seen a lot of tragedy (including September 11, 2 close friends of ours committing suicide, the death of relatives, etc.). Reading this story was the 1st time in 9 years that I have seen him cry. Ever. If this story had this effect on him, think of what it will have on others. I think the major problem is that so many people don't know that these puppymills exist. People need to be aware of what is happening. I don't think that most people would buy from pet stores if they knew this was happening. I have spoken to many people who have purchased dogs from petstores & had no idea. They were told that they were raised by trustworthy breeders in other states, etc.

I think if this message was more widely known this problem could be decreased. These people are only doing this for profit & if they aren't getting business they may be forced to shut down...

[She-ra's Mama]

YT members, this has to stop...what can we all do as a family. If one was located, I would adopted and treat a sweetie!!!!

[luzangela428]

http://prisonersofgreed.org/newspaper.html ....suggestions for ads to place in papaer or flyers to print out you can see much much more at this website...
They have a pic of a puppy mill in which the bischon's are outside..you can see at least a foot of snow on the ground..when the prganization called the USDA to complain they were told it would be taken care of...week later the crates were pushed back so that a picture couldn't be taken...but still outside...the USDA did NOTHING

[lily24]

God it sent goosebumps all over me! I thought at first it was a sad story but turning into a happy one the ending brough tears. I hate puppymills they are just trash people.

[Peanut's Mommy]

OMG, I can't stop crying, that is soo sad. I want the puppy mills to stop but I also want to help those poor lil puppies that didn't ask to be brought into this world under those conditions. =(