[CupofDog]

My "Morkie" was a rescue from a puppymill that had been raided in South Florida.

When I got her, she was in county animal services because she was too sick too go to one of the rescues. She was scheduled for euthanasia because the resources needed for her care and her chances of living just weren't there.

Her tail wasn't docked - it had been severed by a metal cage and was infected. She had a large gash along her outer right thigh. She was malnourished, hypoglycemic and had kennel cough. She was caked in urine and feces. All this and she was less then a pound at 3 months old.

It is a miracle she is alive today and while I love her with my whole heart and wouldn't trade all of the hard work and money it has taken to get her healthy for ANYTHING, it is my sincerest wish that puppymills would be banished.

In the meantime, the dogs who make it out alive, deserve warm, loving homes. It sure isn't there fault that they were stuck in such an awful situation.

That said, please make sure you are buying from a reputable source. If this is an internet seller, its most likely a puppymill or backyard breeder, whose care for their animals may be as compromised as puppymills.

There is something to be said for the health of a 'mutt' vs the genetic weakness in purebreds, but please make sure you aren't financing a veritable prison for dogs. There are so many mixed breed rescues - and purebreds who need homes...

I wish you nothing but the best with your new baby and hope that you find a great puppy from a great breeder or rescue.