[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by Ashley V

All in all, we both learned a lot from our experience in this and from being on YT. I wouldn't trade Chip for a hundred show quality yorkies and I love him to pieces, but I'll never buy a dog like that again... not without doing my homework and not without doing a lot more research. I could chaulk it up to being young and naive, but I don't think that's the case, because it happens to a lot of people of any age. Since getting Chip and adding Smokey (as a rescue, from a puppymill), I've been doing a lot of learning and educating others about puppymills and brokers. I've helped friends research breeders and point them in the RIGHT direction and gotten involved with rescue adoptions. I've tried turning what was a crappy, horrible situation for both of my dogs into a positive one that is educating for all and next time I get a dog, I'll know better or I'll get a rescue. I think everyone who's had a bad situation should share at some point or another to educate others to avoid the same situation. I think the only way we're ever going to get rid of puppy mills or at least minimize them is for all of us who've had experiences to be active, get involved, and make the public aware of what is really going on. People will listen if enough people talk.

Wow, I really didn't mean to make such a large post.

Thank you for sharing your story about how Chip became part of your family. We all need to be a voice and advocate for those that cannot and bring as much awareness to these issues as we possibly can. Both your boys are adorable and could not have found a better place to call home