I purchased my Yorkie (Izzy) from a puppy mill. Not because I wanted to support it, but because I just could not leave her there. She was 3 months old. The owner said she was going to keep her for breeding but she was too small. The house was out in the country. I thought "what a really nice place for dogs to live. Lots of room to run." I was wrong. The owner had Izzy inside the house. Izzy was so tiny. Her hair was shaved. (The owner said she let the Girl Scouts shave her for a badge.) I wanted to see the parents. So , the owner went outside to get them. So we followed the owner outside. She let us know right away, that we were not suppose to be out there. We didn't listen, we proceeded to follow her. It was the most awful site. There were probably 150 dogs. All different breeds. The cages were clean and everything seamed organized. But those poor dogs were just screaming for attention. I just stood there and cried. My sister was with me. She told me not to by her. First because she was so ugly. Plus she didn't want me to support a breeder like this lady was. But, I could not leave her in that place. I brought her home. Izzy was so shy and would not play at all. She had kennel cough (even though the owner said she had treated her twice). Izzy is now 2 1/2 years old. She is 3 1/2 pounds of joy. She is beautiful, once her hair grew back. It took her at least 6 months before we could get her to play. People stop us on the street to ask where I got her. So, I tell them her said story. Then refer them to a family breeder. I will never go back to a puppy mill again. I am glad I have Izzy. But puppy mills should be shut down. These places are just factories not homes. Dogs need love and attention. Izzy is not just my pet but part of my family. |