Is anyone watching Animal Planet?

[AmberGretchen]

Its so upsetting - they are having a special exposing puppy mills in Pennsylvania. I know Oprah did a segment (two actually) a while ago. I really hope these TV pieces are getting the word out there and that people will do a little more research before they purchase puppies online or from pet stores - its truly horrific the conditions these poor animals are in...

 

[loriken214]

I''ve seen it several times already and I can''t stand to watch it again. These puppy mill owners consider the dogs like cattle...to be sold for a profit, not to be treated like pets. They don''t understand what the big deal is.

Lori

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/27/2009 10:37:21 PM
Author: loriken214
I''ve seen it several times already and I can''t stand to watch it again. These puppy mill owners consider the dogs like cattle...to be sold for a profit, not to be treated like pets. They don''t understand what the big deal is.

Lori

Lori - I know, it makes me so angry. Although, its interesting, the people who buy those dogs at Pet Stores who almost make me angrier. Because the breeders are a small handful of people, and I can accept that there are people in this world who are simply reprehensible when it comes to their treatment of animals. It does make me so angry and upset though, to hear about how they regard the poor dogs.

But the people who don''t even bother to do any research about a responsibility they are taking on for at least 10-15 years, possibly longer, totally steam me - how can you possibly not know any better?!

I know there are a lot of people in the "but its just a dog (or cat)" camp, and I kind of get that, except that we have to remember that WE (as in humans) domesticated these animals and made them, especially in the case of dogs, basically dependent on us for their livelihood. We bred them to love us and to be obedient to us. And to then neglect them or treat them in that shameful manner...well, you can tell how I feel

 

[AmberGretchen]

OK, and the one-eyed labradors who are finding homes at the end totally made me a little teary - what precious babies, I''m so glad that while there are the people who are unworthy of the term "human being" that run these horrible places, there are also the amazing angels who take in these animals when they need homes and help them overcome the trauma they''ve been through.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Its heart breaking....

Sometimes I go into pet stores and simply play with the puppies...can you imagine a sweet little puppy spending its whole day walking on metal slats where its feet can easily slip through or trying to sleep comfortably...it just breaks my heart into a million pieces.

I always ask the employees where did the puppy come from...they always say Tennessee or Missouri or Mississippi (which has a high concentration of puppy mills)...and when I say "oh...a puppymill" they always deny it, but you can see through that.

So unfortunate.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Italia - they specifically addressed that in the show, how pet stores always claim they don''t get their puppies from puppy mills, but as far as the investigators in the show (or any reputable source I''ve checked) can find, they ALWAYS do. Sometimes, they get them through a broker that works with both the pet stores and the puppy mills, so then they can claim truthfully that they don''t get them DIRECTLY from the puppy mills, but honestly, who believes that crap?!

 

[bee*]

That makes me so angry too. I think until the public are more educated about puppy mills, they''ll still do great business. Poor dogs.

 

[jcarlylew]

there was actually a well know "store" that was a puppymill, that finally has been shut down by the city and BBB in my hometown.

so it does happen, it just takes time. i just wish there was more to do for the dogs already in the mills.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 4/27/2009 11:20:08 PM
Author: AmberGretchen
Italia - they specifically addressed that in the show, how pet stores always claim they don''t get their puppies from puppy mills, but as far as the investigators in the show (or any reputable source I''ve checked) can find, they ALWAYS do. Sometimes, they get them through a broker that works with both the pet stores and the puppy mills, so then they can claim truthfully that they don''t get them DIRECTLY from the puppy mills, but honestly, who believes that crap?!

When I bought my Chihuahua puppy, Itsy, I was speaking with my breeder about pet stores ironically enough. She told me that no ethical breeder would take their puppies and sell them to a pet store.

My Mom is highly active in rescue of a specific breed here in Chicago. It''s a less popular breed, so she doesn''t have too many stories...but, her organization has broken up a few puppy mills--or, rather, they went to puppy mill auctions and bid on dogs under the ruse of being other puppy millers. Many, many years ago we got a very small puppy in...she had a number glued to her coat because they is how they brand/identify the puppy. It took a long while for the coat to even grow long enough to shave the number off. It was disgusting. Who would ever, ever, ever super-glue paper to a puppy? But, it''s a form of identification....and they don''t view these animals as animals...they are property or income and totally disposable.

Very sad. I beg anyone considering a dog to please research breeders or rescues or shelters before making a decision...no pet stores, ever.

 

[Thomperchik]

I just want to add my .02. My Leonidas was rescued from a puppy mill. I found him through the humane society and he could not walk. At the time he was 4 months old, and he was thrown out because he "didn''t fit the standards of a Westie." Quite frankly I think he''s the best "Westie" ever, so I''m not sure what they were referring to. In either case, apparently, the puppy mill kept so many puppies in one crate that Leo hadn''t developed enough and therefore couldn''t walk at four months. The HS warned me about not knowing whether or not he would grow enough to be a standard sized Westie, or even be healthy enough to make it. Thankfully though, with proper nutrition and love, he was up and running around 4 weeks later. These days I can''t imagine my life without him!!!

 

[Skippy123]

There is this awful man in my state that keeps breeding puppies and there is no room for the dogs where he lives and just keeps breeding them; it is the saddest thing. My heart breaks for the dogs and I hope they stop this awful man.

 

[MonkeyPie]

OMG Skippy, who what where???

These shows make me so sad, because no matter how smart people are about this subject...it''s still "easier" to buy from a pet store. I won''t lie, I go and play with the ones at my local Petland every time we order chinese next door, and they are just so sweet and seem so happy. It''s hard to think they came from puppy mills, you know?

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 4:10:20 AM
Author: bee*
That makes me so angry too. I think until the public are more educated about puppy mills, they''ll still do great business. Poor dogs.

I agree Bee* - that''s why I think its so important to have these TV shows and other public materials out there, because so many people just don''t know any better. And its tough for me - I volunteer at a shelter, and so I get asked a lot for advice about dogs, and I always try to be tactful but truthful, but I know sometimes people still turn around and make the wrong decision and go get a $2000 "yorkiepoo" or whatever at a pet store...

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 7:53:01 AM
Author: jcarlylew
there was actually a well know ''store'' that was a puppymill, that finally has been shut down by the city and BBB in my hometown.


so it does happen, it just takes time. i just wish there was more to do for the dogs already in the mills.

carly - you are absolutely right, it does happen. And as heartwrenching as I found it to watch all the stuff about the puppy mills themselves, I''m always really inspired by all of the investigators, reporters, rescue workers etc...who really take the time to try to make it right - there are people who go truly above and beyond to make these huge mill busts happen and to find the dogs good homes afterwards, and that''s very inspiring to me.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 8:56:02 AM
Author: Italiahaircolor

Date: 4/27/2009 11:20:08 PM

Author: AmberGretchen

Italia - they specifically addressed that in the show, how pet stores always claim they don''t get their puppies from puppy mills, but as far as the investigators in the show (or any reputable source I''ve checked) can find, they ALWAYS do. Sometimes, they get them through a broker that works with both the pet stores and the puppy mills, so then they can claim truthfully that they don''t get them DIRECTLY from the puppy mills, but honestly, who believes that crap?!

When I bought my Chihuahua puppy, Itsy, I was speaking with my breeder about pet stores ironically enough. She told me that no ethical breeder would take their puppies and sell them to a pet store.


My Mom is highly active in rescue of a specific breed here in Chicago. It''s a less popular breed, so she doesn''t have too many stories...but, her organization has broken up a few puppy mills--or, rather, they went to puppy mill auctions and bid on dogs under the ruse of being other puppy millers. Many, many years ago we got a very small puppy in...she had a number glued to her coat because they is how they brand/identify the puppy. It took a long while for the coat to even grow long enough to shave the number off. It was disgusting. Who would ever, ever, ever super-glue paper to a puppy? But, it''s a form of identification....and they don''t view these animals as animals...they are property or income and totally disposable.


Very sad. I beg anyone considering a dog to please research breeders or rescues or shelters before making a decision...no pet stores, ever.

Your breeder is 100% right - as they said in this special (I was so glad they pointed this out) - any reputable breeder wants to really get to know the families they send their puppies to, and they won''t adopt to them unless they can really meet and interview the family face-to-face, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances (i.e. my mom got an Akita from a British breeder, but that was because my mom had a reputation with lots of people in the Akita club of America, and knew really good reputable breeders on this side of the pond who said they would give her a dog in a heartbeat, etc...). But no, never ever to a pet store...

Good for your mom for being involved in breed rescue - that''s really wonderful of her

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 9:43:12 AM
Author: Thomperchik
I just want to add my .02. My Leonidas was rescued from a puppy mill. I found him through the humane society and he could not walk. At the time he was 4 months old, and he was thrown out because he ''didn''t fit the standards of a Westie.'' Quite frankly I think he''s the best ''Westie'' ever, so I''m not sure what they were referring to. In either case, apparently, the puppy mill kept so many puppies in one crate that Leo hadn''t developed enough and therefore couldn''t walk at four months. The HS warned me about not knowing whether or not he would grow enough to be a standard sized Westie, or even be healthy enough to make it. Thankfully though, with proper nutrition and love, he was up and running around 4 weeks later. These days I can''t imagine my life without him!!!

Thomper - bless you for taking in little Leo. He is such a cutie pie! That''s so amazing that you were able to nurse him back to health - it sounds like he is a very lucky little guy

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 10:01:20 AM
Author: Skippy123
There is this awful man in my state that keeps breeding puppies and there is no room for the dogs where he lives and just keeps breeding them; it is the saddest thing. My heart breaks for the dogs and I hope they stop this awful man.

Skippy - I hope they can stop him too, that is so horrible

I really can''t fathom what makes people do this. I mean, there is animal hoarding, which is a mental illness, but I still don''t get it. I really hope that something can be done - what a dreadful situation

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 10:31:36 AM
Author: MonkeyPie
OMG Skippy, who what where???

These shows make me so sad, because no matter how smart people are about this subject...it''s still ''easier'' to buy from a pet store. I won''t lie, I go and play with the ones at my local Petland every time we order chinese next door, and they are just so sweet and seem so happy. It''s hard to think they came from puppy mills, you know?

Monkeypie, I know its hard to believe. Sounds like your Petland might be especially good about not letting sick or lethargic puppies out on the selling floor - there are many pet stores that do. I''ve even seen pups that seemed near death at a Petland I walked by once - I told the staff, but they insisted the puppies were fine. I''ve seen a lot of puppies, and those were not fine

It is tough for people because I''ve heard a lot of people make the argument "well, those puppies are born now and they need homes too." Which is sort of true. But by buying puppies from the pet stores, or from others who support puppy millers, you are supporting puppy millers. There are hundreds of thousands of adorable, sweet puppies in rescue and at reputable breeders, and if people could just be convinced to adopt those puppies instead, we''d be in a much better situation.

Also, its important to keep in mind that the odds are pretty high you (not you specifically, just a collective "you") will pay through the nose for the "convenience" of getting a puppy at a pet store. Odds are very high that they will have serious health problems either as a puppy (Parvo is extremely common in pet store puppies, and can easily be fatal - so heartbreaking) or later in life, which can not only cost many $1,000''s in vet bills, but can be devastating for you and your pet.

 

[elrohwen]

In addition to the health problems AG mentioned, there''s also a real risk of temperment problems. My FMIL has a corgi from a pet store and the dog is sweet 95% of the time, but then will turn around and bite (hard, with no warning). She also has strange phobias of leashes and being touched on her collar. I''m fairly sure most of her issues are caused by her bad breeding and it''s not uncommon for pet store puppies to develop temperment issues.They''re lucky that they got her when the kids were all grown up because I could easily see her biting a little kid.

I visit Lancaster, PA probably once a month and I know there are lots of stories of puppy mills in that area. Sometimes when I''m driving through I look at the farms and get sad wondering which ones are hiding puppy mills.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 1:12:25 PM
Author: elrohwen
In addition to the health problems AG mentioned, there''s also a real risk of temperment problems. My FMIL has a corgi from a pet store and the dog is sweet 95% of the time, but then will turn around and bite (hard, with no warning). She also has strange phobias of leashes and being touched on her collar. I''m fairly sure most of her issues are caused by her bad breeding and it''s not uncommon for pet store puppies to develop temperment issues.They''re lucky that they got her when the kids were all grown up because I could easily see her biting a little kid.


I visit Lancaster, PA probably once a month and I know there are lots of stories of puppy mills in that area. Sometimes when I''m driving through I look at the farms and get sad wondering which ones are hiding puppy mills.

That''s a great point - one of the things a puppy bred and raised in a proper environment learns from its littermates and mom is bite inhibition, and your FMIL''s poor corgi obviously wasn''t kept with her litter long enough to get that. Also, when puppies are in pet stores or puppy mill cages for who knows how long, their chances of being properly socialized are basically nil, which, as you correctly point out, can lead to strange phobias and issues with everyday objects such as leashes.

 

[Aloros]

Ugh.

The seediest shopping center in my town opened up a new store called "Just Puppies". It has a bunch of pens, each filled with a specific breed of puppy. It smells horrible and I''ve never even set foot inside - only walked past it. I hope it gets shut down ASAP. The thought of where those puppies came from makes me ill.

 

[NovemberBride]

I cannot stand to watch those shows, they just make me so upset and sick to my stomach. We live in PA and although I can''t prove it, I think our puppy (see my avatar) may be a puppy mill puppy (don''t flame me - we got him from a shelter!). Lots of puppy mill dogs end up in rescues in PA because the problem is so bad here, particularly in Amish country, which is not far from me. He is a pug/jack russell mix or a "jug", and they are breeding a lot of these "designer dogs" at the puppy mills because they sell for so much money. My little Rex has some unique features (snaggle tooth, black tail, slightly misshapen ears) that would not allow him to be sold in a pet store. Of course, I think these characteristics make him all the more adorable, but would likely end up with him killed or dumped by a puppy mill owner.

Every few months there are news stories about one of these puppy mills being shut down and publicity trying to find home for the dogs since the shelters often can''t handle an influx of so many dogs at once. If DH would let me, I would have about 50 dogs by now.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 4:30:13 PM
Author: Aloros
Ugh.


The seediest shopping center in my town opened up a new store called ''Just Puppies''. It has a bunch of pens, each filled with a specific breed of puppy. It smells horrible and I''ve never even set foot inside - only walked past it. I hope it gets shut down ASAP. The thought of where those puppies came from makes me ill.

OMG I couldn''t agree more - that would make me physically ill, and so angry

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 5:14:22 PM
Author: NovemberBride
I cannot stand to watch those shows, they just make me so upset and sick to my stomach. We live in PA and although I can''t prove it, I think our puppy (see my avatar) may be a puppy mill puppy (don''t flame me - we got him from a shelter!). Lots of puppy mill dogs end up in rescues in PA because the problem is so bad here, particularly in Amish country, which is not far from me. He is a pug/jack russell mix or a ''jug'', and they are breeding a lot of these ''designer dogs'' at the puppy mills because they sell for so much money. My little Rex has some unique features (snaggle tooth, black tail, slightly misshapen ears) that would not allow him to be sold in a pet store. Of course, I think these characteristics make him all the more adorable, but would likely end up with him killed or dumped by a puppy mill owner.


Every few months there are news stories about one of these puppy mills being shut down and publicity trying to find home for the dogs since the shelters often can''t handle an influx of so many dogs at once. If DH would let me, I would have about 50 dogs by now.

NovemberBride - no flames here, you did the right thing getting your little guy from a shelter

he looks adorable in your avatar - would love to see more pictures if you get a chance

I''m with you on having way too many animals if DH would let me - it takes most of my self control to not want to bring home more cats than we already have (3), and if we were allowed to have dogs in our apartment I have no doubt we''d have at least two by now...

But I find that volunteering at our local shelter helps me get some of that out. Even when I want to just scoop up the animals there and take them home myself, I can comfort myself knowing that I am helping them to find happy, loving homes. Watching those shelter dogs and kitties go home with new families has to be the best feeling in the world

 

[purrfectpear]

I hate puppy mills with a passion. Not only for what they do (which is totally bad enough), but also for the fact that the press from them makes some people think every purebred dog owner is selfish, and only shelter dogs should be owned.

I''ve had 4 Silky Terriers over the last 37 years. It''s a breed I love, and I used to show them. All my dogs were picked from specific show breeders who bred only to improve the standard, tested for any genetic issues, and had waiting lists for their litters. It''s a fairly small group as Silkies are not terribly popular. I imagine that I know around 15 show breeders across the country and most of them have only 1 litter a year. None of them would EVER sell to a pet store, and all require contracts stating that the dog must be returned to them if the owner gives it up for any reason whatsoever. Pet quality dogs are only sold on spay/neuter contracts to prevent irresponsible breeding.

I doubt if Leo was a true puppy mill dog as those breeders care nothing for the standard, they only care if the dog can be sold as AKC (or a lesser certification - a little like diamonds, there are AKC wannabee certs too). They''d still breed him if he had 5 legs, and was blind in both eyes. Probably it was a "hobby breeder". Those are backyard breeders that think they can turn a buck breeding little Sally to the neighbor''s Johnny and sell the pups for $1500 a piece. Typically a responsible breeder rarely even breaks even between testing, vet bills, food, hygenic kenneling, etc. The backyard peeps realize their mistake and then they get rid of their dogs

It is soooo sad that there are people who treat animals as a commodity. It breaks my heart. I''ve had 3 shelter doggies too

 

[packrat]

I can''t watch those shows-they make me cry and wish I had money to save them all. We got our Cavalier, Chicken, from someone in town here who I think is borderline puppy mill..but then I couldn''t leave her there, so we had to buy her. She walks funny-like she''s got a cob up her butt basically, and she''s got mental issues. I did tell husband that next time we will go to a reputable breeder, regardless of cost.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Date: 4/28/2009 7:29:11 PM
Author: purrfectpear
I hate puppy mills with a passion. Not only for what they do (which is totally bad enough), but also for the fact that the press from them makes some people think every purebred dog owner is selfish, and only shelter dogs should be owned.

Agreed. If everybody bought from a reputable breeder, there would be no need for shelters since good breeders require you to return the dog to them if you cannot fulfill your responsibilities.

I''m not even going to touch on the puppy mill issues because it''s sickening. I am involved in our regional breed rescue and it''s a constant battle. Luckily Newfoundlands are very rare to find in pet stores, though we did find one once and a few of us in the rescue group pooled the money to buy him and turned the dog over to rescue so that it wouldn''t go into the hands of another puppy mill. Puppy mills are still an issue, though. I often troll Craigslist looking for anybody selling a newf and just two weeks ago ran across a man selling his 9-year-old in-tact male. I emailed him and urged him to turn the dog over to rescue, but he wanted to try to recoup some money (he was going through a costly divorce, he said) and he said there was another man who was interested in him so long as he was definitely in-tact. UGH! I knew at that moment a puppy mill was interested in buying him. Luckily a few of us were able to convince him to sell the dog to a friend of ours with a family and another newf, so it all worked out, but it''s always frustrating when you know there is a local puppy mill. I know PA is full of them.

I find myself biting my lip every time I go to the dog park and hear that somebody bought their dog at a pet store because he/she was "soooo cute". I don''t want to be the woman who lectures people, but I just wish people knew better.

 

[Gypsy]

I cannot watch these shows. Last year my SIL caved to her 14 and 16 year old and purchased a $1000 puppymill dog (mixed breed no papers, nothing) from a mall pet store. I couldn't even open my mouth I was so livid when I heard. They kept wanting to send pics over and tell us all about the dog and I was just... too bitter for words. Especially since we both volunteered a great no-kill shelter in SIL's town, and they knew that... AND because we knew for a fact that one of the worst kill shelters in the area was the 'drop site' for that exact pet store's left overs. Whenever one of their dogs got over a certain age/size they would dump them at this place. Any given week you could walk in there and save a dog's life... LITERALLY because they killed the animals the SECOND they were legally permitted to do so. Heck, my hands are shaking just thinking about it now. Not that I blame the poor dog, he's a cutie of course, but my SIL is just so freaking IRRESPONSIBLE and she is setting such a poor example for her kids (I mean COME ON all you have to do is say, "no we don't support these businesses and here is why. Why don't we spend Saturday at the local shelters and see if we can find a great dog-- and save a life at the same time." OR "no, we don't support these businesses. If we are gong to buy a dog, we are going to be responsible. Let's look up local AKC breeders selling Pomeranians (main breed of the dog) and see if we can find a dog to give a home to.")

You know, I bottle things up too much. Then when they come out, I blow. I seem to be 'blowing' all over PS this week. Sorry.

 

[purrfectpear]

One thing that I think a lot of people aren''t aware of is that most breeds have a breed specific rescue organization. If you happen to see a purebred dog at a shelter and have the time, please look on the internet to see if there''s a rescue for that breed. Most rescues will find someone to get the dog out of the shelter and foster it until it can be adopted.

I''ve seen some "Silkies" on the breed rescue site that are so far removed from Silky conformation, I''m amazed that they were rescued. Just shows that their hearts are in the right place

The one organization that really SHOULD address the puppy mill issue, and could have a REAL impact, is the AKC. Unfortunately they refuse to deal with it at all. It''s a big disappointment to anyone in the dog fancy. AKC makes it''s money off of the litter/dog registrations, and sadly they wash their hands claiming they can''t police who registers. I say *BS*. Put a three litter/year limit and that will clearly eliminate ALL responsible breeders, as none that I know of have 3 bitches breeding yearly. Charge a substantial surcharge for registrations in excess of three annual litters. The puppy mills won''t be able to afford it and maybe, there would be less of them. They lobby quite hard and send a lot of money to the AKC to keep things the way they are.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/28/2009 7:29:11 PM
Author: purrfectpear
I hate puppy mills with a passion. Not only for what they do (which is totally bad enough), but also for the fact that the press from them makes some people think every purebred dog owner is selfish, and only shelter dogs should be owned.

I''ve had 4 Silky Terriers over the last 37 years. It''s a breed I love, and I used to show them. All my dogs were picked from specific show breeders who bred only to improve the standard, tested for any genetic issues, and had waiting lists for their litters. It''s a fairly small group as Silkies are not terribly popular. I imagine that I know around 15 show breeders across the country and most of them have only 1 litter a year. None of them would EVER sell to a pet store, and all require contracts stating that the dog must be returned to them if the owner gives it up for any reason whatsoever. Pet quality dogs are only sold on spay/neuter contracts to prevent irresponsible breeding.


I doubt if Leo was a true puppy mill dog as those breeders care nothing for the standard, they only care if the dog can be sold as AKC (or a lesser certification - a little like diamonds, there are AKC wannabee certs too). They''d still breed him if he had 5 legs, and was blind in both eyes. Probably it was a ''hobby breeder''. Those are backyard breeders that think they can turn a buck breeding little Sally to the neighbor''s Johnny and sell the pups for $1500 a piece. Typically a responsible breeder rarely even breaks even between testing, vet bills, food, hygenic kenneling, etc. The backyard peeps realize their mistake and then they get rid of their dogs

It is soooo sad that there are people who treat animals as a commodity. It breaks my heart. I''ve had 3 shelter doggies too

Ditto to all of this - Purrfect describes a reputable breeder very eloquently

Ditto also on the backyard breeders - this is so common, I can''t even tell you. We get people all the time at the shelter dropping off (dumping

) whole litters of puppies, often sick or undernourished, because they just irresponsibly bred their own dog but didn''t have the knowledge or the financial resources to really deal with the whole process