How Much Is That Puppy In The Window?

To the Editor:

You have all seen them as you pass the pet store – those cute little furry bundles of joy. But do you really know where these puppies come from? One would imagine they come from good breeders, where the mothers of these pups are given tender loving care, are fed a good diet, and live in clean healthy environments. This is not the case – these puppies come from what is called a puppy mill. You may or may not have heard of them.

A puppy mill is a place where the animals live in wire cages, often stacked on top of each other allowing feces and urine to fall to those below – they are housed in dirty kennels; sanitary conditions are deplorable, and half the time these dogs do not have sufficient food or water and they have little contact with humans. Vet care is minimal and the mothers have puppies every heat. Imagine a place that is full of dogs who spend all their time in cages. They get no exercise. They have no shelter from rain, wind, and cold. Nobody loves them. They are mill animals; caged up, starving, dirty, and sick. Puppy mills are out for the money – not the love of the dogs. Inbreeding among the dogs is also very common practice.

When the puppies are old enough, they are taken from their mother. They are then placed in cages, sometimes 2-3 pups in a cage – these cages are stacked on top of each other from floor to ceiling – hundreds of puppies – they can travel for days in the back of this truck with no food, water, light, and are subject to freezing cold or extremely hot conditions. Many of these puppies arrive sick, dead, or dying, and they are arriving at pet shops all over the country.

So, how much is that doggy in the window? A price tag of misery and suffering of its mother. It is important that you do not buy a puppy from a pet store. If enough people refuse to buy puppies from these stores, these stores sill go out of business and if they go out of business then so do these deplorable puppy mills.

How can you help? Don’t buy from pet stores. Find a good breeder, there are many, many reputable breeders around that are more than willing to help you pick out a pet, answer any questions, and most important will allow you to visit the premises and see firsthand the environment the dogs live in. You will also have the opportunity to meet the mother/father of the puppies. Another choice is to visit an area pound or shelter. Our area pounds and shelters are overflowing with so many unwanted dogs and cats you will be giving an animal a second chance. If you’re interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group that specializes in that breed of dog.

Bottom line – Don’t buy from pet stores. Tell your family and friends about puppy mills and pet stores. The more people who know, the more animals can be saved. Please help save a furry life!

You may learn more information by visiting the Web site: www.critterhaven.org. This organization is working hard in their fight against puppy mills. We have members located throughout the USA and Canada. This Web site has in-depth information about puppy mills and is well worth checking out.

Lynn Ceccarelli

15 Sherman Street, Sandy Hook        August 12, 2000