Tails: Puppy Mill Awareness Day

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 17th is "Puppy Mill Awareness Day."

To many people this might not mean much. But to people like me and dog's like Thorp and Penelope - it couldn't mean more.

Each year THOUSANDS of dogs are kept in tiny wire cages mass bred for petstores across the United States. Each year thousands of unknowing consumers flock to these stores and pay thousands of dollars to take home a cute puppy they saw in the window. And each year, hundreds of these puppies die in the first few months because they are sick. Sure the pet store will reimburse you or exchange the dead pup for a new one - but what does that say? A dog is no different than a broken TV?

This week an email was sent around - a true reason to celebrate Puppy Mill Awareness Day... Petland in Canada has decided to stop selling puppies due to the perception of Canadian consumers! This is a huge step for dogs everywhere. And my utter praise to Canadians for getting their point across and ending the misery for many dogs across the continent.

However, Petlands in the US have not taken this approach because not enough US people are complaining or protesting their stores. It is only until we say we have had enough - will Petland US make the same retail decision.

You have seen it on the news, read it in the paper and overheard "crazy dog" people gossiping about those puppy mill places... Its not gossip. I saw it with my own eyes - and I rescued two dogs who lie next to me as a type this to prove it.

Please take a stand on Saturday - get the word out - share with your neighbors. And if you are feeling really brave - walk into your local petshop that sells puppies and ask to see where they came from - ask them about puppy mills and watch them squirm. Sure they will lie about where the dogs come from BUT if enough people keep pressuring them - they will, just like the stores in Canada, crumble.

At the very least - take your own dog for a walk tomorrow. Allow him a day to enjoy on behalf of the thousands of dogs crammed in barns - with only distant thoughts of a warm bed, a dog treat and family to love.

Petstore puppies are victims and their parents who sit in filth indefinitely are prisoners to a life they never asked for. My favorite quote is, "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
- Mahatma Gandhi

If you are looking for a puppy or a dog - thousands are available at breed rescues and local shelters - many are mill survivors - who like Thorp and Penelope will give you love unlike any other dog you have owned.

Please adopt don't shop for your next pet: www.petfinder.com