Home » Archives for May 2010

The Truth of Puppy Mills

May 28th, 2010

These dogs were recently rescued from puppy mills in MO and OK

A federal report finally acknowledges there’s a problem with the USDA’s oversight and regulation of puppy mills.

That’s a problem animal rights activists and rescues have known for decades. Joanne Yohannan, senior vice president of operations for the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, knows the problem all too well. Her organization was founded in 1944 and claims to be the world’s largest no-kill animal adoption and rescue operation.

In addition to taking dogs from high kill shelters in the south and disaster areas such as Louisiana and Tennessee, they routinely take in rescued puppy mill dogs from the south and Midwestern states where puppy mills are more common. This month, the organization rescued 97 dogs from seven mills in Oklahoma and Missouri. The dogs that came in were a variety of breeds from Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Old English Sheep Dogs and Australian Cattle Dogs. I talked with Joanne earlier this month and this is what she had to say about puppy mills, rescues and the demand for small dogs in the eastern U.S:

Are these dogs from raids or are they voluntarily relinquished by mills?

“Some are raids, but most of these dogs were too old to breed or could not be sold at auction.  Many of these dogs would be killed, but NSALA works in partnership with National Mill Dog Rescue, who are able to obtain the dogs that are “no longer useful” from mill operators. They do this by gaining a level of trust from the mill operators though a “don’t ask don’t tell” method and not revealing the mill information.  If they weren’t given up, these dogs would be killed or other backyard breeders might get them to try to get some more litters, or a laboratory would get them.”

I did my first story on puppy mills a decade ago now, and it is just so distressing to me that people are still buying dogs from pet stores and then claim not to know these dogs originate in these despicable mills. Doesn’t it get you down sometimes that the animal rescue organizations still seem to be in a constant phase of education, or do you believe people do know and just show indifference?

“I think every time we do a rescue, it gets the message out there more and more. I don’t believe most people know the background of these dogs and what the parent dogs have went through when they see that cute puppy in the window. I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I do see a difference in the number of dogs turned in. I think we’re seeing the trend dissipating a bit, more people are rescuing from shelters and rescues. I think for us, it’s so obvious because we’re so entrenched in it. Maybe some people don’t give it much thought; maybe some people don’t want to know. But I think we have to keep trying to raise public awareness.”

Why “import” dogs from one part of the country to the other? Aren’t there many dogs on the East Coast in need of loving homes?

“In the cities here, most people choose to have a small dog, as there may be a misconception that a larger dog is a higher maintenance dog. Many of the dogs in the shelters here are large breeds and pitties and pittie mixes. We don’t see a lot of small breed dogs. With humane relocation programs, we have the type of dogs people want and they find good homes. If people go into a shelter and don’t find what they want, they will go to a pet store. Our goal is to cut off the demand and encourage adoption and rescue.”

I’ve heard puppy mill dogs have special needs. How long does it take for a puppy mill dog to be adoptable?

“Each dog has had its own experience. Generally, these dogs just exist in wire cages all of their lives. They are used for reproducing and nothing else. They’ve never seen grass or even ever been handled individually. They have muscle atrophy. Many are so resilient though, they live in the here and now. We can have most dogs ready within a week; some could take months or even a year. We have a pet behavior department to support those who adopt our mills dogs and we have rehab guides go out with every adoption.”

What would you say to people wanting to adopt a puppy mill dog?

First, I would say ‘thank you.’ These dogs haven’t had much of a life and you’re giving them that chance. Be patient and consistent and you will have a friend for life.”

What advice would you give to other rescue organizations taking in puppy mill dogs?

“Make sure you have a network of volunteers in place to help socialize the animals. Go slow and be patient, you can’t rush a mill dog. Have foster homes in place with people who can take the time to socialize the dogs.”

Thank you, Joanne, for taking time from your busy rescue to talk with Rescue Me!

Bookmark It

Tags: National Mill Dog Rescue, North Shore Animal League America, puppy mills and pet stores, The truth of puppy mills, USDA regulation of puppy mills
Posted in K9 Rescue | 3 Comments »

Puppy Mills and Pet Stores

May 21st, 2010

If you’ve ever purchased one of those cute little puppies in the window of a pet store – any pet store – you’re likely buying a puppy that originated in a puppy mill.

On Monday evening, Animal Planet aired an investigative documentary from the HSUS on the connection between the large pet chain, Petland, and puppy mills.

The North Shore Animal League America claims 18,000 adoptions each year and most of their animals are plucked from high kill shelters and puppy mills. It says it is the world’s largest no kill animal adoption and rescue organization They work with many smaller rescues, as well as the National Mill Dog Rescue, to place dogs that are rescued from puppy mills.

Their website defines a puppy mill as “mass breeding operations that run solely for the purpose of making a profit. In these mills, the health, happiness or well-being of the animals are of no concern. Animals are kept in terribly inhumane conditions, where they live in cramped and unsanitary quarters, NEVER leave their cages, do not receive any necessary medical care, and never get any affection or caring human interaction. They have very limited socialization and the poorest quality food. They never have a treat or a toy and have never heard the words, “good dog.” They are basically just being kept alive.”

I was horrified when the documentary stated that an estimated 30,000 a year dogs are sold through Petland alone. I was even more appalled to read the stats on the North Shore site, which states more than 3,500 pet stores in the U.S. sell over 500,000 dogs each year.

Most rescues and shelters agree that puppy mills and backyard breeders, or hobby breeders who have fewer dogs than mills, but little knowledge of advancing the breed, are largely responsible for the pet overpopulation problem.

These mills and backyard breeders aren’t to be confused with legitimate, quality breeders. These legitimate breeders are few and generally have no more than a couple dogs of one breed they love. They possess unlimited knowledge of the breed and their first and only concern is for their dogs. They’re not in it for the money, but to advance the breed. They have tests ran for genetic defects inherent in the breed and do temperment testing on all of their dogs. As a result of the quality of the dogs and the cost for producing just one litter, their puppies generally run $1,500 up to the tens of thousands of dollars. They do not advertise in the newspapers, on the Internet or sell their puppies through pet stores. Unlike puppy mills, their females usually only produce one or two litters during their entire lives.

Puppy mill dogs are over bred until their bodies can no longer produce. At that time, they are usually deemed a business liability and killed.

Dogs at a puppy mill are a commodity, nothing more.

It is those dogs, the ones no longer of use to a puppy mill operator, which the North Shore Animal League America usually offers for adoption at their facilities on the East Coast.

This week, the organization received 97 dogs from mills in Oklahoma and Missouri to rehabilitate and place for adoption in New York. Next Friday, I’ll post a story about the organization and what they’re doing to try and help mill dogs and other dogs in the south and Midwest.

A recent AP/petside.com poll revealed that 54 percent of the respondents would adopt their next dog from a shelter and 23 percent would buy from a breeder. Do you think most people know the difference from a true quality breeder, a puppy mill or a backyard hobby breeder? Tell us in the comments section.

Bookmark It

Tags: hsus, National Mill Dog Rescue, North Shore Animal League America, petland and puppy mills, puppy mills and pet stores
Posted in K9 Rescue | 9 Comments »

Celebrating by Giving Back

May 14th, 2010

Seth Hubbell

A few years ago, I attended a Bat Mitzvah and my friend’s little girl had requested that instead of gifts, attendees make a donation to her local animal shelter. A few weeks ago, I learned a writing friend of mine was planning her son’s Bar Mitzvah. For his community service required for the event, as well as for his school requirement, he’s chosen to help animals.

Seth Hubbell will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah on June 12, but the dog and cat rescues he’s been helping are celebrating now.

His mother, Lisa Hubbell, says Seth has always loved animals. “He’s almost obsessed with dogs,” says Lisa. “I have to keep telling him he just can’t walk up to any dog he sees.”

They started seeking shelters in their greater Seattle, Washington area a few months ago by writing notes to them. Lisa says only two responded, Bulls Eye Dog Rescue and Meow Rescue. “Most shelters won’t let kids actually volunteer,” says Lisa. “But these rescues said he could come on out to their adoption days.”

Lisa didn’t have any qualms about Seth working with Bulls Eye Dog Rescue, which works with pit bulls. “I have a personal soft spot for pit bulls as I know some,” says Lisa. “I know they’re not bad dogs, they are just used by bad people.”

The family also recently lost their senior dog, Katie, who was a Lab/Pit mix.

Lisa says she likes the idea of Seth helping a breed that is often perceived to be something they’re not. Seth is mildly autistic and when people first meet him, their perceptions of him might be something he isn’t. “People ask me if he is like ‘Rain Man,’ well, no, he’s more like Bill Gates,” says Lisa. “I have a soft spot for dogs and people who are misunderstood.”

Seth has been working hard for the homeless pets at Bulls Eye and Meow Rescue. In addition to attending adoption events, he’s been writing letters requesting donations from friends and family, selling his mother’s organic cookies for dogs and people, asking for donations of food and toys from grocery and pet supply stores and towels from health clubs.

So far, Seth has raised over $300 in cash as well as some corporate donations from dog toy companies.

Lisa feels the donated toys are important for the shelter animals. “Often times the dogs don’t have enrichment activities and they just sit hunkering in their kennels,” says Lisa. “They’re much more adoptable if they’re up playing and looking happy.”

Lisa and Seth are also going to make a recording of dog “laughter,” and give a CD to the shelter. The recordings are thought to calm dogs in the stressful shelter environment.

Seth’s dad created a website for his project. Lisa’s main contribution to the project is making rice bags for the injured animals in the rescue that can be heated or cooled. One of the dogs Lisa has fallen in love with at the rescue lost a leg. “She still likes to have heat put on that spot,” says Lisa.

Lisa says the hardest part about the project is trying not to do the work herself. “I have to remind myself this is his project,” says Lisa. “He has to write the letters and make the calls.”

Lisa thinks it is a great way for Seth to give back while putting his energy into one of his passions. Lisa explains that “Mitzvah” means “good deed,” but it also means to help the wider community and help repair the world.

Apparently, Seth chose the right project that helps him get to the heart of the true meaning of community service. When asked how the project has made him feel, he responds, “Like I’m making a difference.”

Have too much stuff or do your kids feel they have “enough” and want to give back? Here are some occasions in which you can request donations to shelters or rescues instead of gifts:

• Birthday parties (Have the guest bring dog/cat toys, chews, treats, food, blankets and towels instead of toys)
• Bat and Bar Mitzvah celebrations
• Weddings (Many couples who are combining homes really don’t need anything).
• Anniversary parties (if you have a milestone anniversary approaching, you’ve probably accumulated enough stuff over a lifetime).
• Funerals (If you loved one was an animal lover, request donations to a local shelter instead of flowers).

Have you ever requested donations to a shelter or gone to event where they are, in lieu of gifts?

Bookmark It

Tags: bat mitzvah, Bulls Eye Dog Rescue, Celebrating by Giving back, community service, Lisa Jaffe Hubbell, Meow Rescue, Seth Hubbell
Posted in K9 Rescue | 2 Comments »

Blind Faith: Camille sees the Light

May 7th, 2010

Camille and Hannah

It isn’t easy living without sight if you’re a human, imagine if you were a dog trying to get around the world without the gift of vision.

Camille, a red nosed pit bull in El Paso, Texas may live in the dark when it comes to sight, but her world has been full of light since Hannah Ebel adopted her nearly a year and half ago.

Camille’s mother was kept locked in a garage by her former owner and while pregnant, ate some toxic substance. It made her sick and as a result, Camille and three of her siblings were born blind. The dogs were all left in the care of Hannah’s friend, who found good homes for all of the puppies except two.

“Blind puppies are really hard to give away,” says Hannah, who also had reservations about taking a special needs dog.

“I babysat her at first and it took me a good month to decide if I could take care of her,” says Hannah. At first, Hannah was overprotective of her baby. “It was hard because she ran into everything and I didn’t want her to hurt herself,” says Hannah.

Hannah did her homework, she read articles online and watched videos of trainers doing positive reinforcement training with blind dogs. She got a clicker and started following their advice. Finally, she taught Camille three words, “Watch,” which means to stop and wait for Hannah to give the ok again. “Step,” which means she needs to step up and “Down,” which means to step down.

Hannah and her boyfriend have another dog, Tiberious, who also helps Camille get around.

“She can basically do anything any other dog can do,” says Hannah. “I take her to the river almost everyday, she loves to swim.”

Hannah says most people don’t even realize Camille is blind when they first meet her.

Hannah says there are some hikes that Camille misses due to cacti and other hazards. However, she takes Camille hiking with her if she can remain on a leash and follow by putting her nose on Hannah’s leg.

Hannah has never regretted her decision to take in a special needs dog and says it has been a great experience. She gives this advice to anyone thinking of adopting a special needs dog:

• Do your research in training your dog to help them stay away from hazards.
• Make sure you have the time to devote to training and protecting your new pet from hazards, especially at first.
• Watch closely and be aware of everything around your special needs dog. Camille gets spooked easily by loud noises, large crowds and unfamiliar dogs.

We once almost adopted a deaf dog, but he wasn’t cat friendly and we had cats at the time. Have you ever adopted a special needs pet or thought of adopting one? Why or why not?

Bookmark It

Tags: blind dogs, Blind Faith Camille sees the light, blind pit bull, camille, Hannah Ebel, special needs dogs
Posted in K9 Rescue | 6 Comments »