September is Puppy Mill Awareness Month

This month is the start of fall with new adventures; kids go back to school and adults back to work after dog days of summer vacations. But did you know September is also puppy mill awareness month and responsible dog ownership (aka guardianship) month? I prefer the term “pet parent” as most of you do too!

In honour of puppy mill awareness month I would like to share my love story with a puppy mill survivor, a black miniature poodle named Freddie. He came into my life unexpectedly. I had lost my best fur friend Charlie who was in my life for almost 16 years. I was not looking for a replacement or new fur friend but one day an animal rescuer had asked if I would be interested in meeting a young pup that she rescued from a horrible puppy mill operation in Quebec. So the story goes…the moment we met there was an instant connection and my heart opened; he became part of our family and he is beloved and so much fun. Everyone that meets Freddie loves him and most people think he’s a “designer dog” purchased from a breeder. I like to share his story with others on where he really came from and inform people of puppy mills to others.

I cannot imagine what his poor mother had to endure in those horrible breeding conditions? I am happy Freddie has survived and has a happy life but so many pups do not survive.  Sadly, many animals suffer at the hands of the humans that should be caring for them. 

“What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the pups and their mothers. They are breeding facilities and businesses that sell puppies for profit not for the love of animals. Dogs from puppy mills are often sick, live in confined conditions and they are unsocialized. Some of them end up in shelters. Puppy mills commonly sell through internet sales, online classified ads, flea markets and pet stores. In puppy mills, mother dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages with little to no personal attention. When the mother and father dogs can no longer breed, they are abandoned or killed. Due to poor sanitation, overbreeding and a lack of preventive veterinary care, the puppies from puppy mills frequently suffer from a variety of health issues, creating heartbreaking challenges for families who should be enjoying the delights of adopting a new family member.” – Humane Society of the United States. 

If you are looking to be part of the change take action and sign the pledge @veganft.t.a. on Instagram to show your support and help reduce animal suffering and end puppy mills!! 

Adopt Don’t Shop! Save a life! 

#animal #animals #adoptdontshop #adoptapet #dogs #rescuedog #puppymillsmustbestopped