Puppy Mill Rescues & Stories
December11
Puppy mills are terrible places, for the puppies produced in them and, far worse, for the dogs that are kept in cages, forced to breed over and over until they are worn out.
The good news is, dogs do survive puppy mills: thousands of them a year, including breeding dogs, are sold or given up for adoption. Like Gracie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel I write about in Saving Gracie, these ill-treated dogs go on to better lives.
Do you have a puppy mill dog? Tell us your story. We’d love to hear it!
The stories of any puppy mill dog are hard to tell, but they important stories, none the less. My puppy mill dog is a nine year old German Shepherd named Sasha, and this is her story. Sasha found her way into my heart through a local rescue group who rescues hundreds of puppy mills dogs a year. She came from a mill in Northern Ohio where she was kept in a filthy wire cage and bred until she couldn’t breed anymore. This is where Sasha caught a break. Instead of being bashed to death by a rock to the head or shot outright, someone dumped her at a rural shelter in the middle of the night. It makes me tear up to think of my poor sweet Sasha stuffed into a dark shed with a plywood flap 5 feet off the ground for a door. She didnt know what was inside that shed, nor did her dumper, not that they would have cared either way. Sasha spent some time in the shelter waiting to be adopted. But as the sad story goes, hardly anyone comes to a shelter to adopt an old dog. Also working against Sasha was the fact that she was EXTREMELY terrified, cowering in the back of her kennel. These things combined were probably enough to condemn her to the needle, but she had one more, very major thing that added to her “unadoptability.” Sasha has a genetic defect that caused her to be born without most of her lower jaw. The fact that they bred my sweet girl knowing she had this debilitating defect makes my stomach turn. Thankfully, after spending some time in the shelter, a kind soul called the rescue group to come and get her before her euthanization date.
Sasha spent a few months with the rescue before I saw her. I filled out my application and was contacted the next day. They were very excited to see this sweet old gal with the temperament of a lamb, despite all that had been done to her, find a loving forever home. I picked her up that weekend and brought her home, expecting cupcakes and roses from there on out. I didn’t realize then that puppy mill dogs are a commitment. She had to learn how to use the bathroom outside, as she had been kept in a kennel her entire life and was forced to go where she lived. She also would not walk on my wood floor. We spent our days on the couch for the first few weeks, then gradually worked our way up to walking on blankets I placed on the floor for her. I am happy to say now that she will walk on the hardwood floor, though she still lives her life entirely in my living room as she is too afraid to venture into any of the other rooms in the house.
We still have a long road ahead of us, but I would not trade my precious puppy mill rescue for anything in this world. Sasha is an amazing dog that has brought much joy into my life. We now go to events around our hometown with her wearing a t shirt that bears the inscription “ask us about puppy mills.” Now not only is Sasha leading a wonderful new life, she is helping educate people about the hell she once lived.
Thanks for sharing your story, Stacey, and for saving Sasha. She’s one lucky dog!
After the court case was settled and most of the dogs were placed by the shelters, Lucky Star took in 13 of the dogs in the worst medical condition from this mill, treated them and found them loving homes. This mill closing is very close to our hearts and so are the Cavaliers that we placed. I have a 13 year old male who spent 10 years of his life in that mill. He’s blind, deaf and has severe mitrl valve disease requiring several kinds of heart medications and regular care from a cardiologist. I can’t believe what her suvivied and that he is still with us.
I have another girl, Ellie May, whose jaw was broken during the debarking process, healed on its own and has a severely deformed jaw as a constant reminder of her years there. She too, has heart disease and severe dry eye. Both dogs continued to be bred by this miller, in spite of the health conditions that they passed along to most of their offspring. Nonetheless, Ellie May is a constant joy in my life and a wonderful ambassador for mill rescue. Both have soaked up every bit of care and attention that has been offered to them in the past few years and they take nothing for granted.
Thank you for telling this story.
We would love to promote your book at our rescue events. Can we discuss this possibility?
Thank you again for this book.
Regards,
Mary Coyne
Director, Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue
Certainly, Mary. I will email you to discuss.
We also have a wonderful little Cavalier, Lyla Grace that came from the Chester County SPCA puppy mill case. Upon reading the stories in the newspapers we were heartbroken to read about the abuse these dogs suffered and kept track of the ongoing case until the date for the first adoptions. I got up early and went to stand in line with number 76. My number was not called that day, but I was touched by some wonderful people that I met. At the end of the day I asked if I could fill out an application and was able to see the dogs for just a moment before I left. What I saw in many ways changed my life. It sounds a little dramatic, but its not. The dogs were in clean kennels, they had been well taken care of at CSPCA they were not as anywhere as bad as they had been when they were rescued, and it was still horrific to me. The dogs sat far back in there kennels, a few wagged their tails but most were very quiet and still. One little girl Greta stold my heart, so tiny and sitting so still in the corner of her kennel. What was so sad, was the look in their eyes. They were so weary, cautious, and sad. The saddest eyes I have ever seen. My heart was broken, I left determined to adopt a dog who really needed me. On the way home, I pulled to the side of the road and cried my heart out, I was heartbroken the first time I really understood what that meant. The next day myself and my daughter went back to CSPCA on the slight chance an adoption did not go through and a dog would become available. We were so happy to meet the man who adopted Greta and so glad she got such a wonderful home. Since all adoptions went through we went up to Berks County where we filled out another application. The next day we were called and told there might be a dog for us at PSPCA. My husband, daughter our yorkie poo, Jakie and myself got up early and went to see if maybe this would be the day that we would find the dog meant for us. When we got there we were given the opportunity to adopt a puppy, Lyla Grace. My friend, who I had just met at Chester Countya few days before was also there and we looked in amazment when puppies were brought out. We left that day without our puppies who had to be spayed. Outside we hugged each other and then looked sadly and talked about how we felt guilty for getting a puppy instead of one of the older dogs. That feeling left pretty quickly, after a week we picked up our puppies who had contracted lice. Lyla also had a bad infection in her ear, her eyes, and a respitory infection. That was only the beginning of her problems, for the next 6 months we were not sure she would make it. She did not gain weight despite the fact that I cooked special food for her recommended by my vet. She wouldn’t eat, we hand fed her. She was listless and sad. She was afraid of loud noises, hated the sound of dogs barking, very hesitant around strangers. She was curious though, loved the smell of flowers. I had never seen a dog go from flower to flower and sniff, but I guess after the smells in the SPCA, the flowers smelled really good to her. She still hates going in places with kennels, like the groomer so I take her to one who grooms in her home. She hated to go to the vet, and we finally realized it was the smells she didnt like, but I always take Jake with her now and and she doesn’t seem to mind it at all. She is hapy, and loves everyone. The kids in the neighborhood love her, everyone who sees her loves her. But it was a long road to get to the place she is now. She still is delicate in many ways, she has health issues that are a result her mom not getting prenatal care and a healthy diet. We are always on the lookout for any problem and have a wonderful vet who has really helped us along with a friend who lives nearby who is avet and is always there for us on the weekends and nights. Every single day we are greatful for this little dog who has brings so much love and laughter into our lives. She is the sweetest, most gentle, most loving little girl. At night she sleeps snuggled, her head on my pillow snoring away. During the day she follows her Dad around and he is never far from her sight, and when my daughter is home, she is the center of Lyla’s universe. There is something so special about this little dog. We now have three rescues in our family. If you had told me that at this point in my life I would have three little dogs, I would never have believed you. Yet, I can’t imagine my life without them. Each has a story, each is special, and each was meant to be a part of our family. I believe rescues find you and you find them. We were meant to bring Lyla through two years of struggling, and meant to take Jakie out of abuse, and to save baby Maisy. When people tell me that they are going to get a dog through rescue, I always caution them that it is not for the feint of heart. To rescue means that you have to put this creatures needs before your own. You have to be ready to do anything and everything you can to help to heal them. It can be a long financial, emotional and physical rollercoaster. But there is nothing more wonderful than seeing a little dog who had no hope, who was sick, who was afraid of everything begin to love, to explore, to interact and to become a dog. This book brings to light the struggles of puppy mjill regulation and the horrible life dogs are doomed to in puppy mills. Our family is grateful to you for telling Lyla’s story and bringing attention to this horrible case. We are also grateful to you for bringing attention to the selfless work and dedication of the CSPCA, PSPCA and Berks County SPCA. Their tireless efforts to save these dogs
was heroic. It was hard to read your book, it brought back so many feelings. Our main concern was getting Lyla well and happy, but I have never gotten over the hopelessness of the look in the eyes of the dogs I saw the first day. I still have anger towards these three people who were capable of such horrible abuse and showed no remorse. I just can’t understand how anyone could be capable of treating any living creature in this way, and worse yet, I know there are dogs out there suffering still every day. Each time a story is on the news about another case, my husband always says well we might as well take another dog, we have three what is one more. I think like me he is half kidding and half serious but we know that three is our limit. It is easy to see how people with good intentions can get in over their head. That was not the case with Michael Wolf no matter what he says, dogs left in filth, left in the dark, never given any affection, never allowed to feel grass under their feet or the joy of running, is not the way to show love. Having Lyla Grace in our life is a miracle that we appreciate every single day. After reading your book, I would pick her up and squeeze her to pieces and she would wiggle as if to say I am ok now, and she is. She is just great, and we love her so much.
I just wanted to share with you that I adopted a Shihtzu from a puppy mill in Lancaster, PA and he is an absolute little doll althoug he came very scared. I estimate he is about 2 years old. I have two other Shihtzus who have helped greatly in him coming around but he is such a joy to see him run and play and roll on his back for belly rubs. I cannot express in words how happy it makes me to see him doing so well. Thank you for what you do and your story. I think it is important for us to all share our stories with each other. Thank you! Kelly Scott
Thanks, Kelly. It’s good to know your little dog is doing so well.
I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a puppy mill, her name is Ruby. I saw the cover of Saving Gracie and did a double take. She looks so much like Ruby, also a tri-color. Ruby turned 1 recently. She was fortunate to be saved from a horrible life and was out free as a puppy.
The orthopedic specialist says she can now be off leash and play. She can take longer walks than two 20 minute ones a day. She really has come so far. I know there may be other problems down the road, but I love her so much I will do what it takes. I found her in the yard today sitting in a sunny patch with her eyes closed. I swear she was smiling. I really think they know we’ve saved them. She gives so much to me. Thank you so much for writing Saving Gracie. I know it will open so many eyes, and I imagine more people will rescue. 
Ruby was diagnosed with severe hip displaysia at only 5 months old. The specialist said she may never run again. It was so hard knowing my sweet little puppy couldn’t do what she so wanted, to run, all because of those cruel people at the puppy mill with no hearts that breed dogs with no consideration of health problems.
I got Ruby going to hydrotherapy/massage once to twice a week after her diagnosis. On a nanny’s salary, you can imagine I was really struggling fiancially with this, but she is so worth it! I’m happy to report that Ruby hasn’t needed any pain killers since December! She has exhibited no pain, and no crying out like she was. She hops around, chases a ball and likes to wrestle with my other dogs, also rescues.
Thanks for writing, Jessie. There’s something about a needy dog that makes us love them even more. I felt that way about our sheltie Bosco, who was adopted from Sheltie Rescue of Georgia. He had so many problems! He died last May and I still grieve his loss.
I applaud those of you who felt a tug on your heartstrings to adopt one of these puppy mill dogs. I only wish that this were the “happy ending” for all the rescues.
I am the PA coordinator for the national breed rescue group. http://www.cavalierrescueusa.org We get cavaliers turned in to rescue on an all too regular basis. Ones whose stories aren’t publicized like the ones of giant mill closings or raids that make the evening news. Many of these dogs are owner turn ins for various reasons, from an elderly owner going to a care facility and needing to place a beloved pet, to uncaring people who either no longer have time, to owners who can no longer deal with the financial burden of a dog with ongoing medical needs. The majority of cavaliers turned on to rescue are elderly and/or in need of medical care or have serious behavioral issues. Sadly the majority of people looking to adopt, want a healthy, well socialized dog under the age of 5 years. Currently in the NorthEast, we have several dogs who are over the age of 8. Some have ongoing medical needs. We also have a young cavalier who has SM and another who has an eye condition needing daily drops. These dogs have gotten very few applicants and most of those haven’t been an appropriate match or have changed their minds after some thought. Yes, we are very picky about potential adopters, but we feel that these dogs deserve the very best home after all they have gone through. The last thing we want is for the dog to be returned or abandoned yet again.
So please remember to consider that elderly dog or the one with special needs. You won’t be sorry that you opened up your heart and took a chance.
Howdy Carol,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing a book about puppy mills in the United States of America. The details in your book are spot on. Retired I provide puppy mill presentation using videos graciously provided by HSUS (Kathleen Summers) to any local organization that will listen. In future I will also recommend everyone attending purchase “Saving Gracie” for an in depth coverage of the puppy mills. I am also happy to report that after a long battle with Petland in our area they have finally closed their doors.
About 6 years ago The Kerry Blue Foundation decided to inhibit the miller newspaper ads for Kerries. (good breeders don’t need to place ads) This resulted in placing a counter ad next to every Kerry ad that was placed in Canada and the U.S. Around 500 Kerry Owners would scan their local papers for Kerry ads. I would place similar ads stating “Know before you buy” then a local phone number. I averaged about 200 ads per year. Today we see no more Kerry newspaper ads. Now the Foundation scans the internet in hopes of finding that Kerry in need or inhibiting a miller from selling.
The general philosophy to combat millers was to remove a millers Kerry Blue Terrier breeding stock. In some cases this meant going underground acting as a broker and other times it was out bidding them at auctions. We have made an impact.
I too have a little female mill Kerry who is still having emotional problems. She was in living in hell for three years and it took me two months to gain her trust. However, I was the emotional one when she discovered she could walk around and later learned to jump.
You know that feeling and only those that rescue these mill dogs can relate to the emotional high. Thank you for all you have done – God Bless
Tom Sawyer
Coppell, Texas
Thanks for writing, Tom. I love your idea of placing counter-ads next to those of disreputable breeders. Bravo! Keep up the good work.
Carol, thank you for your book! The evil of puppy mills has to be exposed and much work needs to be done to shut them down.
Anyway, I have an adorable ruby Cavalier King Charles that was rescued from a puppy mill 6 weeks ago. He was a 6-year old stud dog that the puppymillers were going to kill. I took him as a foster for the group that rescued him, but he has so many medical conditions that had to be cured before he could be adopted that we are keeping him. He is absolutely precious! My older dog has done most of the work in getting him rehabilitated.
Like most people, I do not understand why puppy mills are legal. Why, for instance, aren’t police and animal control officers present at puppy mill auctions, ready to arrest the sellers of those sick dogs? Why aren’t they simply shut dog for animal cruelty? Do the Amish has special laws? Puppy mills are a disgrace to any decent society.
We rescued our precious Aussie, Mason when I found his picture on the site of a rescue group here in OK. After the raid and closure of a puppy mill in a rural area, local rescue groups were overwhelmed with pets ranging from dogs, cats, birds, horses and donkeys. None had food or water and the temp. here was in the 90’s.
No one wanted Mason because he was so shy and terrified of people and had tested positive for heartworm. My husband and I just couldn’t let this beautiful dog languish. He was covered in scabs, including one around his neck from a rope, had healing wound’s from being mauled by other dogs and had to have surgery for a hernia.
Our Border Collie, Shelby, has helped him become a dog again in so many ways. He’s come a long way but has much further to go. Our kids and grandkids have learned how to approach him and helped to make him feel part of the family. I can’t imagine life without him and just wish I could adopt more.
Hello Carol,
I am half way through your book and having adopted a 4 year old Cavalier female, I can’t tell you how helpful it is in helping us understand what Sophie had been through.
Sophie’s story is not unique. A local Cavalier rescue organization secured her at a puppy mill auction in Missouri. The conditions the dogs were in at the auction were disgraceful. The dogs were stressed and filthy.
Sophie spent a few weeks at an animal hospital. She lost about a 3rd of her teeth and was shaved because the foul dirt and refuse was so caked onto her. The vet guessed she was 4 and had been having litters non -stop since her first heat.
Our plan was to provide her a foster home. This was our first attempt at fostering. She arrived on a Saturday afternoon and it was love at first site. We did not know what to expect. Based on reading a number of articles about others experiences, we were expecting a scared shy dog. Unlike the typical dog in this situation, she was open to contact and enjoyed being held and petted. Within the first day we introduced her to walking on a leash. We also found she was on the road to being house-trained, and finally she turned out to be a real ‘chow-hound’. She loves food.
She has been with us a month now. We have formally adopted her. She is the sweetest girl and follows us around, simply longing to be held and get attention. She also greets anyone she meets with her tail wagging and is doing well at the local dog park. She is clueless when it comes to playing, enjoying dog toys and interacting with other dogs, but we hope that will come with time. Considering what she has been through, and compared to others, we are very lucky and we know we have had it easy with her.