Mabel the Rescue Dog

4 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)

This isn’t a very uplifting topic to discuss, but it is one that everyone should be aware of. Puppy mills are a horrible thing that many dog lovers don’t even know about. So, what is a puppy mill?

By definition, a puppy mill is an establishment that breeds puppies for profit. These facilities typically breed dogs at a much more intensive basis or in inhumane conditions.

It may not sound horrible just yet, but that’s just the summary of what a puppy mill really is.

Before you keep reading, I just want to warn you that the following information might be uncomfortable or sensitive for certain individuals.

The Horrible Truth About Puppy Mills

Those that run puppy mills only care about money. The wellbeing of the dogs is not important to these horrible individuals. Many dogs are just kept in tiny, wire crates their whole lives.

These dogs don’t get to play or go on walks. If they need to relieve themselves, they are forced to do it in their small cages.

Adult dogs in puppy mills are bred over and over again just to make as much money is possible. They typically will not get fed a reasonable amount, their water is often contaminated, and they don’t get proper grooming or vet checkups.

Female dogs in puppy mills will just keep getting bred as much as possible. Once they have one litter, they will be forced to get pregnant yet again, which can be exhausting and unhealthy for these poor parents.

Puppies from puppy mills are sold to families. Many people who have purchased a puppy have gotten them from a puppy mill without even knowing. These puppies are often sold at pet stores or online.

What Happens to Adult Dogs in Puppy Mills?

When the puppy mill breeders no longer have a use for adult puppy mill dogs, they set them free or sometimes even kill them. These poor dogs have no idea how to fend for themselves. Most of them have been through so much trauma that they are scared of anything and everything.

What Happens to the Puppies?

If you are thinking about purchasing a puppy from a pet store, think again. About 90% of the puppies found in pet stores are from puppy mills. By purchasing one of these puppies, you are only supporting these horrible businesses and encouraging them to breed more puppies.

Pet stores will often lie about the health of the puppies and where they came from. Puppies bred in a puppy mill will often have health issues that you might not notice at first glance, but might end up hurting your furry friend in the future. This is yet another reason why it is better to adopt instead of shop.

A True Story

This issue is so important to Molly because her first dog was actually a puppy mill survivor. She was a Maltese named Zoe, and she was adopted at 6 years old.

Zoe was afraid of everyone. She would cower in the corner if someone tried to pick her up, and she never wanted to play with toys. One of the other puppy mill dogs that was brought to the rescue with her didn’t even know how to walk when she got there!

Zoe did get better over time, but it was a long process. Luckily, she had such a great family to support her and help her overcome her trauma.

Most puppy mill survivors that arrive at rescues are just like Zoe. They are scared and untrusting of most humans. Many people overlook them for these reasons, but with the right amount of love and patience, puppy mill survivors can make the perfect companions.

What Can We Do to Stop Puppy Mills?

No dog should ever have to go through the horrific situation that puppy mill dogs have to go through. We can rescue as many puppy mill survivors as possible, but that won’t stop puppy mills from happening.

If you know of someone that is visiting a pet store or considering purchasing a puppy, educate them on where those puppies are likely coming from. Many people are drawn to pet store puppies because of their cute looks, but it is important that they know the truth.

If you have a puppy mill survivor of your own, please contact us and share your story. We love to see how these dogs have improved over time, and how kind their family members are for adopting them and giving them a real home where they can feel safe.

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