Paisley’s Story

So What’s the Big Deal About Puppy Mills? For over 100 years, the ASPCA has designated the beginning of May as “Be Kind to Animals Week” to spotlight the importance of compassion toward our furry friends. In light of that, I thought it was appropriate to address the issue of puppy mills. Did you know that the majority of pet stores, locally and across the country, get their puppies from puppy mills? Did you know that we have puppy mills in our local area?

A puppy mill is a “breeding” facility where the mothers and fathers of the puppies that get sold in pet stores are housed in small wire cages or kennels for their entire breeding lives. The majority of these breeding dogs have little to no human contact, don’t have nice beds or toys, get fed small amounts of food, and don’t get routine healthcare. A puppy mill is similar to a commercial chicken farm, where chickens are kept in small cages or cramped spaces where they can get trampled or injured and have no life enrichment. 

The mothers and fathers of those cute puppies in pet stores are used for the production of puppies to sell for money, which is why many of those puppies are so expensive. When the mothers and fathers can no longer produce babies or they have a health issue, they are taken to be euthanized since they are no longer able to produce a profit for the puppy mill breeder. 

Now that I’ve laid the groundwork, let me introduce you to Paisley!  Paisley is an eight-year-old Maltese Dachshund mix, otherwise known as a “Moxie”. She lived in a small cage in a puppy mill in Ohio for her entire life, being bred to make cute little “Moxie” puppies to be sold in pet stores. These puppies sold for $650 each on average. 

For eight years Paisley was bred at least once per year, making thousands of dollars for the breeder. When they were done with her, they took her to a vet clinic to be euthanized. The vet made a deal with the breeder to send Paisley to a rescue organization rather than euthanize her. At that point she was vaccinated, spayed, and had a hernia operation. 

Within a week’s time the rescuer brought Paisley to the Southern Tier and she was adopted into a home with three other dogs, three cats and a rabbit. It’s quite a transition for her since she is unfamiliar with everything and is afraid of human touch. 

Paisley didn’t know how to eat or drink out of a bowl. She didn’t know how to use stairs, walk on a leash, or even how to be a dog. She was skin and bones and was wobbly when she walked since she didn’t have muscle mass from being kept in a cage. She was not potty trained since in a cage she relieved herself whenever and wherever she wanted. At this point, Paisley needed love, patience, kindness and understanding. Getting out of the puppy mill was almost like getting out of jail. Everything was new; grass, smells, noises, furniture, cars, leashes, bowls, stairs and freedom. 

Paisley has been out of the puppy mill for about six weeks now. She has learned her name, how to use stairs, use a doggy door, she eats her food from a plate instead of the floor and plays with toys. She has made friends with the other dogs in the house, but her people still aren’t able to pet or hold her since she is very leery of humans. They are still working on potty training, which is more difficult than training a puppy due to her age and previous life style. 

So, what’s the big deal about puppy mills? Please don’t shop for puppies at pet stores. The mothers and fathers of those cute little puppies in pet stores are suffering; every time you buy, you encourage the breeder to breed more, perpetuating the suffering and euthanasia of these beautiful creatures when they are no longer producing puppies for the breeder to make a profit.  

Happy Tails No Kill Animal Shelter encourages you to look for your new best friend at a local shelter where there are always many fine dogs including purebreds needing a home.  

Alternately, if you want to adopt a specific breed, locate a reputable breeder, visit the facility in person, and ask to see the parents. Please Be Kind to Animals!