ARTICLES (SHELTERS, PUPPY MILLS, ETC.)

RESCUE FIVE-0: REFORMING OUR NATIONS ANIMAL SHELTERS, STATE BY STATE

From Nathan Winograd's Blog
Last legislative session, we launched a campaign called Rescue Five-O. The initiative involved introducing shelter reform legislation, modeled after the Companion Animal Protection Act, in states across the country. Legislation we know is necessary for two reasons: first, shelters are killing animals needlessly despite ready available lifesaving alternatives and we need to force them to employ the alternatives. And second, even those shelters which are doing the right thing need legislation to make sure they keep doing so indefinitely, that the next director can’t undo the progress of the current one, as we have also seen
http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?page_id=166

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THE FAILURE OF MANDATORY LICENSING AND SPAY  NEUTER LAWS

Calgary animal services leads the way in North America, saving 95% of dogs they process thanks in large part to a return-to-owner rate for impounded dogs of 86%. Key to Calgary’s success is a dog licensing compliance rate that exceeds 90%. For a city of over 1 million people, Calgary has a relatively little public animal shelter space because their return-to-owner rate insures that most dogs are not housed in shelters for long. Calgary achieves this success at no cost to its taxpayers, the costs are almost entirely covered by pet license fees.

In California, only 62% of dogs in public shelters are saved. Return-to-owner for impounded dogs is a paltry 21%, in large part because only 22% of dogs are licensed in California. The low return-to-owner rates means that stray dogs must be housed longer in shelters, until they are either adopted out or euthanized. This increases costs. The low rates for dog licensing means that California’s taxpayers must cover most animal services costs.

Over the years, Calgary has implemented policies to incentivize dog licensing, including quick and convenient licensing options, and discount perks at retailers. Calgary’s pet owners know that many valued services are paid for with their pet licensing fees, including educational programs on responsible dog ownership, over 100 off leash dog parks in the city, a low-cost spay-neuter clinic, returning stray dogs straight home rather than impounding them at the city shelter, and other valued services. Calgary’s residents have a very positive opinion of their city animal services department, with 91% giving it high marks in a citizen satisfaction survey. As a result, pet licensing rates have trended upward in Calgary over the years. (more)                                 http://saveourdogs.net/category/legislation/track-record/

 

STEVE BEST: Murder in the Morning:
the death of two cats (Feb. 3, 2012)

Frank died first, from sheer neglect. Soon after, Norman Died, his sick body riddled with infection. I begged for Frank to be saved, but failed to persuade thousands of readers. I made a place for Norman in my home, but he never made it. I write this even more wounded than before, still more contemptuous of the human species, but determined to fight harder, once the well of tears runs dry.

Norman, who captured my heart in seconds

http://drstevebest.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/murder-in-the-morning-the-death-of-norman-and-frank/

 

THE NO KILL REVOLUTION STARTS WITH YOU

There was a time when Austin’s municipal animal shelter was a very dangerous place for lost and homeless pets. In 2005, the shelter put to death 14,304 animals. That’s almost 40 dogs and cats killed every single day of the year. The shelter director at the time had no interest in increasing the number of animals leaving the shelter alive and opposed common-sense alternatives to killing, such as a foster program and offsite adoptions. In other words, Austin was a typical animal control
shelter that killed more animals than it saved.

Today, more dog and cats are leaving Austin’s shelter alive than at any time in its history; roughly nine out of ten are going out the front door in the loving arms of families. A successful reform effort led by animal-welfare advocates succeeded despite heavy opposition from the former shelter manager, the local humane society, some policymakers, and the ASPCA. How it happened is a lesson for other communities whose pounds and shelters
http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/politadvocacy.pdf

 

Pet Harmony Adoptions: An Asheville pet store for rescued pets

Pet Harmony is Animal Compassion Network’s answer to pet stores!Pet Harmony is a new kind of pet store. Our puppies, kittens, cats, and dogs for adoption are cute, healthy, well behaved, and best of all — rescued. Purebreed or mixed breed: your perfect pet is here! Come see our terrific selection of animals changing daily. http://www.animalcompassionnetwork.org/pet-harmony

POUND SEIZURE LAWS

Three states in the U.S. -- Minnesota, Oklahoma, (this article includes Ohio, but Ohio has dropped off this diabolical list now only including 2 states. G.K.) -- still legally require that publicly funded shelters and pounds provide dogs and cats to institutions for experimental or educational purposes. http://www.lcanimal.org/index.php/campaigns/class-b-dealers-and-pet-theft/pound-seizure

POUND SEIZURE: Some progress in Michigan


As you know, many of the dogs used at Wayne State have come from two Michigan animal shelters—in Mecosta County and Gratiot County—a practice called pound seizure. I am writing today to share some good news—as of July 1, the Mecosta County Animal Shelter will no longer practice pound seizure!

This victory was made possible by vocal Michigan animal advocates with behind-the-scenes assistance from PCRM. In Michigan, activists like Cate Arroe of PetSavers educated the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners on why pound seizure is both cruel and unnecessary for scientific research. Meanwhile, PCRM filed a complaint against the Mecosta County Animal Shelter operators with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As a result, the USDA opened an investigation into the shelter, which transferred more than 140 dogs to research facilities in 2010, the most recent year for which data are available.

It looks like the shelter operators could not handle the pressure. In January, they announced to county commissioners that they would retire at the end of their current contract. The commissioners then confirmed that pound seizure will be prohibited in all future contracts, and that carbon monoxide gassing of animals will no longer be allowed. Michigan animal advocates are currently planning a new shelter where the focus will be on animals' well-being—not on profits.

Using dogs in experiments is ethically and scientifically unsound, and this victory will save countless dogs from suffering. To learn more about how this good news came about and learn the story of Charlie, one dog from the Mecosta County Animal Shelter, please read the blog post by PCRM president Neal Barnard, M.D. Also, please share this great news over social media to let others know pound seizure is on its way out in Mecosta County!
http://www.pcrm.org/email/mich_victory.html



MAP OF THE UNITED STATES showing which states have pound seizure laws (there are 3), and in which it is allowed (as of Feb. 2012).
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/animals_laboratories/pets_experiments/map_pound_seizure_laws.pdf

Dean Maher's Facebook Page: Make it Illegal to Sell Dogs/Puppies in Pet Stores

	BAN the sale of puppies in Pet Stores; almost all come from puppy mills, make this illegal and so many dogs and cats will be saved from being murdered in shelters and in turn will greatly reduce the demand for puppies from Puppy Mills ... and close Puppy mills down.  https://www.facebook.com/deanlmaher#!/pages/Make-it-Illegal-to-sell-DogsPuppies-in-Pet-Stores/196025447082684?sk=info

FROM BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY
Choose shelters and rescue organizations when adding a pet to the family. ... launching a television and web public service announcement featuring cute cartoon puppies with a serious message: The holiday PSA (see it at end of article) was launched in movie theaters this week in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York City. A corresponding campaign of billboards, bus boards and mall displays is also going up this week in L.A.
(http://network.bestfriends.org/17966/news.aspx)

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DOGSTER  http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/

Dog Breeds

Information on all purebred dog breeds and hybrid dog breeds.

Learn more about your favorite dog breeds by perusing our comprehensive list of dog breed profiles. We outline dog breed basics and give you the skinny on what you should know before bringing a new dog home – everything from the history of your breed of choice to common health concerns and what they are typically like to live with. Browse our guides to the best dog breeds for families with children, people with allergies and more. And while you're here, check out our Dog Breed Finder, a quick survey that will help you discover your ideal breed based on your lifestyle, living situation and the qualities you’d like in a dog.

Today We Celebrate

Toy Poodles

Toy Poodles are clever and lively household companions, adaptable to their environments and are fairly easy to train—it’s no surprise that they were once very popular circus dogs. Overall, they are eager to please and a lot of fun to be around. However, keep in mind that the smaller the…
Find out more »

 

 

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Wisconsin's last dog track (greyhounds) to shut on Dec. 31, '09
Dairyland is the last of five dog tracks left in Wisconsin, and when it ceases operations this month, it will effectively end the state's 20-year history of parimutuel dog racing.
Greyhound tracks are illegal in Illinois, but at least 23 live tracks remain elsewhere in the United States, said Dairyland's executive vice president...
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-12-15/news/0912150198_1_dog-track-greyhounds-roy-berger
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A TREND TO BAN 24/7 CHAINING

In 2009 Nevada joined 12 other states in placing restrictions on tethering or chaining: California (Health & Safety Code Sec. 122335), Texas (Tex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 821.077), Connecticut, (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22-350a), Maryland, (Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code §10-623), Tennessee (Tenn. Code §39-14-202), Delaware (7 Del. C. § 1704), Michigan (Mi. Comp. Laws § 750.50), Vermont (13 V.S.A. § 365), Maine (M.R.S. § 4015), and North Carolina (N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-362.3); Virginia

(Va. Code §3.2-6500) and West Virginia (W. Va. Code § 61-8-19(a)(1)(H)).  (more) 

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/tethering-penning/article/1147

From: THE BARK dog is my co-pilot
Comforting Dogs in Their Final Hours:
Volunteers spend the night with dogs slated for euthanasia
Julia Kamysz Lane | December 1, 2011
http://thebark.com/content/comforting-dogs-their-final-hours



A Day in the Life of an Animal Control Officer
I arrive at the animal shelter by 7 a.m. and walk through the kennels to greet the dogs. As always, the number of wonderful, deserving canines in our care touches me.
I gather my list of calls for the day and head for my work truck.
http://thebark.com/content/day-life-animal-control-officer



Little Shops of Sorrows: Our Pet Shop Campaign and Undercover Investigation
What did we see when we went undercover into more than 60 California pet shops? Animals suffering from illness, injury, and neglect. Animals living in filthy, overcrowded cages. Animals denied needed veterinary care. Animals showing serious signs of psychological distress. Animals literally warehoused by the dozens in tiny plastic boxes. In other words, widespread and serious animal suffering.
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/a5_petshops.php


A critique of 5 different spay neuter adds. What works what doesn’t
Why do some advertisements work while other promising campaigns fail inexplicably? In this series of blog posts we will explore this question as we conduct a “post-mortem” analysis of print advertisements from the animal protection movement. Our investigation is driven from a research-based perspective in an attempt to answer what went right, or wrong, in various ad campaigns.
http://www.humanespot.org/content/ad-autopsy-1-companion-animals-spay-and-neuter-research


What’s a puppy mill?
Where pet store and Internet puppies come from
A puppy mill is also known as a “commercial dog breeding facility.” Picture hundreds to over a thousand dogs kept in cages in one place. Puppy mills exist for one reason: to make a
profit by selling puppies in pet stores and on the Internet. Some puppy mills are worse than others, but all keep more dogs than anyone would have as pets, and the dogs don’t live as companion animals. They live in cages in barns and sheds, more like livestock than pets.

Because the goal is to make a profit, puppy mill owners must cut corners to boost profit. Dogs are kept in cages all the time with just the minimum legal space allowed: six inches larger than the dog on all sides. Females are bred as often as possible, and when they are no longer able to “produce” they are discarded. It is no life for man’s best friend. Though cruel and inhumane, puppy mills are legal and regulated by the federal government and some state governments as well. Government regulations, however, do not ensure a humane life for dogs; they do little more than require food, water and shelter.

There are nearly 6,000 federally licensed commercial kennels in the country, and all exist to supply the nation’s pet stores with a constant supply of cute puppies. Puppy millers are different from “hobby breeders,” who have a fondness and respect for a particular breed that they want to maintain and share. There are several ways to tell them apart.

Puppy mills:
• Usually have several breeds of dogs for sale, keep a lot of dogs and always have a lot of   
   puppies,
• Often offer to ship dogs to new owners,
• Sell puppies over the Internet and in pet stores,
• Do not require an application or references from people buying a puppy,
• Usually will not allow customers to view their property or kennel,
• Don’t ask buyers to return the dog or contact them if at any point the owners cannot
   keep the dog,
• Breed females every time they come into heat so they are always pregnant or nursing,
• Do not typically screen dogs for genetic defects (eye, joint, hip and other congenital 
   problems that can be painful and expensive to treat, if treatment is even possible).

About 4 million dogs are bred in puppy mills each year while nearly 5 million animals are killed in shelters each year. More than 20 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred. You can choose not to support the puppy mill industry by adopting your next pet instead of going to the pet store or buying a puppy online.

It’s easy to find your perfect rescued puppy or dog by visiting the local shelter, or try Best Friends online at
http://adoptions.bestfriends.org. Other adoption sites include www.petfinder.com, www.adoptapet.com or www.pets911.com.

You can also contact local breed rescue organizations by searching
www.google.com, entering a city or state, the breed you are looking for, and the word “rescue.”

**A note of caution: Breeders have caught on that more people are choosing to adopt instead of buy. If a person is “adopting out” several litters of purebred puppies, has “more on the way,” and doesn’t seem to have adult animals in need as well, then proceed with caution. This may be a breeder rather than a rescue.

For more information about puppy mills and what you can do about them, go to
http://puppymills.bestfriends.org
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Help Dogs Caught in the Pet Trade: End Puppy Mills           Posted Aug 24, 2007 by lauraallen

COMPANION ANIMAL BREEDING

Puppy mills are those aptly named businesses that mass produce dogs. Puppy mills are not much different from the factories that churn out blenders, toasters, televisions, DVD players, and the like. And that is one of the many dirty little secrets about puppy mills. They are kept in business by consumers, people like you and me.

People see the cute puppy in the pet store window and want to give it a home. Pet stores thrive on impulsive shoppers. And puppy mills are where most pet stores get their dogs. Â

The shoppers or consumers don't realize, at least not at the time, the sweet looking dog has been strategically placed in the window to attract their attention. The puppy may well have "papers" issued by the American Kennel Club. The consumer will think this means the dog is a purebreed. How would they know the AKC issues purebred registration papers to anyone who submits an application and pays a fee?

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/92


No-Kill Shelters vs. "Kill" Shelters
Article followed by lengthy comments about the subject
http://www.pawfriendly.com/community/no-kill-animal-shelters

JUST ONE DAY No Kill Advocacy Center                               What is a day? There are many ways to answer that question. A day is 24 hours. A day is how we measure how much time we spend at work. A day can be something we look forward to, a celebration of some kind. But in U.S. animal shelters, a day represents 10,411 lives needlessly lost. To most people, June 11 is Just One Day. But, June 11 is a day that could change everything for 10,411 companion anima... https://www.facebook.com/Just1Day?mid=57247#!/Just1Day?sk=wall

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fiv.html


Articles (Canada)
Toronto officials say there are approximately 20,000 feral cats in the city.
The city of Toronto has announced that it has opened the city's first free spay-neuter clinic in the hope of cutting down the number of stray cats in the Greater Toronto Area. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/295808#ixzz1hyst74sS

SAMPLE LETTER ( Berger Blanc in Canada)
I’m appalled that the City of Montreal still endorses the inhumane way the Berger Blanc treats the animals in its care by doing business with this untrustworthy for-profit pound business. Considering that the city has declared it will continue to assign contracts to for-profit pounds even after the planned implementation of a new municipal "Animal Control Facility", I see no other choice but to refuse to financially contribute to this injustice. I am ethically obliged to refuse buying a dog licence that will finance the Berger Blanc. A six-week investigation exposed numerous instances of animal cruelty at Berger Blanc. Outsourcing animal control inherently implies that profits are ultimately more important than the well-being of the animals entrusted to such facilities. As the bottom line is profit, the quality of the care provided in for-profit facilities is significantly reduced and the euthanasia rate in such organizations is unacceptably high. I have lost trust in the Berger Blanc and refuse to believe that this for-profit company has improved. Interestingly, there is not even a camera in the euthanasia room. As long as the City of Mtl continues business with the Berger Blanc, or any other for profit pounds our animals will be treated inhumanely. I demand the immediate closure of the Berger Blanc. Furthermore, I expect my city to take full charge of animal control in the whole territory in an appropriate facility that is maintained by city employees.
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Council candidate wants to ban sales of cats and dogs in pet stores (Aug. 6, 2010)
Those puppy-dog eyes. That cute furry face. The tiny tail that won’t stop wagging when you press your face against the glass window.
There is nothing more irresistible than an adorable animal in a pet store and Dean Maher knows this.

But Maher, who is running for city councillor in Ward 20-Trinity Spadina, also sees the animals that wind up neglected or languishing in shelters. So, on Aug. 13, Maher will appear before the city’s licensing and standards committee to propose a city-wide ban on the sale of cats and dogs from pet stores.

“Why would you buy a kitten when the Humane Society is packed with cats?” Maher said Thursday night. “I’m hoping that removing the impulse buying from the pet shop will make people better pet owners.” (more)
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/844617--council-candidate-wants-to-ban-sales-of-cats-and-dogs-in-pet-stores


Ending Pet Homelessness through Responsible Pet Ownership
By Rebecca Blue, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs

The Obama Administration shares the public's concerns about the plight of homeless animals, and believes that responsible pet ownership -- including spaying and neutering -- is necessary to reducing the number of unwanted pets. But the federal government's role in this area is limited, and these issues are primarily within the jurisdiction of states and local governments.

The federal law governing the breeding of dogs and cats is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which is enforced by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The AWA covers commercial breeders of dogs, cats, and other animals, but does not apply to privately owned pets or stray animals. It also does not include provisions concerning spay/neuter practices. Instead, pets and stray animals typically fall under the jurisdiction of state and local governments. We encourage concerned citizens to work with humane organizations and state and local animal control offices to help them in their efforts to promote adoption of animals, and to educate pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering their dogs and cats.

The Obama Administration is committed to protecting animal welfare, and it is actively working to do so in areas where there is a role for the federal government. For example, as we explain in another petition response, APHIS is increasing its enforcement of the AWA and is currently working on a proposed rule that would require internet breeders provide their animals with care and treatment that meets the AWA standards.

Long awaited legislation outlaws puppy farming in Ireland
Authorities now have power to shut down breeders
By CATHAL DERVAN, IrishCentral Staff Writer

Puppy farming has been outlawed in Ireland – with harsh penalties now imposed on anyone who breaks the country’s new laws. Legislation banning puppy farms came
into effect on New Year’s Day as the government looks to clean up the country’s act.
The move comes after Ireland became known as the Puppy Farm of Europe.
Campaigners have fought for years to protect puppies from unscrupulous breeders. (more)
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Long-awaited-legislation-outlaws-puppy-farming-in-Ireland-136523433.html

Breeding Justice (January 2012)
Calling it her parliamentary "pet project," MLA Jane Thornthwaite is in the first stages of drafting her first private member's bill banning puppy mills and commercial kitty kennels in British Columbia.
http://www.northshoreoutlook.com/news/137035128.html
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AMISH PUPPY MILLS!
Be warned ... the Amish life that is depicted for tourist is nothing like the reality. There is animal abuse among Amish in the form of puppy mills. A simple Google search for Amish puppy mills will return thousands of hits. For farmers, a big crop of dogs can gross up to $500,000 annually, with successful operations netting six figures. For critics, the men in the suspenders and bushy beards are masking a cruel form of factory farming behind the quaint and pure image of the Amish culture.

In areas of the U.S. where Amish dwell, there is a high number of puppy mills. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement lists 243 kennels in Lancaster County. Pennsylvania, 98% of them owned by Amish. Holmes County, Ohio, has 470 kennels -- more than any other county in the nation.
http://njministries.org/1Amish/amish.html?mid=580
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Our Story

Coalition to Unchain Dogs is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to making the chaining of dogs a thing of the past. We work toward this goal by:

1. Building free fences for people who chain their dogs.
2. Informing the community about the detrimental effects of chaining on both the dog and the community.
3. Helping groups around the country to start free-fencing programs and to lobby for legislation to help chained dogs.
4. Lobbying for legislation which disallows or severely restricts tethering of dogs.

Coalition to Unchain Dogs was founded in Durham, NC in August of 2006 when

http://unchaindogs.net/our_story.shtml
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REHABILITATION OF A PUPPY MILL DOG
We would love to say that every puppy mill survivor only needs love to turn it into a wonderful family pet, but that would be a lie. Love is definitely needed in large amounts, but so is patience. The damage done during the years in the mill usually can be overcome, but it takes time and dedication. It takes a very special adopter for one of these dogs.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/weeaccanada/doc/351935318168522/

PREPARING PETS TO TRAVEL
Great tips for preparing your pet to travel:
Airlines have different policies on carrying pets, some are more expensive and others have restrictions, so you need to check before you book your ticket. For information about airline policies for 100 carriers check: Airline Pet Policies - Pets Airline Regulations
Your household pets can travel:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/weeaccanada/doc/352111158150938/


LIFE WITH CATS: CALLING ALL ANGELS
Why rescue? Why foster? Here’s why. Before and After – Fosters celebrates the beautiful transformations made by those cats who have been saved.
A rescuer helps us to see how those scared and bedraggled kitties peering out from their shelter intake photos become beautiful, sweet pets; thanks to those who give of themselves to make sure those transformations take place.

The video is made in support of NYC Urgent Cats on Facebook, which helps to make those transformations happen by posting the photos and descriptions of cats in danger at the NYC ACC, so that they may be rescued, fostered and adopted and go on to live good lives.
http://www.lifewithcats.tv/2012/01/17/calling-all-angels/


Breaking News: 70 Malls Across US To Ban Pet Sales

October 11, 2011

GLOBAL ANIMAL EXCLUSIVE, by Madison Rootenberg
Global Animal just received news that shopping center developer Macerich is banning sales of live animals in more than 70 malls across the US. This new humane policy designed to break the puppy mill business chain is taking effect nationwide within 30 days. Macerich confirmed that they will not renew the leases of existing pet stores that sell animals and in their place, are opening humane stores offering adoptions of rescued pets.
Some of the high profile shopping malls include Los Angeles’ Westside Pavilion, which is opening a rescue store this month in association with the nonprofit Friends of LA Shelters, Scottsdale’s Fashion Square, Chesterfield Towne Center in Richmond, Virginia, and Santa Monica Place.
http://www.globalanimal.org/2011/10/11/breaking-news-70-malls-across-us-to-ban-pet-sales/54618/

Approx 38 pets per min are killed in US shelters every day ...Many wonderful people are dedicating their time to saving these poor animals from a frighting and cruel death. But at the alarming rate of animals turning up in these shelters then we have to start at the source. (more)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Make-it-Illegal-to-sell-DogsPuppies-in-Pet-Stores/196025447082684?sk=info

According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey:

Number of American households "owning" a pet in:

2011         72.9 million homes  (=s 62%)     
1988         56% of households had a pet

Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (millions) (2011)
Dog:          46.3
Cat:           38.9
Fish:          11.9
Bird               5.7

Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions)
Dogs           78.2
Cats            86.4
Fish            151.1
Birds            16.2
* Ownership statistics are gathered from APPA’s 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey
http://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp
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This is a great article and one to share with adopters of Puppy Mill Survivors......pls leave the credits on though as this is copyrighted. Thanks all .! Janet

ANSOL routinely rescues animals from puppy mills. If you are adopting a puppy mill survivor, please read this informative article.

Rehabilitation of a Puppy Mill Dog: Updated 4/1/07

Disclaimer: The following is the opinion of the authors (Michelle Bender and Kim Townsend) and is based on years of experience with puppy mill dogs; we are not veterinarians or professional trainers. Please note that an adopted puppy mill rescued dog may be at different stages of rehab so we have tried to start this from the beginning. Permission is granted to use this article, unedited, on your website or in print, as long as credit is linked to this page.

Every mill survivor is different. What works on one or many, will completely fail on others; the only thing that is consistent is that they will need lots of patience, understanding, love, and probably most importantly, unconditional acceptance of what they are and what their limitations may be.

At first glance a mill survivor may look like many of your friends' dogs; maybe not a perfect example of the breed, but close. What you won't see is the condition they were in when came into rescue. Many have fur so matted that it all had to be shaved off and even the short haired breeds suffer from thin dull coats. Many times removing the filth and matting have only revealed open sores, usually from flea allergies or sarcoptic mange. Their ears are often full of filth and usually mites and some survivors suffer from permanent hearing loss because of untreated ear infections. Most survivors require the removal of rotten teeth, even young dogs. The gums are usually very infected and the teeth have excessive buildup on them. Many vets who are not familiar with puppy mill rescued dogs will miscalculate the age of the dog if using only the teeth as their guide. Many survivors also suffer from swollen, splayed and sore feet from so much time walking on wire. While finally getting some good nutrition and extensive medical care after arriving in rescue, all too often there remains the psychological damage that can't be fixed with a bath, medicine, or surgery.

We would love to say that every puppy mill survivor only needs love to turn it into a wonderful family pet, but that would be a lie. Love is definitely needed in large amounts, but so is patience. The damage done during the years in the mill usually can be overcome, but it takes time and dedication. It takes a very special adopter for one of these dogs. Not being "up to it" is no crime, but you need to be honest with yourself, and us, about your expectations. These dogs have already been through more than their share of heartache and if your entire family is not willing to make the commitment, the dog is better off staying in our care until the perfect home for them is found.

Handling: Many mill survivors have spent their entire life in the mill with only a elevated wire cage to call home. Puppies who grow up in a mill miss out on many crucial socialization periods with humans and they never learn to trust, to love, or to play. They have had very minimum physical contact with people and have virtually no concept of what to expect (or what is expected of them) when they are placed in a family situation. Their life in the mill may have been what we would consider unpleasant, but it is the only life they have ever known. In the mill, they were probably fed and watered using automatic dispensers, and their feces and urine was only cleaned after it fell through the wire that they lived on. Actual human contact normally came when they were being vaccinated, dewormed, or moved to a new cage to breed or to whelp puppies.

Many of the quirks that mill dogs might have will be discovered while the dog is still in our rescue, but there are things that may develop after the dog feels a little more comfortable in your home. Most of the dogs we encounter have had their spirit broken many years before and aggression is not normally something we encounter; however, there are memory triggers that the dog may experience after it is settled in your home, so we will talk briefly about these.

The physical contact that they have received probably has not been pleasant. For one thing, because they are not handled enough, they are scared. Many mills handle their "stock" by the scruff of the neck. They have work to do, and don't really want to stand around holding some stinky little dog any longer than necessary. It is not uncommon for these survivors to be sensitive to the backs of their necks, after all, it brings the unexpected. Many mill dogs will try to always face you, not trusting you enough to give you easy access to them from behind. NEVER startle a mill survivor from behind, you will lose any trust that you may have gained. Always make sure that they are anticipating you picking them up and consistently verbally tell them what you are going to do with the same word, like "up". It is not uncommon for a mill dog to drop their bellies to the floor when they know you are going to pick them up, some will even roll on their backs, often urinating in the process. This is a submissive move on the dog's part, and while it may be frustrating trying to pick up a dog in this position, these dogs will seldom show aggression in their lives. It is okay to go ahead and pick up a dog while they are in this position, but if time is not of the essence, encourage the dog to come to you by sitting a few feet away and calling him. The most common posture we see in mill dogs is the "freeze;" the dog will initially try to escape you, but when they realize there is no escape, they simply freeze up--rigid, like a statue--and accept their "fate." This is a good time to really praise the dog--scratch his back or ears and speak gently to him--it goes a long way towards teaching him that human contact can be a good thing.

Always be gentle and try to avoid picking them up until you see that they are receptive to it. It's almost a 'hostage' type situation to these dogs. Imagine how you would feel if taken hostage at gunpoint. The gunman may never harm you in any way, but you are aware of the danger the entire time and you don't have the ability to leave when you want. No matter how nice the gunman is to you, you will never enjoy the experience and will always watch for an escape route; however, you can turn the tables around and see a ray of hope. Imagine the gunman has been captured and you decide to visit him in jail. Now you are in control. you call all the shots, you have the ability to leave at any time. The bottom line is that these dogs have to progress at their own pace. Anything you force them to do will not be pleasant to them; let them visit with you on their terms, whenever possible..

Learning about the House:                                                                        Many times when you bring a mill survivor into your home, it is their instinct to hide in a quiet corner. Any new dog that you bring into your home should be kept separated from other family pets for 7 days. During this time it is fine to crate or confine them to a quiet area. After that though, they need to have exposure to the household. If crating, the crate should be in a central location. The ideal spot is one where there is frequent walking and activity. This allows the dog to feel safe in the crate, yet observe everyday activity and become accustomed to it; they need to hear the table being set, the dishwasher running, phones ringing, and people talking.

Very few mill dogs know what a leash is. After the quarantine, when the dog is out of the crate and supervised, it is not a bad idea to let them drag a leash around with them. Let them get used to the feel. It is easy to fall into the mindset that they must be pampered and carried everywhere, but leash training is important. It will make your life easier to have a leash trained dog, but it will also offer your dog confidence in the future.

Gaining Trust:                                                                                                   A mill dog has no reason to trust you. Your trust needs to be earned, little by little. Patience is a very important part of rehabbing a mill survivor. We have seen a lot of mill dogs that don't want to eat whenever people are around. It is important that your mill dog be fed on a schedule, with you near by. You don't have to stand and watch over them but should be in the same room with them. They need to know that their yummy meal is coming from you. For the majority of mill dogs, accepting a treat right out of your hand is a huge show of trust. Offer treats on a regular basis especially as a reward. Don't concern yourself too much if your dog does not eat for a few days. Because most of our mill rescues have been fed with self-feeders and confined to small places, it is not uncommon for them to be a little overweight. If there is no vomiting or diarrhea and your dog is otherwise acting healthy, a few days of nibbling at their food while they learn to live by your schedule, is not going to hurt them. It is important to teach them that food is fed on a schedule and you should not be leaving food down at all times.

While you shouldn't overly force yourself upon your dog, it does need to get used to you. Sit and talk quietly while gently petting or massaging your dog. It is best to do this an area where they, not necessarily you, are the most comfortable. They probably won't like it at first, but given them time to adjust. Some dogs sadly, never will adjust, and we'lll talk more about them later.

Never allow friends to force attention on a mill survivor. Ask them not to look your dog directly in the eyes. It is not uncommon for mill dogs to simply never accept outsiders. Let your dog set the pace. If the dog approaches, ask them to talk quietly and hold out a hand. No quick movements. Ask that any barking be ignored. Remember that these dogs bark to warn and scare off intruders. If you acknowledge the barking you may be reinforcing it with attention. If you bring your guest outside you have just reinforced to your dog that barking will make the intruder go away.

Housebreaking:                                                                                                A child spends the first one to two years of their life soiling their diaper and having you remove the dirty diaper and replace it with a clean one. A puppy mill dog spends its entire life soiling its living area. Potty training a child and housebreaking a puppy mill dog are the exact same procedures...you are UN-teaching them something that they have already learned to be acceptable. A regular schedule, constant reinforcement, praise, and commitment on your part are a must! Would you ever scream at your child, march them to the bathroom and make them sit on the toilet AFTER you discovered they soiled their diaper? A dog is no different in this sense; scolding them after the deed is done is of no benefit to anyone.

The two most important things you can do are to get your new dog on a regular feeding schedule (which will put them on a regular potty schedule) and to observe them closely after feeding time.

Getting them on a premium, low residue food is very important. This will produce a stool that normally is firm (very easy to clean up) and only one or two bowel movements a day are normal. Low cost, or over the counter foods have a lot of fillers and it is very hard to get a dog on a regular cycle using these foods.

Before you even begin to housebreak them, you must learn their schedule. Most dogs will need to 'go' right after eating. As soon as they are finished eating, command "outside". Always use the exact same word in the exact same tone. Watch them closely outside and observe their pattern as they prepare to defecate. Some will turn circles, some will scratch at the ground, some may find a corner, some may sniff every inch of the ground, some will get a strange look on their face...every dog is different and you have to learn to recognize how the dog will behave right before he goes; this way you will recognize it when he gets ready to go in the house.

We could give you a million tips that our adopters have found to work best for them, but as we have said, every dog is different. As long as you always keep in mind that housebreaking and potty training are one in the same, you should eventually see results. Never do to a dog what you would not do to a child. It may take a week, it may take a month, it may take a year...and sadly, some dogs will never learn. Never give up and never accept 'accidents' as a way of life. In most cases, the success of housebreaking depends on your commitment.

While we have focus mainly on bowel movements, urinating in the house is just as hard to correct as defecating in the house (if not worse). Below we will discuss "marking," which many people associate only with male dogs. We will go into that in more detail, below, but if urinating in the house remains a problem for your dog, we highly recommend crate training. This can be researched online in more detail, but if crate training is not working because your dog is soiling in the crate, you should discontinue the training immediately--as you are only reinforcing that it is okay to soil their area.

In general, if you can understand your dog's bowel patterns, you will usually find that they urinate before or after a bowel movement. Reinforce the positive and work on the negative, as most dogs will understand "outside" and associate it with both urinating and defecating. Of course, in the meantime, you will want to protect your carpets by either removing any that can be rolled up, or confining the dog to a tiled floor when you aren't holding it on your lap. This should only be done during the training process, as socialization is just as important as house training and often tiled floors are in areas that we don't spend a lot of time.

Marking:                                                                                                           Puppy mill survivors all have one thing in common...they were all used for breeding. A dog that marks its territory is 'warning' other dogs that this is its area...stay away! However, in a puppy mill situation, the dog's area is normally a 2X4 cage with other dogs in and around their 'territory'. It becomes a constant battle of establishing territory and it is not uncommon to see male and female survivors with marking problems.

Normally, marking is seen in dogs with a dominant nature. This is good in the sense that these dogs can normally withstand verbal correction better than submissive dogs. The word 'NO' will become your favorite word as you try to deal with the problem of dogs that mark. Don't be afraid to raise your voice and let the dog know that you are not happy. Always use the exact same word and don't follow 'NO' with "now what has mommy told you about that, you are a bad dog."

Dogs that are marking do not have to potty...taking them outside will not help. You have to teach them that it is not acceptable to do this in the house. The only way to do this is to constantly show your disappointment and stimulate their need to 'dominate' by allowing them more time outside, and even to areas where you know other dogs have been...like the park, or the nearest fire hydrant.

While you and your survivor learn about each other, and your survivor develops a sense of respect towards you, you will have to protect your home from the damage caused by marking. Here are a few tips that you will find helpful.

1. White vinegar is your best friend. Keep a spray bottle handy at all times. Use the vinegar anytime you see your dog mark. The vinegar will neutralize the smell that your dog just left behind. Using other cleaning products may actually cause your dog to mark over the same area again. Most cleaning products contain ammonia...the very scent found in urine. Your dog will feel the need to mark over normal cleaning products, but normally has no interest in areas neutralized by vinegar.

2. Potty Pads....your next best friend. These can be found in any pet store, but most 'housebreaking pads' are treated with ammonia to encourage a puppy to go on the pad instead of the carpet; since we are trying to discourage your dog from marking, these aren't always the best choice. You might check at a home medical supply store. The blue and white pads used to protect beds usually work best. Staple, tape or pin these pads (white side facing outward) to any area that your dog is prone to mark (walls, furniture, etc.). Do not replace the pads when your dog soils them...simply spray them down with vinegar. These are not a solution to the problem, but will help protect your home while you deal with the problem.

3. Scotch Guard. Scotch Guard is really nothing more than a paraffin based protector. It puts a waxy substance down which repels water and spills (and in our case, urine). You can make your own product by filling a spray bottle about 1/2 full of hot water. Shave off slivers of paraffin wax into the bottle (about 1/4 a bar should be fine) and then microwave until you don't see the slivers anymore. Shake and spray this onto the fabric areas you want to protect, such as the base of the sofa and the carpet below doorways or areas your dog is apt to mark. It may make the area stiff feeling at first but it will normally 'blend' in with normal household temperatures and humidity. (note: This is also great for high traffic areas of your home or along the carpet in front of the couch). After the first use, you will need to microwave the bottle and emerge the spray mechanism in a bowl of hot water so that any wax residue will melt.

With the use of vinegar and/or homemade scotch guard, you should test a small area of the fabric/fiber that you will be using the product on and make sure it does not discolor, stain, or bleed. I have never had any problems, but it is always best to check beforehand.

4. Belly Bands. Sometimes these can be a (male) mill dog owners best friend. Belly bands can be easily made at home out of things you probably already have. Depending on the size of your dog you can use the elastic end of your husbands tube socks, the sleeve of sweatshirt, etc. Simply fit the material to your dog and then place a female sanitary napkin under the penis. Another easy way is to measure your dog, cut the fabric and sew on Velcro to hold it in place. There are also many sites on the internet to order these if making them yourself is just not up your alley. Just remember to take the belly band off every time you bring your dog out to potty. Again, this is not a solution, but a protective measure.

Quirks:                                                                                                             Poo-poo, shoo-shoo, ca-ca, doo-doo, #2, feces, poop, stool...whatever 'pet' name you give it, it's still gross! But nothing is more gross than owning a dog who eats poop!

Coprophagia is the technical term, but for the purpose of this article, we're just going to call it the 'affliction'.

Dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes have the affliction but in puppy mill rescues, it is not uncommon at all to find dogs afflicted with this horrible habit. As in any bad habit, the cure lies in understanding the unacceptable behavior.

There are three primary reasons that a puppy mill survivor is afflicted. We'll start with the most common, and easiest to remedy.

1. It tastes good and they are hungry! Rescues that have come from a mill where dogs were not fed properly often resort to eating their own or other dog's feces as a source of food. These types of situations will usually remedy themselves when the dog realizes that he is always going to get fed. It is also easy to discourage this behavior by adding over-the-counter products to their food which are manufactured for this purpose. Ask your vet which products are available and you will normally see results in 2-4 weeks. ( I have personaly tried many many products as recommended and they are all a waste of $$$ ! )

2. Learned behavior. This is usually the cause of puppy mill dogs that have the affliction. There are several reasons why a dog learned to behave like this, but the most common cause is being housed with dominant dogs who fight over food. These dominant dogs will often guard the food dish and prevent the more submissive dogs from eating even if the dominant dog is not hungry. Food aggression in caged dogs is usually fast and furious and often results in severe injury to the submissive dogs. Because the dominant dog is often eating much more than is needed, the stool is virtually undigested and contains many of the nutrients and 'flavors' of the original meal; therefore almost as tasty to the submissive dog as if he'd ate the real thing. Puppies that were raised with a dominant mother or dominant litter mates also pick up this habit very early--in this case, it is a little harder to treat, but it can usually be done.

This eating pattern is usually maintained throughout the dog's life, so the age of your dog will play a big role in how hard it is to correct the behavior. It's become habit...and as the saying goes, "Old habits are hard to break".

Dogs with the affliction will actually go hunting for a fresh stool when you take them outside. The key is to give your dog something better to hunt for. Pop some unbuttered/unsalted microwave popcorn and sprinkle it on the lawn before taking your dog out in the morning. You may find something that he likes better and is as readily available and affordable. The good thing about popcorn is what your dog doesn't eat, the birds will. We can almost guarantee that once your dog has learned to search out the popcorn, he'll pass those fresh turds right up, LOL! It may take weeks or months before your dog 'unlearns' to seek out stools but most dogs are receptive to this training. You may have to sprinkle the lawn with popcorn the rest of your dog's life...but the trouble is well worth just one 'popcorn kiss' as opposed to a lick on the face right after he eats a tasty turd.

3. As mentioned above, Coprophagia means 'eating poop'. Coprophagia is a form of a much more serious problem called Pica. Pica is the unnatural 'need' to eat foreign objects. Dogs suffering from Pica will eat not only stools, but rocks, dirt, sticks, etc. Remember the kid in school who ate paste and chalk and 'other unspeakables'? Pica is a psychological disorder which is much more in depth and serious than anything we can discuss in this guide.

A good rescuer will observe dogs prior to placement and will recognize the seriousness of this problem. A dog suffering from Pica should never be placed in an inexperienced home or any home that is not aware of the problem and the dangers. Dogs suffering from Pica will often end up having surgery--.often several times--for objects they have eaten that can not be digested. If you are the owner of a dog which you believe suffers from Pica, I suggest you consult your vet; these dogs often require medication for their disorder and only your vet can guide you on the best way to proceed.

Before we close this section on Pica, we want to say that true Pica is rare. Most dogs will chew on sticks or rocks--or sofas and table legs. However a dog suffering from Pica will not just chew on these items...they will eat these items any chance they get. Just because your dog is eating his own stool...and also the bar stool at the kitchen counter...does not mean that he is suffering from Pica. If in doubt, consult your vet.

The "special" ones: Occasionally, we see the survivor who has survived the mill, but at such a great cost that they can never be "brought around". These are the dogs that have endured so much suffering that they remind us of children who are abused, and survive by separating their mind from the body. These damaged dogs will never fully trust anyone. So where does that leave these poor souls? Most are still capable of living out a wonderful life. They need a scheduled environment but most importantly, a home where they are accepted for who and what they are. They may never jump up on a couch and cuddle with you, or bring you a ball to play catch, but you will see the joy that they take in living each day knowing that they will have clean bedding, fresh food and water, and unconditional love. To them, those small comforts alone are pure bliss.

These "broken ones" are the ones that normally never leave their foster homes. Ironically, these types of dogs normally do very well in a group-dog setting. They seem to have shunned the world, and most certainly mankind, and have created their own little world without humans. Whenever we suspect that a mill rescue may be "too far gone" for a fast paced family, we try to place them in experienced homes; quiet homes; or homes with other dogs. These are by far the hardest ones for our hearts to accept, but they are also a constant reminder of why we do what we do.

The educators: Finding forever homes for mill rescues is not all we do; we are constantly reminded of the horrors of puppy mills and the commercialization/farming of dogs when we see the neglect and abuse these dogs have suffered. We work not only to adopt dogs, but to educate their new owners about the truth behind that puppy in the pet store window. We hope that you will keep a journal or blog on the reform of your puppy mill dog, and we hope that you will join us in our campaign to educate the public--through the eyes of the survivors--by always taking the opportunity to further educate others. Together we have made a difference in the life of just one dog, but together we can also make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of dogs still caged in puppy mills. It is only when the public realizes the connection between pet stores and puppy mills that we will end the demand; end the supply; and end the abuse!**************************************************************************

FL Animal Rescue Act Bill Advances: Will Save Lives If Passed
http://www.lifewithcats.tv/2012/01/23/fl-animal-rescue-act-bill-advances-will-save-lives-if-passed/


THE TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY SPAY/NEUTER SERVICE
Pet over-population is at a crisis level in our city. Estimates vary, but discussions with city-wide authorities place the numbers of homeless cats in the city of Toronto anywhere between 100,000 and 300,000 animals. The Toronto Animal Services accepts some 200 cats a week into their various animal shelters across the city
http://torontohumanesociety.akaraisin.com/Donation/Event/Home.aspx?seid=3477