I've been trying to write Joe's story for a while. Not because it's difficult to write, but I don't want to "glorify" myself. But his story is an important one that changed my life and how I think of animals, especially puppy mills. I've never wanted to be so involved in volunteering for animal shelters and rescues until I met Joe.

Joe came in as a stray, so everything is based on assumptions and most assumptions are proven to be true. My mom is a professional groomer and started to volunteer groom at the shelter. She got the honor of fostering him.

This is Joe before.

 We can assume that he was a stud dog for a puppy mill. I didn't (and still really don't) want to believe that puppy mills were real and they existed. However, they are real and Joe really did come into the shelter looking the way he did. And everything just kind of adds up that he's a puppy mill stud dog.

He is on the older side, un-neutered and has (or had) a number of health issues. Because he has gotten the proper care and nutrition, most of the issues have cleared up. We were told that this is what a typical puppy mill parent looks like. My mom was the one who shaved all six pounds of those urine, poo soaked mats.

From blog, "Raining Cats and Dogs" writing about Project Mercy: 

“We have been to auctions as purchases and witnesses and this was actually at the puppy mill,” says Marino. “This mill was disgusting – this was one of the worst we’d seen. The ammonia stench was so bad the experienced rescuers were vomiting and had to leave the kennel. Dogs were shaved that day so we couldn't see how matted they were.”

The above quote is a real account of an auction--auctioning off puppy mill dogs. If you still can't "wrap your head" around the above statement, I recommend reading the whole blog entry (see blue underlined hyperlink).

 The entry goes on to say, "a lot of rotten teeth, ear infections and eye ulcers." Most of Joe's teeth are simple gone due to rot and him trying to chew himself out of his kennel. I took him to the vet yesterday (5/08) for his eye. "He's third eyelid is not out, but it was in the past and is now damaged." Meaning? He was denied vet care.

Over the course of several weeks, I've been trying to figure out why I hate puppy mills so much. We must understand that breeding is a very lucrative market. Goldendoodle puppies go for $2,000+, black labs are over $500.That being said, many people get into the breeding market for $$$. 

1. Stud dogs (and momma dogs, too) are overly and carelessly bred. I read somewhere that it's mostly because of puppy mills that there's so many Cocker's out there that have eye and ear problems. 
2. Just read this. 

To me, all the assumptions about Joe are true. He was dumped someplace because he was no longer useful. 

This is Joe today. Yes, he's a boy. But he's color blind, right? 

With hard consistent work, there's no doubt in my mind that Joe will be a healthy, fantastic family dog. I mean I potty trained him in 8 days while my parent's were on vacation. So, I mean....he's fantastic. 

90% of dogs sold at pet stores come from puppy mills. Don't contribute to them! Your local animal shelter probably has the more perfect dog for you. And unfortunately, probably has "pre-owned" puppies. 

A note: I understand that animal shelters shouldn't probably even exist. In the perfect world, everyone would take thoughtful consideration into getting a pet. Getting a dog (or any pet) is a major decision. They are not something that should be bought for a "surprise." Thoughtful consideration must be taken. I waited four years...until I was out of school and we lived in the country...until we got a dog. By the way, we still have our cats and they will always be our first pets. I love all my critters...equally.