Puppy Mill Awareness Day

According to www.holidays-and-observances.com/pet-holidays.html, there are actually two observances that fall on this day and in a way, are linked to each other. Puppy Mill Awareness Day and Responsible Dog Ownership Day both fall on the third Sunday of September and as I see it, the two are interconnected on so many levels!

We all know the ugly stories connected with puppy mills, shake our heads in disgust, and express our anger at how such reprehensible practices can be allowed to go on. But, many of us may not realize that we are indirect supporters of such inhumane operations.

In a world of "political correctness", we're told not to mention the fact that certain farming communities, where the use of electricity is prohibited and horse-drawn carriages are the norm, are the worst offenders in this evil scheme. Churning out puppies by adult dogs who live in deplorable, disease-ridden barns and are bred every heat cycle, and destroyed when they can no longer "produce".

Yes, it is a problem of colossal proportions and it will take an enormous amount of work by scores of dedicated folks to reduce (it's unlikely it will ever be totally eliminated) the problem. New laws, enforcement of those laws, and above eductation of families adopting pets are only a few of the ways that we can make any kind of difference.

So how does Responsible Dog Ownership relate? Well, at the very least, anyone wishing to adopt a dog should refuse to purchase from a pet store (they are almost entirely stocked with puppy mill victims), visit the breeder and ask to see the parents and the living quarters, and ensure that a valid CKC certificate and veterinary records have been provided.

Or better yet, adopt a rescue!! There are hundreds of reputable organizations filled with every breed, size, and age of dog imaginable living in foster and just waiting for a loving family to claim them as their own. Reputable rescues will have ensured proper vetting, spay or neutering, micro-chipping, and socialization has been done to give each rescue the best chance at living life to the fullest as a loving (and LOVED) family member!