That Puppy In The Window

Tis the season for gift giving. And surprises. And festive physical distancing. I always cringe when I see animals given as surprise gifts for the holidays. Somewhat because I'm a grinch. But mostly because I wonder if the receiver is ready for a long term, expensive commitment. And I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when I see a purebred "teacup" puppy obtained from a pet store or online, chosen from multiple litters, or picked up from a "farm" in Lancaster or Ohio. That all screams puppy mill puppy to me. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) defines a puppy mill as a high-volume dog breeding facility that breeds puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the pups and their mothers. Dogs from puppy mills can be sick and unsocialized. Mill animals are typically sold through internet sales, online classified ads, flea markets, and pet stores. The majority of puppies sold in pet stores and online are from puppy mills. So, are all dog breeders bad? Absolutely not. Responsible breeders exist. And, in fact, puppy mills are giving good breeders a bad name. Responsible breeders provide a loving, clean, and healthy environment for animals. Responsible breeders don't overbreed the mother. Responsible breeders will be happy to meet with you in person and show you where the animals are born and raised—and where their mom lives too. Responsible breeders care how dogs are treated and aren't focused on profits or "registration papers." American Kennel Club (AKC) and other types of registration papers only tell you who a puppy's parents were, not how they were treated or vetted. Don't be dazzled by fancy paperwork. Pennsylvania is one of the worst states in the country when it comes to puppy mill pet fraud. That is because Pennsylvania is one of the worst states in the country for puppy mills. HSUS publishes an annual report, "The Horrible Hundred," which is a list of problem breeders and sellers in the United States. The report is published annually to warn consumers about sick, underweight or injured dogs, unsanitary conditions that spread disease, inadequate food or water, or a lack of proper shelter from the heat and cold. Pennsylvania has six operators on the 2020 report. Ohio has nine. If you have a strong stomach, you can read the report here: https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/2020-Horrible-Hundred.pdf So what happens if you've already purchased a mill animal? Or if someone you know experienced misrepresented puppies, sick puppies, or problems with an animal purchase? You need to report it to the PA Attorney General's office at petscams@attorneygeneral.gov It's just one of the ways to stop the cycle of suffering at mills. So, how do you thoughtfully give a pet as a gift? Well. You don't. Instead, give a gift certificate to a local rescue or shelter. Buy a food dish and toys or a pet carrier or bed with the gift certificate. The gift recipient can choose and adopt their new animal after the holidays are over - it will be much less stressful for them and the new pet. The recipient will also be able to choose an animal with a temperament and personality that matches their own needs. And don't forget to take advice and feedback from shelter and rescue workers. They know the rescue animals' personalities, and who is a best fit. Animals who are matched as a best fit based on personality and temperament not only make a house a home – but that animal also has a better chance of staying in that home for the long term. Happy Holidays to you and your furry friends. Cheers from us at The Citizen!