Puppy Mills: Don't support them!

Puppy mills supply pet stores with an endless stream of purebred puppies.  Their female dogs lay in cramped cages; their only job is to birth more puppies.  Some dogs do not even get to stand on grass in their lifetime.  The conditions are poor and most of them fear human contact.  It is a world that you do not want to support.  If you cease form purchasing pet store dogs you can slowly put an end to some of the booming puppy mills. 

                Puppy mills are sometimes closed down because of the poor conditions.  The dogs are then taken to the nearest shelter and checked out by the veterinarians, so many of the dogs do not make it.  You can support the dogs by adopting them from the shelter.  But you should not support the puppy mill owners by buying their purebred dogs.

                A cousin of my friend adopted a dog that was rescued from a puppy mill.  The dog could not sit down correctly.  He lived a cramped cage for too long and it made his life a little harder.  Why would you want to support people who do not like their animals enough to properly take care of them?  It is a disgusting place to choose to raise animals. 

If you truly love animals you would want the best for them before they are adopted as well as after.  You can voice your opinion and make a change that will help thousands of dogs that desperately need your help and care.

The Adoption Story of a Shelter Cat Named Jorge

My best friend, Leah, really wanted a cat.  She had a cat named Whiskers growing up but he had passed away a few years ago.  By chance she stopped by our local animal shelter with a friend who happened to be looking to adopt a cat.  While Leah was looking around she locked eyes with the biggest orange cat she had ever seen.  His name was Jorge.  (Leah and her boyfriend pronounce it like George.)  He was brought to the shelter injured from being caught in an animal trap.  He had large wound on his side and was quickly operated on.  He is fine now, but is still a little sensitive when it comes to touching his side.    Jorge hadn’t been at the shelter too long before Leah had seen him, but, right away she knew she had to have him.  Leah visited Jorge at the shelter two times to just hang out with him.  She then begged her boyfriend to adopt Jorge and keep him at his apartment, which allowed animals.  (She lived in an off campus apartment that didn’t allow pets.)  Leah’s boyfriend adopted Jorge as a Valentine’s Day present for their 1 year anniversary.

Jorge is now a very happy cat, living a pretty wonderful life as not only a pet but a member of their family.  He lounges on the back of their couch and snoozes underneath their bed.  But sometimes if he’s feeling really needy, he will rub his face on your leg to grab your attention. 

  Adoption does not only change your life, it changes your pet’s life too.

Why Pet Adoption is Better

Pet adoption is the best way to give a home to an animal that needs one.  Whether you are adopting a horse, cat, rabbit, or dog-you are changing its life for the better.  Crowded shelters are always in need of people to adopt and care for their animals.  By adopting you are clearing a space in an overcrowded building and filling an empty space in your heart.  If you are considering adding another member to your family always check the shelters first!  The purebred pets will find homes, and that's a fact.  But, if you never look at shelter first, you could be passing up on an amazing and loving pet.  I feel so strongly about this cause because my pets mean the world to me and I would not want any pet to feel like they’re not wanted.  Their life span on this Earth is very short and all they want is companionship.  If you show them love and respect, they’ll always return the favor.

I know that my life would be completely different if my parents had not adopted our mixed breed, Ruby Jean.  She is honestly one of my best friends and I love her so very much.  I just know that she loves me too.  She is one of the smartest dogs that my family has ever had and with such a personality.   Whenever I come home from college she is always the first to greet me at the door and last to say goodbye when I leave.  If I could bring her to my apartment here in Lock Haven, I would in a heartbeat. 

Always check your local animal shelter and donate your time or money.  Both are always needed!

If you live in or around Lock Haven , PA stop by the Clinton County SPCA.