A Puppy Mill Is No Place For A Dog

Rescuing Baby Clancey From A Puppy Mill
It wasn't until after I brought my puppy home that I learned he was born in a puppy mill. A puppy mill is no place for a dog. Rescuing a Shih Tzu is my story of how I came to abhor these terrible, abusive conditions. It's also about the act of unconditional love that we can all learn from animals, especially our dogs.
Those who believe that dogs can't talk
have never looked deep into the trusting eyes..
.
never learned how to interpret the body language...
never listened to the expressive barks and growls,
nor observed the "talking tail" as it wags,
sometimes high and sometimes low,
sometimes fast and sometimes slow.
But what's been missed the most of all.
Is the unconditional love given so freely.
Written by Audrey Hunt - all rights reserved 2011
Healthy Dog Food
Puppy Crates Crowded and Filthy
As I pulled up to the address I was given during a phone conversation, I tried to picture in my mind, what the the little shih tzu puppies would look like. At the same time, a small feeling of guilt started stirring inside me. It hadn't been all that long since my 1 yr old yorkie, Buddy, had to be put down. I had a difficult time recovering from such a sad goodbye to my little friend. And now I didn't want to be unfaithful to him.
As my thoughts suddenly snapped back to the present, I stepped out of my car, walked to the white front door and knocked. A young lady in her early 20's opened the door, and without saying a word, led me to the garage.
On one side of the garage were all of these crates, stacked 3 high on top of each other. Inside each crate were an array of puppies, not all of them were shi ztus'. These poor puppies were obviously very neglected. For instance, the crates of puppies from the top crate relieve themselves which then drops into the crate below.
As I was analyzing the situation, I heard the 20 something young lady ( I use the term loosely) murmur, "The 2 puppies in the bottom crate are shih tzus' and are brothers. Ya' wanna look at 'em?" I answered "yes, let them both out."
Sad but True - About A Puppy Mill
A Shih Tzu Puppy - Love at First Sight
Two adorable tiny shih tzu puppies were taken from the crate and set on the concrete floor before me. One went one way and one went the other, trying hard to make its way to me. We connected immediately. I gently gathered him up, wishing that I could afford to take his brother too. I paid the young lady and out of the house we went.
The little guy smelled so bad from being neglected. Even so, I held him close to me and cuddled him to let him feel my love and protection. He was safe now. He would never suffer neglect again.
The next stop would be to the vet.

Home and Happy
After our trip to the Veterinarian, and a bag full of medications, with another bag full of healthy dog food, we headed for Clancey's new home. He must have liked his unfamiliar surroundings, as he scampered and played, then slept like a baby. He was learning to like his new home. My daughter, Lisa, slept with him and trained him, looking after him like a mother hen. A love affair was brewing.
Clancey and I have been together for 11 years. The love I feel for him is unlike any I have felt before. He has been through every challenge, heart break and trial right beside me. In so many ways, he has taught me how to love.
I know that one day I will have to let him go. I can't imagine life without him.
Life Lessons Learned From Our Dogs
Unlike most of us, a dog loves totally, completely and unconditionally. It would do us well to observe the many ways our dog does this and to appreciate them more because of it. As I have said, I learned so many lessons from Clancey about life and about love.
- Never take love for granted. Little surprises, here and there, including just "showing up" bring excitement and joy.
- Sometimes you must put anothers needs before your own. When others really need you, you must be there for them, during the tough times as well as the good.
- It's important to play a little every single day. Even if its only a short break, its good for you.
- We all have our own needs, so its important to respect each others boundaries.
- Each one of us need love.
- Never abuse love and trust. Abuse is a terrible thing and both humans and canines never forget it.
- Go on a walk each day. This is one way we can respect and love our bodies.
- Its not necessary to speak out loud to communicate. It can be done through the touch and eye contact.
- And the biggest lesson on love that we learn from our wonderful dogs is - forgiveness.
Yes, a puppy mill is no place for a dog and we each have a responsibility to do what we can to stop this inhumane abuse and treatment.
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/what_you_can_do_stop_puppy_mills.html
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/puppy_mills/advocate_guide.pdf
Thank you for making a difference.
An Up Date
My precious, beloved Clancey passed away and is with my son, Todd and the angels.
Thank you my little Clancey for tugging at my heart the day I took you from the shameful place you were fighting so hard to survive in. You were a great teacher for me and I miss you every day. We will be together again one day. I love you so.
Thank you for reading and rating my hub. I appreciate it very much. Leave me a comment.
I would love to hear from you.
Comments
I'm so very glad that you rescued Clancey, Audrey. Puppy mills are horrible places. I know how badly it hurts to lose a beloved dog, but you did a wonderful thing in rescuing Clancey. He had a great life with you which he may not have had if you hadn't adopted him.
Such precious babies.....the video of the puppy mill was very upsetting to view. My heart is breaking and I felt a need to rescue them all.....get them well and showered with love.
This is one of those facts of life I have such a tough time with, Audrey and knowing makes us feel helpless for these little creatures.
You gave Clancey a wonderful life and I know how much love he gave to you..... UP+++
I've come here very late but that doesn't mean I don't understand. These "little people" are God's gift to us and how we treat them shows what kind of person we are. Certainly you are a wonderful person.
You and Clancy were a perfect match, that's easy to see. I've lost my little friends in the past, I can't seem to be without one, and each one takes a piece of my heart with them.
As for puppy mills, there is a demon waiting somewhere for those that run puppy mills!
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
Dear Audrey,
What a difference three years makes...! My dream has come true and Clancey is indeed good friends now with Aunt Baby, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in May, 2014... and I know they wait for us both.
Not a day goes by that I don't miss my Baby girl and I believe she misses me too...I know you understand that, Audrey. In the meantime, WE are good friends and that means the world. Love you, Maria
Audrey, I'm so sorry it took me so long to get to this post. I have to say the video makes me want to puke! I used to live near Lancaster and I always thought the Amish were a humble people that respected the earth and all living beings (although they don't like humans who use electricity, zippers and automobiles).
Thank goodness you saved Clancy and the two of you had a wonderful life together! I can feel your pain in losing him. I've lost dear pets in my life and will continue to do so because every home needs a pet and every pet needs a home.
This is a heart-wrenching but heartwarming piece at the same time. God bless you and all those who rescue our beloved animals.
What an adorable pooch. I love the photo of the binky. Our pets are such great family members and will always hold a place in our hearts.
Your video is so cute. What a treasure Clancey was. I hate puppies’ mills but some are legal and get away with what they do. We just adopted a puppy from a shelter. We knew he was coming in from San Bernardino the shelters out there kill these pups almost as soon as they get them. A lady in our town goes out there to save them and bring them back here. We are so glad we have him.
Great hub voted up and shared.
I remember when Clancey died. I know you still miss him and always will. My Gizmo is part Shih Tzu. He is nearly 10, and I can't imagine life without him. We are together all the time! I truly believe that your Clancey is in Heaven with your son, and I know that when Gizmo leaves me, he will wait for me, too. Bless you for the life you gave Clancey.
It is so sad that puppy mills exist. It is no wonder that many of the puppies that come from them are sickly and do not live long lives. Your little Clancey was lucky and obviously so were you to have had him for 11 years. I will never understand how humans can be so cruel to animals to treat them like that. How would they like to live surrounded by excrement and filth?
Thanks for raising awareness about puppy mills and thanks for sharing your beloved Clancey with us. UUB votes and will pin that adorable picture of Clancey in the snow to my Aren't dogs great! board.
Hi Vocalcoach... love your little friend Clansey and the love that you have for him. Pets are so amazing once a bond of love has been formed. They are more like people than pets and when they leave us we feel the same.
I have a little Hananese that looks almost exactly the same. I call her "Quigley" and she has personality and loves being around this house. One word and she is ready for anything. Great hub...
Hugs from Canada
What a wonderful story. Clancey is adorable. Sometimes you just connect. We have too saved dogs, previously abused. There.s nothing like the love and devotion of a saved dog. Up and awesome.
Beautiful and touching story! I love pets and was drawn to the poem and your Clancy. I know the guilty feeling when you lose a pet and bring home a new one. We finally brought home a new puppy after the loss of our Nazoo 18 months ago. It was nine days after mom. When I think about my baby my eyes still well up ; but my new bundle of joy reminds me so much of him. Thanks for sharing and thumbs up!
Lovely story! Your Clancy looks a little like my Toby; although, I don't think Toby is a Shih-Tzu. I certainly hope that breeder was stopped in her tracks!
Voted up and awesome! :)
Thank you for sharing. What a sweet hub.
Clancy has stolen my heart! This is a delightful treat of a hub. The life lessons you shared are good advice and worthy of a vote up on their own, but Clancy steals the show. Thanks to God you were able to save him.
I envy you being able to scoop him up and hold him for pictures. The love of my life, a French Mastiff named Ever, is not scoopable, but I would not trade her for anything.
Thank you for making me smile.
Eleven years together? Did I read that correctly? That is a very long time. What a touching story. Rated up.
I have three rescue dogs and I couldn't agree more about what you said in your article. Mine are very precious to me. I can't imagine how people can be so cruel. It breaks my heart to hear about what some animals have to endure. Clancy won the dog lottery when you found him.
I enjoyed reading your story. It reminds me of my first dog and the happy times we had together.
vocal,
I had to weigh in HEAVILY in favor of this FABULOUS tribute to one cool pooch! I love Clancey and wish my Aunt Baby could be pals with him...!
I have learned my best lessons from my furry friends...voted UP and UFABI, mar!
A spectacular pup and a wonderful Hub to frame him just right. Rated Up and many others.
What a sweet dog Clancey is! Adorable Hub.
Clancy is a gem and one of the prettiest shih-tzu's I've seen (some have very pronounced lower teeth! I hope you two enjoy each others love and fun for many years to come. Rated up.
Thank you so much vocalcoach for your generousity of spirit in your words.
Voted up very interesting
Nice information and Clancey was so beautiful. Thanks for share with us. Have a good day! ~prasetio
Oh Audrey- he is the absolute cutest guy. I didn't know you were such an animal lover like me, even more to make you so special Audrey! Clancy is amazing and you are lucky to have each other. This is the best story, rated up awesome and beautiful of course....
Hi VC, what a wonderful heartwarming story, Clancy looks adorable and it sounds as though you have had a wonderful 11 years together.
Thank you for sharing.
You are a very special woman and Clancy touch the hearts of many people through your story of him. You should feel really, really good. Have a great and wonderfully beautiful day.
I loved this pice. How fortunate Clancy is to have found you. Up and beautiful.
What a great story VC. Clancey is one lucky dog! Although there are many, my favorite line is "The love I feel for him is unlike any I have felt before." I totally can relate to this feeling. Have a great weekend!
Sharyn
I really enjoyed your "Lessons on Love." They were all perfect- from a dog's point of view- and lessons that we should remember. Very well written hub! Voted up!
I loved the way you used your observations of your prescious Clancy and other dogs as a love lesson for us all. Am so glad you've had him to help through the good and bad times during the past 11 years.
Thanks for the chuckle at the end of the hub with the photo titled, "Donald Trump's Dog".
Voted up across the board.
This is such a sweet story. I was feeling sad about your puppy's sibling, then I realized it was 11 years ago! Thanks, Vocal!!
What a Beautiful Story of you and "Clancy" and (so far) 11 years of Companionship...What a Treasure you both have found in one another, Lots of Love. I tear up easily as I read your Hub Audrey for I had my BIG Belgium Shepard "Brandy" also for 11 almost 12 years and oh the memories...For he's now in Dog Heaven. Thanks for sharing this Lovely story.
Tears, Tears are running. You are a good Mummy for tiny dogs and so sorry about Clancy.
Pets are a safe someone a person can depend on.;)
Oh man...I want one! I once read an article written by a veterinarian stating that animals (dogs and cats) are not capable of love or displays of affection. I immediately came to the conclusion that he was an alien and had never had a pet. Remember the pooch who lost his family in the tornadoes a few months back, and with two broken legs managed to find his way home to the family he LOVED? Look at how they take care of disabled people. I'm glad you and Clancy have each other. This was a two hankie hub...*sniff* Voted up, and across the board. "Liked", too!
Oh, I just loved this. Your love shines through. Clancy is adorable. I want another doggie. Why the Puppy mills are allowed, is a question i've asked many times. Not long ago, a semi truck was stopped, there were several dead puppies inside. He was charged. Thank you for sharing Clancy.
This hub is about your little pup that is truly your little child, and like babies, all dogs and puppies respond by the love given to them directly. I wrote a hub called "Poor Puppy" recently about a dog in my neighborhood that is so ignored and the neighbors next door are the ones that really feed and water him, but he needs so much more than that. Thanks for sharing.
Aww Audrey, that's very touching. You're so right about the unconditional love. It's not just a means of getting a treat, I feel the dog really wants to be with you, and can tell if you feel the same, or not.
I can totally relate. I lost my buudy Pran a while back (whom I wrote a hub about). Thanks for writing this.
An adorable dog, a wonderful write up by his mother and a great celebration of love together :) God Bless
Clancy is absolutely adorable and how could you not love a precious dog like that? I love the way that you wrote this hub and I smiled the whole time I was reading it. Rated up, awesome and beautiful.
What a sweetheart Clancy is. I know what you mean about being so smitten with a pet...my four-legged daughter, Sugar Pie, is my best buddy...I love her like my grandkids! Very touching hub...good job! voted up and tweeted this.
vocalcoach,this is an amazing hub and really loved the very first line: "My name is Clancey and my mom is a vocalcoach and she loves me"! Both of you are lucky to have found each other.
I am also a proud mother of a four year old lab.I just love him like anything. He is my darling and an apple of my eye!
thank you for sharing this. voted up!
Clancey gets the Academy Award for cuteness and lovableness. You are both fortunate to have each other.
Dogs are well-known for displaying unconditional love for their owners even when said owners mistreat them. Thanks, Audrey, for this interesting hub and great photos. Rated up, of course.
I'm a sucker for doggie tales! Your Clancey looks adorable, and what he's taught you is quite priceless! :)
What a beautiful story. How precious is Clancey.
I voted up and beautiful because this is a beautiful story. It brought both tears and smiles. The lessons are ones that we all can benefit from in every way possible. I am so happy you shared this wonderful love story.
I have seen things like this too - I am so glad you got Clancy! I love my animals like crazy - I can tell you do too:) I love that - up and awesome and every single button!! So cute!
What a cute little fluffball. We rescued our dog from a puppy mill. No telling how many litters she had but thank God she's with us now. What a pleasure to baby and protect her now.
It does sound like your love has been well rewarded. Voted UP.
He is gorgeous. The little ones need us so very much. Puppy mills should be illegal. Ninety percent of them are poorly run and the animals suffer greatly. Thank God and you that Clancy is out of there. I just love that precious face of his!
Awww, how sad !
He's a great little puppy and you sound so happy with him. I'm glad you rescued him and, with you, I'd like to save them ALL! No animals deserve that treatment.
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