A Puppy Mill Is No Place For A Dog

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

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.