What is a Puppy mill Let Humane Society Explain It To you

Can you imagine forcing your pet dog to live his or her entire life in a small wire cage with no human companionship, toys or comfort, and little hope of ever becoming part of a family? That is what life is like for a puppy mill breeding dog. Help us stop this cycle of cruelty that contributes to pet overpopulation and the suffering of countless dogs.
Puppy mills have been around for decades. They continue to thrive because they prey on unwitting consumers who are smitten by too-cute-for-words puppies in pet store windows and on legitimate-seeming websites. Puppy mills house dogs in shockingly poor conditions. After their fertility wanes, breeding animals are often killed, abandoned or sold cheaply to another mill to try and get "one more litter" out of the dog. The annual result of all this breeding is millions of puppies, many with behavior and/or health problems.

Learn how to shop smart if you're thinking about getting a dog, and help us spread the word about the cruelty behind the cuteness.

You have to check out Petshoppuppies.org......

The one thing pet store customers want to know more than anything is "Did my puppy come from a puppy mill?" Unfortunately, this is a question that only you can answer. What is a puppy mill? Is it illegal; is it filthy; is it hidden in the backwoods of country; are dogs starved and abused? For a moment, let us assume that the answer to all of these questions is "yes," but let's also look at the commercial dog industry and its practices, and then you can be the judge as to whether your puppy has originated at a puppy mill.

In 1966 Congress passed the federal Animal Welfare Act. The Act, as we will refer to it, was passed after public outrage at a growing business of stealing dogs and selling them for research. The original Act only regulated animals being sold to research, but four years later in 1970, the increasing wholesale business of selling puppies to pet stores left a gaping hole in the oversight of these wholesale kennels that were hidden from the public eye.

Normally, dog breeders were self-regulated -- if a breeder had sick puppies and filthy living conditions for the breeding dogs, the consumer would take one look at the kennel and head the other way. But by the early 70's times had changed and puppies were being shipped in vegetable crates -- packed full of puppies with the hope that some survived the trip, via airlines and even cargo trains. As the media began to focus on the way dogs were treated in wholesale kennels and the way puppies were shipped from coast to coast, the public again asked Congress to address the situation. The 1970 amendments to the Act began the licensing and inspection process of anyone wholesaling puppies. The "wholesale" term is applied to anyone breeding puppies that is not selling to the final consumer -- the family that will make that puppy a part of their family.

USDA licensed breeders mass-produce puppies, often by the hundreds or even thousands, and then wholesale them to brokers (middle-man) or pet stores. Most of us know that USDA is responsible for making sure the food we place on our tables is safe and wholesome, but few people know that they are also responsible for ensuring that the puppies we bring into our home from pet stores are coming from a healthy environment where the adult dogs are housed and cared for in a kennel that meets "minimum standards."

Minimum Standards. What are minimum standards? PetShopPuppies has obtained several undercover videos that show you exactly what it is like for a dog living under "minimum standards." We could take the time to explain many of the regulations and standards that make up a USDA licensed kennel, but as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words -- and a video is worth a million words. To see for yourself the standards that the mothers and fathers of pet shop puppies live in, view their VIDEOS at their site. They have a fabulous website.

Great info from Petshopuppies.org......

According to the data we have collected in over 6000 puppy reports, there are approximately 1500 pet stores in the U.S. that sell puppies.

Pet stores vary from small "mom and pop" stores to large franchise stores, but all claim they don't get their puppies from puppy mills. Are they lying, and if so, how can they get by with lying? The truth is that most pet stores get their puppies from brokers (middle men licensed by USDA to buy and sell puppies on the wholesale level). The brokers buy their puppies from mostly USDA licensed breeders. To better understand how USDA licenses breeder and brokers, visit our page on puppy mills. While you and I may have no doubt in our minds as to whether a USDA licensed kennel can be a puppy mill, it is simply our own interpretations -- pet stores have a right to their own opinion, so technically, they have not lied to you.

Pet stores often claim they visit all of their breeder's personally. This, from our experience at PetShopPuppies, is an outright lie. If a pet store tells you this, you need to be informed and ask the right questions. How many dogs did the breeder of this puppy have? Can I have a copy of their USDA inspection? Did the puppy's parents live in the house or in kennels? Are the kennels raised wire hutches? How large are the kennels? Can you give me the breeder's phone number so that I can call them? Chances are, the pet store owner will refuse to answer any of your questions to your satisfaction.

Pet stores often have a health guarantee; there are many things you must watch for before you buy a puppy from a pet store. Will the guarantee cover ALL medical expenses, regardless of the cost? If you spend $800 on a puppy, and the puppy requires a $10,000 hip surgery, will the pet store pay for it? Will the pet store only let you use their vet? What if you don't feel your puppy is being properly cared for -- will they cover the cost of a vet of your choice? If not, why? If your puppy dies from a disease such as parvo, will the pet store refund your purchase price, or require you to get another puppy that might also be sick? If your puppy suffers from hip displaysia two years after your purchase, will they cover the cost of the surgery -- will they refund you the price of the puppy -- or will they require you to bring the 2 year old dog back to them for a new puppy? Read your guarantee carefully -- you will likely find that your choices should your puppy become ill, are not an option for you and your family. Your puppy is not a defective toaster, it is a part of your family.

Report from PetShoppuppies....

Cases:
ID: 11097
Date Submitted: 5/18/2010
Breed: Chihuahua
Date Purchased: 4/27/2005
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #190
Details: No problems noted.


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ID: 10892
Date Submitted: 4/20/2010
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Date Purchased: 5/8/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Critters Pet Shop, Inc.
Details: Healthy


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ID: 10313
Date Submitted: 2/2/2010
Breed: Schnauzer Bichon Frise
Date Purchased: 1/30/2010
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Alsip Nursery
Details: Upper respiratory infection; giardia; hypoglycemic; being evaluated for bile duct shunt


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ID: 10235
Date Submitted: 1/25/2010
Breed: Basset Hound
Date Purchased: 7/1/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #250
Details: In second home after being turned over to a shelter.


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ID: 10090
Date Submitted: 1/7/2010
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Date Purchased: 1/5/2010
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Pampered Pets AKA Pass Pets
Details: Healthy


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ID: 9962
Date Submitted: 12/25/2009
Breed: Golden Retriever Poodle (Standard)
Date Purchased: 12/22/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Healthy


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ID: 9800
Date Submitted: 11/30/2009
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Date Purchased: 3/14/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #176
Details: Severe Hip Displaysia, xrays confirm no sockets in either hip.


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ID: 9445
Date Submitted: 9/27/2009
Breed: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Date Purchased: 2/8/2007
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Country Living Pet Resort
Details: Kennel cough.


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ID: 9384
Date Submitted: 9/17/2009
Breed: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Date Purchased: 7/20/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland Hoffman Estates
Details: Never received registration papers


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ID: 9371
Date Submitted: 9/15/2009
Breed: Dalmatian
Date Purchased: 9/27/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Healthy; not AKC registered.


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ID: 9351
Date Submitted: 9/13/2009
Breed: Golden Retriever
Date Purchased: 9/12/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #250
Details: Healthy


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ID: 9257
Date Submitted: 8/30/2009
Breed: Golden Retriever Poodle
Date Purchased: 5/9/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Puppy Palace
Details: Healthy


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ID: 9041
Date Submitted: 7/29/2009
Breed: Anatolian Shepherd
Date Purchased: 9/21/2003
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: Alsip Nursery
Details: Limping and stiffness at age 6.


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ID: 9046
Date Submitted: 7/29/2009
Breed: Golden Retriever Poodle
Date Purchased: 7/12/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Alsip Nursery
Details: Diagnosed with an upper respitory infection and a seroma on head 2 days after purchase; Followed shortly after by kennel cough; ear infection; giardia; coccidia.


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ID: 9037
Date Submitted: 7/28/2009
Breed: Pomeranian
Date Purchased: 4/19/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Pampered Pets
Details: kennel cough, ear mites, parasites


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ID: 8860
Date Submitted: 6/24/2009
Breed: Miniature Pinscher
Date Purchased: 6/8/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Alsip Home & Nursery
Details: URI


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ID: 8828
Date Submitted: 6/16/2009
Breed: Chihuahua Dachshund
Date Purchased: 5/10/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: No problems noted


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ID: 8733
Date Submitted: 6/1/2009
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Date Purchased: 10/1/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Pampered Pets
Details: Severe overbite; aggression with toys, food and towards children; been through multiple homes


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ID: 8180
Date Submitted: 3/11/2009
Breed: Schnauzer (Miniature)
Date Purchased: 11/11/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Puppy Palace
Details: Healthy


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ID: 8160
Date Submitted: 3/9/2009
Breed: Basset Hound
Date Purchased: 1/24/2009
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Pampered Pets
Details: Healthy


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ID: 8113
Date Submitted: 3/3/2009
Breed: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Date Purchased: 3/1/2009
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: Puppy Palace
Details: Kennel cough.


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ID: 8047
Date Submitted: 2/22/2009
Breed: Golden Doodle
Date Purchased: 2/15/2009
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: Petland Batavia
Details: Hernia repair.


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ID: 8045
Date Submitted: 2/21/2009
Breed: Dogue de Bordeaux
Date Purchased: 4/23/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland Lewis Center
Details: Hernia; bloody diarrhea; constant skin and ear infections.


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ID: 7775
Date Submitted: 1/9/2009
Breed: Golden Retriever Poodle
Date Purchased: 10/26/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Puppy Palace
Details: Healthy.


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ID: 7410
Date Submitted: 12/6/2008
Breed: Golden Retriever
Date Purchased: 10/18/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Pampered Pets AKA Pass Pets
Details: Parasites


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ID: 7070
Date Submitted: 10/27/2008
Breed: Golden Doodle
Date Purchased: 10/24/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: No problems noted


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ID: 7055
Date Submitted: 10/24/2008
Breed: Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier
Date Purchased: 10/23/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Pampered Pets AKA Pass Pets
Details: Healthy


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ID: 7012
Date Submitted: 10/17/2008
Breed: Schnauzer (Miniature)
Date Purchased: 9/27/2008
Broker: :Schindler, Herman & Bonnie
Petshop: Petland #240
Details: Cough.


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ID: 5962
Date Submitted: 7/6/2008
Breed: Pug
Date Purchased: 6/29/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #176
Details: Coccidia; rash on belly; black spots and wart or mole by eye.


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ID: 5755
Date Submitted: 6/8/2008
Breed: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Date Purchased: 12/20/2007
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland AKA Friendly Pets
Details: Kennel cough;diarrhea; vomiting.


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ID: 5650
Date Submitted: 5/26/2008
Breed: Shih Tzu Maltese
Date Purchased: 1/27/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Kennel Cough; Coccidia; "innocent" heart murmur that went away with age.


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ID: 5534
Date Submitted: 5/9/2008
Breed: Lhasa Apso American Eskimo
Date Purchased: 5/8/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland Lewis Center
Details: Kennel Cough


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ID: 5121
Date Submitted: 4/5/2008
Breed: Dachshund
Date Purchased: 11/17/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Puppy Palace
Details: Healthy


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ID: 4778
Date Submitted: 2/29/2008
Breed: Chihuahua Dachshund
Date Purchased: 2/26/2008
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: Petland AKA Friendly Pets
Details: Kennel cough.


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ID: 4758
Date Submitted: 2/27/2008
Breed: Shih Tzu
Date Purchased: 8/29/2007
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland Lewis Center
Details: kennel cough, eye surgery


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ID: 4674
Date Submitted: 2/19/2008
Breed: Golden Doodle
Date Purchased: 2/16/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: The Pet Shop
Details: Parvovirus, Giardia


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ID: 4655
Date Submitted: 2/18/2008
Breed: Boxer
Date Purchased: 2/14/2008
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Healthy


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ID: 4332
Date Submitted: 1/11/2008
Breed: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Date Purchased: 12/21/2007
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Slight cough and runny nose


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ID: 4099
Date Submitted: 12/10/2007
Breed: Dachshund
Date Purchased: 8/23/2007
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: Petland
Details: coccidia; upper respiratory infection.


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ID: 3182
Date Submitted: 7/22/2007
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Date Purchased: 7/20/2007
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #258
Details: No problems noted.


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ID: 3125
Date Submitted: 7/13/2007
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Date Purchased: 4/30/2004
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Alsip Nursery
Details: allergies


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ID: 3114
Date Submitted: 7/11/2007
Breed: Golden Doodle
Date Purchased: 7/7/2007
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland Lewis Center
Details: Healthy.


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ID: 2900
Date Submitted: 6/13/2007
Breed: Boxer
Date Purchased: 8/28/2005
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: healthy


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ID: 2689
Date Submitted: 5/11/2007
Breed: Golden Retriever
Date Purchased: 1/18/2002
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: Petland
Details: Kennel cough


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ID: 2683
Date Submitted: 5/10/2007
Breed: Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Date Purchased: 6/16/2004
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland Carriage Place
Details: Hard to housebreak.


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ID: 2498
Date Submitted: 4/8/2007
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Date Purchased: 1/13/2007
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Healthy.


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ID: 2405
Date Submitted: 3/27/2007
Breed: Chihuahua Dachshund
Date Purchased: 3/3/2007
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: hernia repair; kennel cough


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ID: 2242
Date Submitted: 3/6/2007
Breed: Basset Hound
Date Purchased: 5/31/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #258
Details: bi-lateral elbow displaysia; found that puppy had already been spayed.


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ID: 2083
Date Submitted: 2/13/2007
Breed: Golden Doodle
Date Purchased: 12/28/2006
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: Puppy Palace
Details: Healthy


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ID: 728
Date Submitted: 8/4/2006
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Date Purchased: 2/4/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #258
Details: Hernia repair, retained testicle, retained baby teeth.


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ID: 623
Date Submitted: 7/20/2006
Breed: Golden Doodle
Date Purchased: 7/20/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland Lewis Center
Details: No problems noted.


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ID: 302
Date Submitted: 5/14/2006
Breed: Golden Retriever
Date Purchased: 4/26/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Kennel cough.


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ID: 230
Date Submitted: 4/27/2006
Breed: Chihuahua
Date Purchased: 4/27/2006
Broker: The Hunte Corporation
Petshop: Petland
Details: Considering purchase.


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ID: 73
Date Submitted: 4/5/2006
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Date Purchased: 4/2/2006
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: Puppy Palace
Details: Healthy


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ID: -3738
Date Submitted: 1/18/2006
Breed: Shih Tzu
Date Purchased: 1/8/2006
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland #258
Details: Hernia repair, ear mites, kennel cough, eye strabismus.


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ID: -3474
Date Submitted: 12/8/2005
Breed: Dachshund
Date Purchased: 11/28/2005
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Healthy


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ID: -3225
Date Submitted: 10/17/2005
Breed: Poodle (Miniature and Toy)
Date Purchased: 7/25/2005
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: Healthy


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ID: -3199
Date Submitted: 10/10/2005
Breed: Shih Tzu
Date Purchased: 5/6/2005
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Puppy Palace
Details: Healthy


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ID: -2535
Date Submitted: 2/20/2005
Breed: Miniature Pinscher
Date Purchased: 2/18/2004
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Petland
Details: healthy


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ID: -1521
Date Submitted: 3/24/2004
Breed: Affenpinscher
Date Purchased: 11/14/2003
Broker: Unknown
Petshop: Pampered Pets
Details: Coccidia and bladder infection.


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ID: -1284
Date Submitted: 2/2/2004
Breed: Shih Tzu
Date Purchased: 6/24/2003
Broker: :Schindler, Herman (Tony)
Petshop: All Creatures Pet Center
Details: Healthy.


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Breeder:

Name: :Griesbauer, C. & Foster, M. & Stille, M.
DBA: Country Pets
Address: 88 Davis Rd
City: Montgomery City
County: Montgomery
State: MO
Zip: 63361
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USDA Inspections:

Description:
Date: 6/3/2009
Inspection File: 43-A-1843.pdf
Notes: The inspection date does not reflect the actual date of inspection, but instead the date in which our databases were updated with the most recent inspection. Normally this file will contain inspection records between 2006-2009.
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Description:
Date: 2/11/2004
Inspection File: 43-A-1843_FEB-11-2004.pdf
Notes:
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Description:
Date: 1/28/2003
Inspection File: 43-A-1843_JAN-28-2003.pdf
Notes:
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Description: CATHY GRIESBAUER, MARY FOSTER & MARIA STILLE
Date: 6/6/2002
Inspection File: None Available
Notes: In the whelping buildings, the linoleum is broken off in parts of the floor in one building and the wooden floor in the other building is no longer impervious to moisture. The wood surfaces housing the dogs are also in need of repainting or replacement. This affects 264 dogs. To be corrected by July 6, 2002.

Previous non-compliances that have been corrected:

3.1 (a) and C - The dog houses with holes in them have been repaired and the indoor housing is being spot cleaned daily and sanitized every 2 weeks.

This inspection was conducted by Cathy Griesbauer, owner and Jami Niemann, VMO.
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Inventory:

Date: 6/15/1999
Species: Puppy
Count: 225
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Date: 6/15/1999
Species: Adult Dog
Count: 317
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Date: 3/22/2000
Species: Puppy
Count: 163
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Date: 3/22/2000
Species: Adult Dog
Count: 361
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Date: 7/2/2007
Species: Adult Dog
Count: 528
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Date: 7/2/2007
Species: Puppy
Count: 235
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Date: 7/31/2008
Species: Puppy
Count: 262
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Date: 7/31/2008
Species: Adult Dog
Count: 550
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AKC Suspensions:
I have no suspension information for this breeder.
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Miscellaneous:
Cathy Griesbauer, Mary Foster, Maria Stille

NEVER LEAVE A PET IN A PARKED CAR!
If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet!

HUMANE SOCIETY OF MISSOURI HOT WEATHER PRECAUTIONS

Summertime heat can be brutal, especially for pets. Keep them safe and cool.

Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is more than 70 degrees.

When it is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows cracked open. Leaving a pet in a hot, unattended car is inhumane, illegal and can cause severe injury or even death within minutes.

Act immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car.

A pet showing signs of distress such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse needs IMMEDIATE attention.

Call the local police and the

ANIMAL ABUSE HOTLINE
314-647-4400

Outdoor pets need access to fresh, clean water and shade at ALL times of the day.
If you run or jog with your dog, take frequent water breaks for yourself and your dog.
Do not bicycle or rollerblade with a pet.
When the weather is dangerously hot, keep pets inside.
For more information on how to care for pets during the summer months, visit the Humane Society of Missouri website www.hsmo.org or e-mail info@hsmo.org .

I'd pay this puppy to come over and tell HP what I think of their laptop today !!!

Victory !!! Fox Penning Banned In Florida

Record Number of Children Speak Out for Foxes and Coyotes at FWC Meeting
Yesterdays Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Lake Mary, Florida, was standing room only as an attentive quiet descended on the 250 people assembled there. "I am an athlete, a swimmer, and a basketball player " stated a 10 year old girl who was speaking to the FWC Commissioners, "if Fox Penning is a sport I would be ashamed to call myself an athlete". FWC Commissioners were captivated by the children's eloquence, and courage as they advocated on behalf of the foxes and coyotes who are chased by packs of dogs with no hope of escape and a certain, bloody death.

A record number of 12 children and youth overcame any fears of public speaking knowing that persecuted wildlife needed their voice. Finally, after approximately 55 people spoke against fox penning and 17 people for, the FWC Commissioners stated that Fox Penning will be prohibited in Florida. Please, scroll down to see photos.

Bravo to the children, all of the individual animal activists and organization representatives who took the time and expense to travel the distance to speak or spread the word about this heinous practice that belongs in the same arena as dog fighting and bear baiting. Training Not Torture was formed when a Florida family living next door to a fox penning operation heard the cries of a coyote victim, half of the children who spoke came from this group. They will be featured in KidsHelpAnimals.com Kids News page along with the other animal hero kids who attended.

Thank you to HSUS, Peta, ARFF, the Pegasus Foundation, Florida Voices for Animals, the SPCA/Wildlife Care Center-HSUS, Safe Harbor, Big Cat Rescue, Tampa Bay for Animals and the compassionate, animal advocates who read about the FWC meeting in Letters to the Editor in every major Florida newspaper for their articulate contributions to yesterdays victory.

Thank you to FWC Commissioners for last Novembers undercover investigation resulting in 12 arrests of fox penner's and for their humane, decision to prohibit fox penning in Florida, Please, take the time to thank them at Commissioners@MyFWC.com

When we all band together, firm in our resolve to rescue other animals from exploitation and abuse, we succeed.

Susan Hargreaves
kind2all@bellsouth.net
Direct line # 561-575-5517
http://www.humaneeducatorsreachingout.com/
2 minute video about humane education http://www.humaneeducatorsreachingout.com/video.htm

Humane education is long term life insurance for the animals and the planet.- Susan Hargreaves

The ASPCA Needs Our Help.....

As you may already know, there is a large loophole in the federal law concerning USDA oversight of large-scale commercial dog breeders (known as “puppy mills”). Currently, breeders who sell to brokers and pet stores have to be licensed by the USDA, while those who sell puppies directly to the public do not.

Introduced in Congress in late May, a bill called the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act will bring all commercial dog breeders in the United States under federal oversight by requiring any breeder who sells or offers to sell more than 50 dogs annually to the public—including over the Internet—to be licensed and inspected. The bill will also require all licensed breeders to exercise every dog daily.

The PUPS Act is extremely important humane legislation that will improve the lives of thousands of dogs across the country. We hope we can count on your support to help us get it passed.

What You Can Do
Now more than ever, it is vital that members of Congress hear that puppy mill reform is important to their constituents. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to email your senators and representative to urge them to support and cosponsor the PUPS Act.

Thank you for your continued support of the ASPCA and our nation’s animals!

Is Your Dog Afraid Of Fireworks ???

The fourth of July is almost upon us. While it is a time for many dogsters to celebrate the independence of our nation, for many American dogs the 4th of July is the most terrifying holiday of the year.

I’m “lucky” in that we only live about a mile away from a baseball stadium where there are frequent fireworks nearly all summer long. The fireworks are such a common element in our environment, my dogs hardly notice them. But sound phobia and sensitivity is not uncommon in dogs. Many dogs react fearfully to loud, booming noises like fireworks, gunshots, cars backfiring, and thunder. While dogs do not generalize obedience behaviors well, they do tend to generalize fear and phobia well, as this is a survival mechanism. Many dogs who are afraid of fireworks are also afraid of thunderstorms or other loud noises, and the protocols for therapy are the same for all noise phobias.

The following three internet resources may be helpful to you in understanding how best to help your dog through Independence Day and summer thunderstorms.

1. Lisa Spector of “Through a Dog’s Ear” for Dog Star Daily: 8 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm on July 4th

2. Patricia McConnell, PhD and canine behaviorist: Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

3. Last, but certainly not least, is a project undertaken by British behavior professional and fellow Dog Star Daily blogger Karen Wild. Karen has created what is the most thorough resource I’m aware of on addressing fireworks phobia specifically, www.dogsandfireworks.com.

Karen has written a fantastic, free e-book on the subject, and provides a downloadable .mp3 recording of fireworks sounds which can be downloaded to your iPod or laptop for use in desensitization sessions. The video at the top of this blog entry is from Karen’s Youtube page, “The Wild Paw”.

My own tips to clients dealing with fireworks phobia are as follows:

Don’t be afraid to give your dog comfort. As we discussed in fearful dog week, the idea that one reinforces fear through comfort is a myth. Be your dog’s advocate – do whatever you can to make her feel better during the storm.
Consider implementing some of the calming aids we discussed in fearful dog week, including sound therapy and perhaps a ThunderShirt.
Avoid taking your dog to a fireworks display. If you must leave her on the 4th, put her in her safe place and leave soothing music playing in your absence.
Keep your dog on leash at all times when outside for walks or potty breaks, even if you are not near a formal fireworks display, even if you are in your own backyard or neighborhood where she is reliable off the leash.
People may set fireworks off at family BBQs or picnics, so it’s best to leave your dog home if you’ll be attending these events. If you insist on taking your dog, keep her on leash! One of the most reliable dogs I ever knew off leash ended up disappearing and never being seen again when someone unexpectedly set off fireworks at a bonfire his owners had attended. Frightened dogs are unpredictable dogs – use management tools to keep your dog safe.
Hopefully, these tips will get your dogs through the holiday with minimal stress. The 4th of July is Mokie’s birthday, so make sure you give your dog plenty of treats to celebrate with us!

Missourians For The Protecton of Dogs......

My.MissouriForDogs.com empowers those who care about dogs to take action and organize in support of the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, a citizen-backed ballot initiative that will improve the lives of dogs in commercial breeding operations in Missouri. Here you can host and attend local events, raise funds, and connect with other supporters to power the campaign and win in November! You can even use your existing Facebook and Twitter accounts to log in and participate.

Missourians for the Protection of Dogs is comprised of many individuals, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations, including the Humane Society of Missouri, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and The Humane Society of the United States. But the success of this campaign – and the dogs who are suffering in Missouri’s puppy mills – depends on you. Join the campaign today.

Going Humane In The Heartland

June 16, 2010, 6:12AM MT
By Best Friends staff

Following two recent store closures, group continues peaceful protests of final Pampered Pets location

Ongoing peaceful protests of locations selling puppies is making a difference in St. Louis, Missouri, area. Despite a hiatus for a few months to help with signature gathering for the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, after 18 months of rallies, the Chesterfield Mall Pampered Pets closed its doors in mid-May.

Then, less than one month later, the Pampered Pets location in Mid Rivers Mall in St. Peters, Missouri, has shut down.

This group of dedicated volunteers has been quite active and worked hard in other areas as well. According to Leanne Fritsch, one of the protesters, their rallies had a key role in halting puppy sales at an Illinois VFW Post and a flea market in Missouri.

“Our protests are peaceful, we hold signs and offer literature to people who are interested,” says Fritsch.

However, the group continues their peaceful protests at a third Pampered Pets location, at St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

“Education is the key,” says Fritsch. “When people realize the conditions the parent dogs ‘live’ in their entire lives, that commercial breeders treat dogs as livestock and hypocritically sell their offspring as ‘cherished family pets,’ they will no longer buy from these puppy mill outlets.”

How you can help:

Located in the St. Louis area? Join their Pampered Pets protest in Fairview Heights, Illinois, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon every Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at the intersection of Illinois Street and Lincoln Highway in front of the Red Robin. Contact seanjjordan1@gmail.com or see their Facebook page for more information.
The public is also welcome to join the group’s other weekly peaceful protests:
- Petland at Shoppes at Hawk Ridge on Lake Street in St. Louis, Missouri, every Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (park by Jiffy Lube)
- Missouri Puppy Expo at Mid Rivers Mall Drive and Suemandy Drive in St. Peters, Missouri, every Sunday from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
For additional information, contact Heather at letmeoutandloveme@yahoo.com or Leanne at banmopuppymills@yahoo.com .

By pledging to adopt from a shelter or rescue group, instead of buying a pet store puppy, you can help end puppy mills and help create a world of No More Homeless Pets.

A Must Watch For Dog Lovers......

Puppy Mill Defination by ASPCA.org

What Is a Puppy Mill?
A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality. This results in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects.
-ASPCA.ORG

Make Adoption Your First Option!

If you’re looking to make a puppy part of your family, check your local shelters first. Not only will you be saving a life, but you will ensure that your money is not going to support a puppy mill. There are many dogs waiting for homes in shelters all across the country—and an estimated one in four is a purebred! Your second option is breed rescue. If your heart is set on a specific breed you haven’t been able to find in a shelter, you can do an Internet search for a breed-specific rescue organization.
-ASPCA.ORG

Smiling Dog Farms......

A rescue friend has helped us enter IAMS "Home for the Holidays" Contest...
We have a chance to win as much as 1500 lb of dog food!
You can see how happy and excited our babies are about this contest!

We need you to help us by voting for us every day!

To do that you will need to register.
It will take a little time, but the questions are not invasive.
And once you register that first time, you can easily and quickly vote each day after that

1. Go to http://www.iams.com/iams/pet-adoption.html

2. Click on "Cast Your Vote" next to pic of dog and cat

3. Click on Register Now and complete the form

4. Smiling Dog Farms will be listed under Wharton, Texas, or alphabetically.

The second time you vote will be much easier!

Today, we are 85 votes ahead of yesterday --
THANKS TO YOU!!!

But we need 158 MORE votes to catch up to second place!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!
If you can get someone else to vote for us, please do!

Jay Hellerich, executive director
smiling dog farms
a 501(c)3 corporation
wharton, texas
979-559-1062
www.smilingdogfarms.org
http://smilingdogfarms.blogspot.com


Please become a Smiling Dog Partner to Support Our Work
Your Monthly Tax-Deductible Gift Gives Hope to the Forgotten,Neglected & Rejected
Just click on http://smilingdogfarms.org/Donations_Page.html

SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance

If you want to help SEMO Rescue earn money but it doesn't cost you anything ,you can help by using the GoodSearch to earn money for this rescue. Every time you do a Search on Good Search or make a purchase we earn money...all you have to do is use GoodSearch ........if you decide to sign up ( it is free) I thank you for helping.........


What if SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance(Lilbourn MO) earned a donation every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can!

GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 30 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting your favorite cause.

And if you download the GoodSearch – SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance(Lilbourn MO) toolbar, our cause will earn money every time you shop and search online - even if you forget to go to GoodShop or GoodSearch first! Add the SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance(Lilbourn MO) toolbar at http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/semo-animal-rescue-alliance

Laura H
SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance, Inc.
501 (C) (3) non-profit / no kill rescue.
Lilbourn, MO. 63862

DO NOT BREED OR BUY WHILE MILLIONS DIE IN SHELTERS
SHOW YOU LOVE YOUR PET, SPAY AND NEUTER BEFORE 5 MONTHS OF AGE. THEY WILL LIVE LONGER, HEALTHIER LIVES.

Exciting News For The Dogs In The Pound In St. Louis

City of St. Louis
F r a n ci s G . S la y,Mayor
Department of Health
Pamela Rice Walker, MPA, CPHA
Interim Director of Health
Melba R. Moore, MS, CPHA
Commissioner of Health
For Immediate Release Contact: Harold Bailey
June 4, 2010 314/657-1568
baileyh@stlouiscity.com
St. Louis City Announces June Animal Adoption Events
It’s a new day at the City of St. Louis Department of Health’s Animal Shelter on Gasconade Ave. Thanks
to a new vision for the Shelter and renewed partnerships with numerous animal support agencies the care
for animals in the City of St. Louis is undergoing a fresh start. Adoptions and transfers to animal rescue
groups will be two of the main focuses of the Shelter’s new vision. Euthanasia will be conducted on
animals only as a last resort.
City residents are being encouraged to adopt pets from their local shelter and help prevent euthanasia by
spaying and neutering their pets. “If we are going to eliminate euthanasia of adoptable animals we must
promote and encourage pet owners to spay and neuter their pets,” said Pamela Walker, Interim Health
Director for the City of St. Louis.
During the summer the Shelter will participate in at least two animal adoption events each month. Three
events are planned for June.
Sunday, June 13th from 11:00 A.M. to 3;00 P.M. several Shelter animals
will join nearly 20 shelter and rescue organizations for an animal adoption
event at Plaza Frontenac (outside Saks Fifth Avenue). The event is being
hosted by the St. Louis Petlover Coalition. The Purina Incredible Dog team
will perform and persons in attendance will have an opportunity to win a silver
dog bone charm donated by Tiffany at Plaza Frontenac.
Sunday, June 13th from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. adoptable animals from the
Shelter will be featured during the St. Louis OpenStreets Celebration. The
animals will be at the Health Department’s information stations on
Washington Ave. near Strauss Park. Director of Health Pamela Walker
will also be on hand with adoption information at this Grand Center site.
Saturday, June 19th from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. the Shelter will host a special
summer animal adoption event. During the event adoption fees will be reduced
by as much as 50% to encourage adoptions. Potential pet owners could save
approximately $50.00. The City is working closely with its partners to transition
animals out of the Shelter and close the Gasconade facility by the end of the
summer. Representatives from the Health Department, Animal House and
Stray Rescue will be at the event to share plans for the future care of animals
in the City. Also, between 1:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M. Randy Grimm, well known
dog rescuer will be on hand to autograph copies of his latest book.
Animal adoptions are always available at the Shelter at 2120 Gasconade (Gasconade and I-55) Monday
through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., and on Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For
additional information contact the Shelter at (314) 353-5838.

Spay and Neuter of Kansas CIty, Missouri

Mark Your Calendar
Have you heard of the Bob Barker's? The Spay & Spare's?

No, they are not the latest rock bands BUT they are the HOTTEST bowling teams in Kansas City!

BUT...you have not missed the boat!

Join us: SUNDAY, JUNE 13th, 1:00PM
9 Pin No Tap Tournament
Check-in no later than 12:30!!

Strike N Spare Bowling Lanes
40 Hwy. Independence, MO

$20 per person, 3 games
Prizes paid out to first 300 bowled
Door prizes, Raffles and FUN!


Come out and meet Tamara Scharfenkamp, our Director of Operationsand while you are out- bring some pet supplies to donate, get your very own SNKC T-Shirt, bowl or just join us for the fun.

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SNKC!!!

Contact Us:
email tamara@snkc.net or contact Strike N Spare at 356.1900.