EBHS Unleashed

Wow! I just heard on TV and the radio that Petland sells puppies from puppy mills! What an incredible development that the HSUS spent much time and money investigating. They could have saved those resources by calling me, because anyone that works in animal welfare in this area could have told them without any doubt that of course Petland sells puppies from puppy mills. We know the puppy mill breeders, so we know exactly where they come from.

What reputable breeder would hand over a puppy to be sold in a pet store? Not any reputable ones that I know of. I cannot tell you how many people surrender puppies here at the shelter, that they bought on impulse, had them overnight, realized they were overwhelmed and tried to return the dog to the store only to find out that the store would not take the dog back. No refunds! They would not even take the dog back and not offer a refund. How is that for being responsible, Petland?

Here is how the puppy mill system works. Breeding farms raise hundreds and sometimes thousands of puppies a year depending on the size of the puppy mill. These dogs are sold to puppy brokers, usually for about a hundred dollars each. The puppy mill brokers then have contracts to sell these puppies to puppy stores, Petland being the largest in the U.S., I believe. The brokers sell the puppies for a few hundred dollars, then Petland marks up the puppies a couple more hundred dollars.

So, the consumer who loves the look of say a Cavalier King Charles spaniel will walk into a pet store and see one for $900 or more, and think well, that is a great price for that trendy breed. They have maybe looked into breeders that charge at least that and more for a Cav puppy. What is the difference, right?

Well, Petland puppy was conceived and whelped by any two dogs thrown together for breeding purposes, they could even be littermates. Breeder puppy has parents that were shown in a ring, have gotten championship titles for being the best of the breed in that competition. Their parents were tested for genetic problems that can be passed down, and they themselves would also be tested for any problems that occur in the breed.

Petland puppy did not see a vet until they arrived at the pet store, but it would have received several vaccinations more than it needed, given to prevent the spread of disease. Breeder puppy has been to the vet at least once since it was born, and was properly vaccinated.

Petland puppy was taken away from it's mother and littermates too young to learn lessons like bite inhibition, and are often socially underdeveloped. Breeder puppy stays with it's litter until around 10 - 12 weeks. This puppy learned how to play nice with others, is not fearful, and has gotten the best possible start in life, going from a home to a home.

Petland puppy was given to it's new family because they had a credit card, cash or check. Maybe they came in on a whim. Maybe they think shelters are dirty, and they do not like having a background check done on them. Maybe they do not know where to find a reputable breeder. But they want a puppy. Today. After spending a few minutes with the puppy, they are sold a puppy and a bunch of supplies and are sent on their way.

Breeder puppy's new family have know about him/her since before they were born, or shortly after. Often the breeder will wait to match personalities to a new family. She will save the show quality pups for show families, and then find families for the other puppies that for whatever reason (like markings, structure, personality) are not destined for a breeding program. These are still wonderful puppies. This family has seen pictures of the puppies each week, have watched them grow up, and are fully prepared to take the puppy home after waiting 10 weeks.

While both puppies now have families, who had the best start in life? Who's life was started in a chicken coop type cage exposed to the elements, and was brought into this world just to make a buck?

When Petland puppy has behavior problems, training issues, or develops genetic issues after the 1 year "warranty" is Petland going to care? I think not. When breeder puppy has these issues, the breeder is always there for the new family, and will replace or take back a dog no matter what.

So, now that it is on the news will people listen? Did they listen when Oprah said that pet store puppies come from puppy mills? Some people thought so. Yet, we see pet store dogs each week surrendered here because the cute little puppy grew up and needs too much attention, or it costs too much to take care of. Or they are not home enough to take care of a dog.

Well thank goodness we now have confirmed that Petland sells puppy mill puppies. I have been around long enough to know that things will never change, and Petland and other stores like them will find another source or another way to justify selling puppies to make money.

I will just thank goodness for shelters and breed rescue groups, because until people stop wanting to instantly satisfy ever whim they get, including buying a little puppy in a store because it was so cute, but without realizing the commitment they are making, places like EBHS will always be available for these animals. Petland sure isn't going to be.

How many times have I written, and lectured, and warned people about deer this time of year? I thought  I was doing a good job at cautioning people and advocating for the deer. Apparently, the deer did not think so.

While driving with my daughter the other night a doe leapt in front of my car. This is one of the stories I always hear, about how the deer jumped right in front of a moving car and in the back of my head I am thinking that this person was speeding, not paying attention, or was otherwise distracted. A deer would not jump right in front of a moving car, would they? They can't be that dumb can they? They sure seem to be able to avoid most of the hunters I know.

I slammed on my brakes, steering straight ahead, not wanting to hit the oncoming car in the opposite lane. Fortunately, my car stopped about a foot away from her, I can still see the details of the fur on her face and the white of her eye. As I sighed with relief that I missed the deer, my car shuddered from a slam on the passenger side as one of this doe's older fawns (there were two, one managed to stop and dart away) ran into the car and then ran back into the woods.

Don't worry, it did not even have a limp when it ran away.

My car, however, was not as fortunate.

I really cannot complain though. I think everyone in Wisconsin either has experienced a deer vs. vehicle situation or knows someone personally who has. A former neighbor lost her stepmother when her father was driving and hit a tree while trying to avoid a deer. I have insurance, so I will pay my deductible, and get my dent removed. I am just thankful that my daughter was not injured.

When animals do things like that I always think of Gary Larson and his Far Side cartoons. How the animals were always smarter than the people. I can conjure up in my head the two young deer back in the bushes panting with one of them mocking the other for being so clumsy. Humans always tend to personify the animals.

That is why I yelled into the woods at the deer while inspecting the damage to my front passenger side fender. I know he feels contrite after my verbal tongue lashing, and I am sure he will never do something so dangerous again. But just to be on the safe side, I will take the long way from now on to avoid the roads more wooded.

I am not looking for a rematch.

I hope everyone is out voting! Please go vote if you have not done so already!

I feel especially rested after getting back the hour I lost in the spring due to daylight savings time. I have gotten through the mountain of paperwork on my desk, and I am feeling chatty today! So let's share!

We have adopted out almost all of the 12 puppies that were on the floor last Friday - which is wonderful! They were a great group of dogs that will be excellent family members. They started off in one of our best foster homes, where they were born, and then went to some other great foster homes until they could be spayed and neutered, and now they are beginning their lives with their new families. I am so excited for them all!

Keanu the husky mix also just went home today. I really liked him, he had such a great personality. We have another dog, Indie on the floor. He is a pit mix who looks like the worlds largest French Bulldog. I would totally adopt him if my husband would let me. He is great with everyone! He does snort a bit, but that is because he is a little overweight. I think it lends him some charm.

I am sure that I am not the only one who has noticed the large amount of deer running around lately. There was a news story about how car vs. deer incidents are on the rise here in Wisconsin, and I really believe that! I cannot stress enough how important it is to be vigilant while driving during this time of the year when deer are enjoying mating season and paying even less attention while they dart across roads. There is never a winner in a car vs. deer situation, so protect your car, your family, and your life by making sure you use caution on the roads. If you see one deer run by stop immediately and wait as they usually travel with friends, or their older fawns who are apt to wait for them to safely cross a clearing (or road) and then run after them.

I have also seen tons of wild turkey around my property lately. There is a small flock of them, running around my yard. The strangest thing is to see them perched in a tree. It seems so unnatural to see a turkey in a tree, but that is because I am used to Thanksgiving type turkey which are so big they could never get off the ground. I feel their pain!

We had a new group of kids from Lad Lake start here at the shelter. Each group lasts 8 weeks. We are looking for some adult volunteers to work with us and them on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They are with is from 9:30 to 11:00am. We work on obedience training with the dogs, and some shelter work, like washing dishes and mopping floors. That kind of thing. If you are interested, call Carol Sumbry at the shelter (262-782-9261), and we can get you set up. It is really fun working with the boys, I enjoyed the last group a lot, and this group is already a lot of fun!

Well, I am going to go home and start watching the election results in a few minutes. I wonder what the world will be like tomorrow? We will have to find something else to talk about now, which is fine with me. I would much rather talk about the shelter animals anyway!