Why You Should Never Ever Buy a Puppy from a Pet Store
by Wag Reflex at 1:44 PM PDT, March 19, 2009
I know I’m preaching to the choir here on Wag Reflex, but I feel the need to ask this… After everything in the news about puppy mills, who in their right mind would buy a puppy from a pet store or even over the Internet? If you love dogs, the last place you should be shopping for one is in a pet store or online (with the exception of adoption sites like Petfinder.com, of course).
Near my hometown of Seattle, we’ve seen two, alleged puppy mills raided in the last month with nearly 600 dogs seized and now living at the Everett Animal Shelter or in foster homes. These dogs were rescued from deplorable conditions--sick, matted, covered in feces and urine, crammed into cages--one dog even needing an eye removed. Many have tumors or other physical abnormalities and several dead dogs were found on the properties.
I know this is hard to read, but I am outraged and sickened by this as well as discouraged that people continue to sell and buy dogs in pet stores--just perpetuating this scourge.
With that said, I am also encouraged by the outpouring of support and donations from the community--people reaching out to help these dogs--something I’m sure these poor animals have never experienced in their lives.
If you would like to donate dog food or money for medical expenses to the Everett Animal Shelter’s nonprofit agency, ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation), you may do so by calling 425-257-6000 or visiting the ARF Web site at www.everettarf.org.
Thank you for letting me vent.
Photo from the Seattle Times.
--Brandie Ahlgren, CityDog Magazine
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Brandie Ahlgren is the publisher of CityDog Magazine and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex. Subscribe to CityDog Magazine here.
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