UplandFeathers

The facts I’ve learned regarding puppy mills and animal shelters are as follows:

• 99% of all animals are sold in pet stores or on the internet and are born with inhumane and abusive conditions.
• Dog shelters are overpopulated with some receiving over 500 dogs monthly. Unclaimed or unadopted dogs are euthanized to make room for other dogs. Sadly, in the U.S. up to 4 million dogs put down yearly.

After becoming aware of this heartbreaking issue we decided our next dog, as well as any future dogs, would come through rescues, shelters or reputable breeders. And even if you have a particular breed in mind, there are rescues for most of them. And a way to save a dog is not through buying one from pet stores--unless you ask questions about where the dog was born--it only fund’s the terrible abuse and keeps the puppy mills churning. We also wanted to to put words into action. We felt compelled on adopting a female because they get take the brunt of the abuse at puppy mills forced to produce litter after litter, until they are no longer needed for profit. We signed up at the GSP resuse website and began our search. Very soon we began to read the stories of these dogs and wanted to adopt all of them. As all rescue stories can break your heart so will Bella’s. Here’s her story… For starters, we were told she was 5 when her true age is at least 7. This was found out through what paperwork we had been given. Her eyes truly tell her life story. We had her groomed almost immediately due to her strong odor, and they needed to bathe her twice, and yet she still smelled. The groomer also informed us that her ears were “atrocious” and her nails were “horrendous.” Since we have bathed her twice more, and the odor is better, but surprisingly still present. Medically, she was in need of 4 vaccines, one of which she was never given. Bella was underweight to the point where her rib cage was fully visible and the the bumps of her spine showed down her back. She gained 4 pounds within the first week with us, a little more weight the next week, and now is back to a healthy weight. Unfortunately, she was never given any heartworm medication her entire life and is lucky to be alive since she was kenneled outside for many years. She came to us with having hookworm, lyme, anxiety, and conjunctivitis. She is being medicated for all along with follow-ups. She may also need to have a one of her canine teeth removed soon because it is cracked. Apparently, the cracked tooth happened a year ago when she sustained major injuries by chewing through a wire kennel, and escaping because she was left alone and like most GSP can have a high level of anxiety. She chewed and pushed her body through the wire fencing and is scarred from her belly down her right leg. The injury was severe and her hair will never grow back in certain areas. Her teeth were very yellow and were never cared for either. It’s amazing that in a short time what better dog food, greenies, and rawhides can do! Her teeth have already come along way, not to mention her level of security, affection, and her upbeat personality. Despite all these issues, she is very lovable and known to be a great bird dog. She has pointed several times on our acreage as well as on walks. And as far as Cooper is concerned, she’s a keeper!