Thousands of puppy mill dogs live in terrible inhumane conditions. They are bred over an over again until they are no longer useful. These adult dogs, along with young dogs (no longer those cute little puppies) that didn’t have a buyer, are frequently killed. The Puppy Mill Rescue Team, in coordination with two veterinary clinics, has arranged for these cast offs to be surrendered to the clinics where they receive any necessary medical treatment. Once that is complete the dogs are given to approved Rescues for continuing care and rehoming. When NCCR has foster homes available, we have been been able to take in a few of these puppy mill dogs, but we are in need of more foster families.
Puppy mill dogs need time to make the transition from often unsanitary conditions in overcrowded cages, to life with a person or family in a real home. Some dogs adjust in days, others can take longer. NCCR supplies the food, vetting and anything that is needed for basic care. If you have the time and patience and want to help prepare a puppy mill dog for his or her forever home, just fill out the application to foster (at the link below) and we will be in touch! https://docs.google.com/…/19IXJlXWb2hSmpAJqwysD6DZOGzt…/
Emma was a recent puppy mill intake. To give you an idea of what fostering a mill dog is like, this is from Emma’s foster mom. “When the call comes out for a foster for a puppy mill dog, you can’t help but wonder what kind of shape it will be in, but you jump in with both feet because they need you. These dogs are often filthy with urine soaked fur, overgrown nails, etc. so a much needed bath is usually step one. Slowly and carefully you come down to their level with a soft voice and touch and try to make that first connection to let them know it’s going to be alright.
I welcomed Emma to my home on April 4th. “Ems” as she affectionately became known, had all the usual puppy mill idiosyncrasies. Most prominent, the fear of touch and sound, engaging “lawn ornament” status with each touch. We had to work on housebreaking issues which took about 3 weeks. Understanding, patience and time brought Emma out of her shell; she began to trust! My resident dogs helped immensely in her transformation. Emma loved the outdoors, this is where her inner dog came out! Scampering around and playing with me and my furgirls.
The first time they approach you to explore you is a breakthrough. Then as days progress, they begin to come out of their shell wanting to see the world around them; their discovery of toys, the feeling of their body finally relaxing as they sit next to you. The transformation may take weeks or months, but it is the most beautiful thing to be a part of. You, yourself can say job well done, but the bigger picture is how you have made a difference and changed one scarred/traumatized dog’s stars. On June 7th, Emma went to her wonderful furever home.”
From Emma’s new mom: “Emma and I are doing great and making slow, steady strides each day. She is eating well, sleeping well and has been able to stay on her own without any issues. She
plays well with her toys and loves to run around in her big yard. I just love having her here with me and look forward to each day . Thank you so much for helping me find my forever friend. Foster mom, Lynn Marie, has also been so wonderful through this whole experience.”
Here is Emma in her forever home.
“It takes a special person to adopt a mill dog, to continue their journey. Yet so worth it, the bond is unbelievable.”
Would you like to help the “Emma’s” in need? If you have any questions about fostering, please don’t hesitate to call (716-326-7297) or send an email to adoptions@caninerescue.org. We would love to be able to help more dogs.
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Post Date
June 29, 2019
NCCR Volunteer
