A short story … My encounter with the Puppy Mill Mentality.
Many years ago a former friend of mine bought a puppy (a female Yorkie) from a pet store (aka puppy mill), against my pleas and wealth of information. The dog was in sad shape (sick, malnourished, timid, food aggressive) but her 2 sons (aged 7 and 4) really wanted a dog and she wanted a cute little purse dog to carry around with her (she actually said she wanted to look like Paris Hilton – YUCK!). She spent so much $$$ purchasing the dog, and on bags, toys and accessories but complained about how much the Vet was as well as the huge time commitment to take it for it's shots. (Yeah right .. it take soo much time to go to the vet). Trainers and classes were too expensive and took away from family time. She eventually decided that since it had the first 2 rounds of shots, it didn't need anymore. She feed it grocery store food and over the next few months it spent more time in its crate (in the
garage because the barking drove them crazy) then it did outside. I can give you the laundry list of behavioral complaints, but you guys already know what they would be. One day, as she spoke lightly of having to give it to the pound because of it's "horrible behavior", she said "let it be some other poor fools problem". I responded, "I might just be that fool. Your failure to be a strong leader and good owner could mean the end of Tipper's life". She said it would be better off.
That day, I decided I was better off without her friendship. Tipper ended up at our local shelter and two weeks later she ended up in my home. I spent more $$ and time with her that I have with any other animal. And for the 4 years we were blessed with her, she gave us so much joy. In the end, her puppy mill start and her lack of proper care in her first year ended her short life. But I know that she was a happy, well behaved and loved pet and that she enjoyed her life and it ended with dignity and grace. I ran into this former friend about 2 years after we adopted Tipper, while taking the dogs for a walk. She had a new puppy with her, a Maltese I think, and was toting her new baby as well. We exchanged pleasantries and she commented on how my dogs were always so well behaved. (She shared with me the saga of the last 2 dogs she had acquired over the years, but allergies and a move caused her to have to give them up
) But as we talked, she started doting on the cute little yorkie sitting nicely at my feet.
"Oh" she cooed, "this one is adorable!!! I didn’t think you liked Yorkies.” “I really don’t, but she is a doll,” I replied. “If only Tipper had been a good dog, like this," she exclaimed. I took a deep breath, gathered up my crew with a "Let's go Sammy, Indy ... Tipper." And as I walked away, I turned over my shoulder and said ...
"She is."
I might be a nut, but I think that animals should have the same respect in regards to quality of life as humans do. I am on fire this morning ... not sure why, but this issue has just brought to the surface some feelings that I really try to keep in check. It's nice to finally have an outlet for them here, with people who understand. I appreciate the opportunity you give me to share, and vent, these feelings.
The problem is that his immune system is bad. So that means it can come back at any time (and it has before). Thankfully if Smudge has a serious outbreak of it Fluffy has little to no chance of getting it. 
