May 11, 2009 6:42 pm US/Eastern
Puppy Mill Dogs Find New Leash On Life In N.Y.
Rescued From Possible Death In Missouri, Some 200 Pooches Comes To Long Island, Where Love Awaits
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. (CBS) ―
Unloved and unwanted in Missouri some 200 dogs are finding greener pastures in New York. They were rescued from a puppy mill where they could have faced death.
Now, they are getting a chance at life.
The hopeful cross country journey for the rescued puppies over Mother's Day weekend ended in Port Washington amid cheers and tears.
"The important thing is to get them settled in, make them feel safe," said Joanne Yohannan of North Shore Animal League. "This poor little dog has probably never been held like this in its entire life."
Crate after crate of cocker spaniels, Chihuahuas, mini-pinchers and Jack Russell terriers, were carried off the semi tractor trailer from Missouri where the puppy mill was raided.
"This for us is the payoff. We're in the trenches. We're in the puppy mills every month or two," said Theresa Strader of National Mill Dog Rescue. "It's hard for us. It's hard for us to witness what these people do to these dogs for profit."
There were yellow labs, golden retrievers, and poodles on leashes, with everyone in attendance craning for a look or a touch.
"You want to bring everyone home, but of course you can't," said Richard Gazurian, who hopes to adopt. "But I hope they all go to great homes."
Some of the puppies and adolescents had never been held before. And some adult dogs used for breeding had lived their entire lives without ever taking a step outside a wire cage.
The pooches were given vaccinations, their toenails were clipped, and the matted hair and fleas were shampooed from their coats. They were towel dried and haircuts were given to all.
"You want to make right everything that was done wrong for so long," hopeful adopter Lynne Przychodzki said. "You are making a true difference."
The puppy mill dogs from horrible conditions were sold to pet stores and then to unsuspecting customers. Those unwanted by large commercial breeders are typically killed.
"There done with them. They would basically take them out back and possibly shoot them," said Kristina Lange Lewis of the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons.
Already dozens of hopeful families are calling and e-mailing after grooming and psychological evaluations and medical checks. Later in the week, puppies may be ready for adoption.
North Shore Animal League America plans to charge a $200 adoption fee for each dog. For more information on adopting these dogs, please click
here.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Tantalizing World Of Tigers
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments