Faces of a Puppy Mill

Piglet & Little One

Rita, "Piglet" & "Little One"

I find it truly amazing what a bit of time and caring can do to change an animal's life. When these two arrived at our house right after their removal from the puppy mill, they had no life. Neither one of them had ever been to the bathroom anywhere but right there where they were.
They had no walking skills and couldn't eat dry food because of the infections they had developed in their mouths, making eating dry food painful.

We began immediately to walk them at least 6 to 8 times a day. This was no easy feat because they would sit and refuse to move. When they were able to make it a few feet, we just kept pushing for more. In the meantime, we had to add water to their food so that it was soft enough for their teeth to grab and eat. Now we have two dogs that are completely potty trained. One can even use our large doggy door. They are eating regular dry food and enjoying it. They play and their lives are turning around. The vet tells us their teeth need to be treated and that the loss of muscle tone in their bodies is severe.

We will continue to love them and work with them. Animals need the same respect that we ask for. If they had been given a home with someone to love and care for them this would have never happened.

Rita
Volunteer, Foster Mom
Suncoast Animal League