September 14, 2007

Dear Labby:

I attend the morning story meetings in the newsroom most days, but I tend to nap through them. Yesterday however, I woke up when I heard the words "puppy mill." Huh? Everyone seemed really sad about this story. What's a puppy mill?

Chow for now!

Parker

Dear Parker:

Oh dear, this is indeed a sad topic. A puppy mill is a breeding facility that produces lots and lots of puppies. Unlike reputable dog breeders, these people don't take very good care of the adult dogs or the puppies. Often the dogs are sick, malnourished, scared and abused. The puppy mill breeders don't care about the dogs, they just want to make money selling puppies.

You, my friend, are very lucky! CCI Breeder Caretakers are carefully selected to care for CCI's breeder dogs. They are required to provide loving, safe homes. The guidelines they follow are strict and specific so that the puppies are happy, healthy and ready to learn when they go to their puppy raisers.

You got your start in life in a wonderful home, where you and your littermates were fed, groomed, given your puppy shots and medications, played with, socialized and cuddled. Your mom, your littermates and you are loved and treasured!

I am sorry to tell you that the puppies at the Boulder Valley Humane Society came from a very bad puppy mill in Mississippi, where they lived in tiny cages, without proper food, medical care or attention. They are frightened, sad dogs, and uncertain how to act around humans who are kind to them. They've never had toys, so they don't even know how to play!

Fortunately, those dogs are at the Boulder Valley Humane Society now, where they are getting the best care possible. Some are ready for adoption, though they will need quiet homes with very kind and patient owners to help them heal physically and emotionally.

HA! I know what you're thinking, Parker! NO, MARIANNE IS NOT GOING TO ADOPT ONE.

She already has two pet dogs. Besides, your house, with all the activity and hullabaloo, is not the right home for these traumatized pups. Nice try, though.

Three cheers for the Boulder Valley Humane Society (and other animal shelters!) for the good work they do for sad and abused animals. And three cheers for CCI for caring so much about their mission of "Providing exceptional dogs for exceptional people" that they require top-notch care for the puppies from day one.

Love, Labby

For more information on adopting one of these puppies call 303-442-4030 or go to www.boulderhumane.org.

For more information on puppy mills go to www.hsus.org".

Questions or comments for Parker? Send them to Call7ForHelp@TheDenverChannel.com.

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to www.cci.org for details.