An Ugly Truth

We believe that our application for
"Lyra/Bandit" has been put on hold due to
unusual circumstances happening in our
County right now.

You see, Lancaster County, PA is the home of
many "Puppy Mills".

The Amish are famous for having piles and
piles of cages where they hold
dogs just for breeding.
In many cases the dogs that are bred never
get out of those cages...ever.

While the Amish are frequent perpetrators
they are not alone in this kind of behavior.

It should also be noted that
there are also several reputable
and caring breeders in our County.

However,
There has been a huge groundswell in our area
against the cruel kind of breeding over the
past couple of years and this week is
the last week for these puppy mills and other
breeders to comply to new laws.

This has resulted in hundreds of dogs coming
into the rescues and shelters. Sadly, many
of the dogs being taken in are in very bad
health and most have never been out of a cage.

It is amazing to read how these dogs can
come around...and quickly...with love and
attention. Gentleness and training are
all many of these dogs need to bounce back.

One of the things I like about working with
a Rescue Organization to find a pet is that
most of the volunteers in these groups "read"
animals well. They are good at knowing temperament
and how a dog will fit into your home.

After our situation with our Amish Farm Dog,
Kimmy, I find this extremely reassuring.
Her aggressiveness and mental condition would
have likely been noted and we would never have
brought her home. Although, we are glad that
she had three good years...tough as they were.

How does this affect us?

The rescue organization we are dealing with is
intaking hundreds of dogs this week. It is
unprecedented. They have no physical shelter
but work completely through foster homes.

You can see more about their work at
this link.
http://members.petfinder.org/~PA472/index.html

There will be an emergency adopt-a-thon this
Saturday at "The Total Dog And A Little Cat",
30 Willow Street in Adamstown, PA.
All adult dog adoptions will be
$250.00 per dog, including spay/neuter,
shots, worming, dental care,
microchipping and grooming.

If you are in the area and were thinking about
getting a puppy or dog this would be a great
place to look first.

These animals need good homes.

So, while we are extremely sad that our
puppy hasn't been approved for us yet,
we wait and hope that it is just because
they are so ridiculously busy.

In the meantime we have been contacted by
two other Rescues because we put applications
in with them. There are dogs all across the
country who need homes.

Lancaster County may be one of the worst,
as it relates to breeding conditions, but
there are many dogs out there at Rescues,
Humane Leagues and in Foster Homes.

We have been sidelined by success.
Success in Rescue.

Still hoping!