Your Opinion: Animal rescuer offers viewpoint

Dear Editor:

Ms. Scheulen, you assume lots of things about people you don't know. I have been a member since 2002 of a breed-specific nationwide rescue group. I have personally logged thousands of miles (3,000 in one year), picking up and transporting puppy mill dogs in Missouri.

My knowledge comes from hands-on in rescue. Most of the dogs I've dealt with have fear aggression (not being socialized), various health issues, splayed feet (from a lifetime on wire), mange, eye sores, broken bones that were never addressed, frostbitten ears, and in general, years of neglect. I could go on but it would bore the readers and paint a picture of me being a "bleeding heart," as has been suggested.

Last year my rescue group took in 423 dogs of all ages and re-homed 417 of them. The average amount of money spent per dog is $300 for vet care spay/neuter and meds. We survive on donations; volunteer our time, homes and expense for the love of this breed, and there are hundreds if not thousands of like organizations out there.

My suggestion is for you to take time, get away from the farm, and actually volunteer with a rescue group. Go to a dog auction for a real eye opener. Volunteer at your local shelter or humane society. Go online and put in "puppy mill rescue" to enlighten yourself, or view the online film, "Born to Die."

As for your comment about what will happen to the dogs when the breeder goes out of business: What do you think happens to them now? When a dog gets too old or can no longer produce, rescue takes over or they are killed. This is the sad truth about mass breeding. No one wins. The dog tied in someone's backyard can be helped by the law and the humane society, unlike 1000 of dogs confined to cages their entire lives that the state protects.

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