We are a very small organization dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs who have never known one. Almost all of our dogs come from commercial breeding farms. They have lived their lives in wire cages, so they are generally not housebroken. Many of them have never been touched by loving hands before they come to us. With time and patience they learn to trust, and soon become some lucky persons new best friend.
ADOPTING A PUPPY MILL SURVIVOR
WHAT IS A PUPPY MILL DOG?
A puppy mill dog is a dog that comes from commercial kennels or breeders, whose main purpose is to make money selling puppies. The only thing these dogs know is the cage in which they have lived in their whole life. Many of these dogs live in cramped conditions and sometimes 2 to 3 dogs per cage. These dogs are not use to human contact or anything household related when my rescue gets them. They are afraid of people and all of the new noises, such as the TV, telephone, vacuum cleaner.
CRITTERS GALORE RESCUE IS THE NEW BEGINNING.
When these dogs come into my rescue a loving hand and a home is all new to them. They need time to get use to living in a home, and learning the rules, such as housebreaking. Most of these dogs are very shy and fearful and need time to adjust to their new environment. Sudden and fast movements frighten them, unfamiliar sounds are scary and watching TV can be frightening in the beginning.
What you won’t see that this rescue sees is the condition they were in when they came into rescue. Many have fur so matted they have to be shaved down to the skin. Many have been removed from filth and have open sores, untreated ear infections, infected bite wounds etc. Many of these survivors require the removal of rotten teeth even in very young dogs, due to poor care and poor nutrition. Many suffer from swollen, spayed and sore feet from so much time walking on wire.
All too often there remains the psychological damage that can’t be fixed with a bath, medicine, or surgery. The damage done during the years in the mill usually can be overcome, but it takes time and dedication. It takes a very special family to adopt one of these dogs. They have been through more than their share of heartache and your entire family needs to be willing to make the commitment, or the dog is better off staying in our care until the perfect home for them is found.
REHABILIATION OF A PUPPY MILL DOG
Every mill survivor is different. What works on one or many, may not work on others. The only thing that is consistent is that all of the dogs need lots of patience, understanding and love. The physical contact that these dogs have received in the mill probably has been unpleasant. For one thing, because they are not handled enough, they are scared. Many mills handle their dogs “stock” by the scruff of the neck. They have work to do, and don’t have time for the dogs. It is not uncommon for these survivors to be sensitive to handling on the backs of their necks. Many mill dogs will try to face you, not trusting you enough to give you easy access to them from behind. Try not to ever startle a mill dog, you will lose much of the trust that you may have gained. Always make sure that they are anticipating you picking them up by verbally telling them what you are going to do, using the same word such as “up”. It’s not uncommon for a mill dog to drop their bellies to the floor when they know you are going to pick them up, some will even roll on their backs, often urinating in the process. This is a submissive move on the dog’s part. It is okay to pick up a dog while they are in this position, but if time is not of the essence, encourage the dog to come to you by sitting a few feet away and calling him. The most common posture we see in mill dogs is the “freeze”, the dog will try to escape you, but when they realize there is no escape, they simple freeze up-rigid, like a statue- and accept their “fate”. This is a good time to really praise the dog, scratch his back or ears and speak gently to him. Always be gentle and try to avoid picking them up until you see they are receptive to it.
LEARNING ABOUT THE HOUSE
Many times when you bring a mill survivor into your home, it is their instinct to hide in a quiet corner. Any new dog that you bring into your home should be kept separated from other family pets for 7 days. During this time keep them in a confine quiet area. Because everything is so new and frightening for these dogs these dogs are not appropriate for most children under the age of 10. After the quarantine, allow the dog more supervised freedom in your home. Very few mill dogs know what a leash is. It is not a bad idea to let them drag a leash around with them to get use to it. These dogs should have their own space where they can feel safe, yet observe everyday activity and become accustomed to it. A mill dog has no reason to trust you. Your trust needs to be earned, little by little. Patience is a very important part of rehabbing a mill survivor. While you shouldn’t overly force yourself upon your dog, it does need to get used to you. Sit and talk quietly while gently petting or massaging your dog. It is best to do this in an area where they are comfortable, not necessarily where you are comfortable. Never allow anyone to force attention on a mill survivor. Do not look your dog directly in the eyes, and let your dog set the pace. If the dog approaches you hold out a hand and wait for them to come to you. No quick movements.
HOUSEBREAKING
The two most important things you can do are to get your new dog on a regular feeding schedule (which will put them on a regular potty schedule) and to observe them closely after feeding time. Getting them on a premium dog food is important. This will produce a stool that normally is firm and only one or two bowel movements a day are normal. Lost cost food has a lot of fillers and is hard to get a dog on a regular cycle. Most dogs will need to go right after eating. As soon as they are finished eating, command”outside” and take them out to potty. Reinforce the positive and work on the negative, most dogs will understand “outside” and associate it with going potty outside.
EDUCATORS
Finding forever homes for mill rescues is not all we do; we are constantly reminded of the horrors of puppy mills and the neglect and abuse these dogs have suffered. We work not only to adopt dogs, but to educate their new owners about the truth behind the conditions of the puppy mills. Critters Galore is a private rescue group, and like many other private rescues we are not financially supported by the city or county we live in. Private rescue groups go into the puppy mills and remove the unwanted dogs, feed, and care for these helpless victims without public dollars. Many times people ask why the adoption fee is so high. Most rescues adopt their little treasures for a fee of anywhere from $200 to $400 dollars. A small price to pay for a dog that has been removed from a bad situation, housed, fed, spayed or neutered, up-to date with vaccinations, dewormed and most importantly deprogrammed from the emotional abuse they have endured. Many of the dogs need surgery for various reasons, dental disease, broken legs, heart conditions, etc. These wonderful little dogs make the best companions for the families who are willing to spend the time it will take to bring them around. My best friend, a dog named Danny came from such horrors and was the best thing in my life. My rescue group is dedicated in his memory.
IN MEMORY OF “DANNY” THE SURVIVOR
CRITTERS GALORE
Adopting a Friend
If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs on this site please email or call for an application.
Come Visit Us!
By Appointment only. Many of these dogs are in foster homes.
Critters Galore Small Breed Rescue Omro, WI 54963
Phone: 920-685-2723
