Say NO! to puppy mills
FIRST STEPS
The life of a puppy mill animal is one filled with abuse, cruelty and severe neglect. When a dog or puppy is rescued from this life of horror, it can be a very long process of rehabilitation
The steps taken in treating, rehabilitating and placing a mill survivor are time consuming and very involved
When puppies and older dogs come from the mills the rescuers never know what deep down emotional issues or physical/medical issues they have due to neglect. Sometimes the rescuers taking part in the actual rescue have to make the heartbreaking decision that an animal is better to be put to sleep if the neglect and abuse has been too much and their condition too far gone to be helped
Years of neglect can do a lot of internal damage that can't be seen or judged. Full bloodwork and testing doesn't always reveal the full extent of damage done but each furkid is treated with full care in rehabilitation and treatment
The first thing done when the furkids come from a rescue is to teach them that the hands are for loving and the voice is full of love and trust. Some are more accepting than others. The furkids are not isolated from each other as the only security they have ever known is the company of other furkids
Those that are less sociable are often paired up with others that are more sociable. When they see that the other is more accepting of human contact they tend to come around easier
There is usually a 1-2 week wait before the animal is put through the trauma of a vet visit UNLESS there is an obvious health issue that must be attended asap. After the initial settling in period they are given a complete checkup by the vet including bloodwork for any unknown problems not obvious to the naked eye. They are also spayed/neutered at that time and given their shots
Once the carer feels the furkid is comfortable enough they are taken on car rides and outings to give them the opportunity to see the “big word”. Most of these kids have never seen anything except the inside of a tiny wire cage
During the process, the furkids are introduced to things other furkids take for granted – blankies, toys, clean bowls, chewies, treats
A harness is used on each furkid rather than a collar as a collar can get caught on things if they run and are scared and trying to get away. Once accustomed to having the harness on and following the carer around, a piece of rope is attached so that the furkid drags it around. Once comfortable with dragging the thin piece of rope the rope is used like a loose lead with the animal allowed to follow rather than be led. If they panic they are talked to calmly until quietened and the rope released. The process is tried again later
The older furkids need more patience and understanding as the entire process and trust is foreign to them as they have never been treated with kindness by a human in their entire lives
Work is done on crate training and house breaking. A ‘normal’ dog doesn’t like to mess in their own bed (crate) but the mill kids never have any choice. So it becomes a matter of retraining and like anything, it’s easier to not let a habit start rather than trying to break an old habit. Retraining a puppy mill baby can be quite challenging and time consuming
The usual estimated time for turnaround for a puppy mill survivor is six weeks to six months. Some of them never become quite reliable in the house nor do they become socially acceptable
Those that aren’t able to be rehabilitated totally will be placed as “special needs” kids, meaning depending on the issues at hand, if the furkid is one that tends to be a fear biter or runner, they will only be placed in a home that is well fenced and the family has no children. Ones that aren’t totally reliable with housebreaking means the adoptive family is informed and realises that this is something that may never be rectified and that a crate will become a necessary part of their home décor
An adoption contract must be completed, submitted and approved through Heavenly Acres Pet Rescue. The adoption contract has held up in a court of law. In the contract it specifically states that IF, for ANY reason, the adoptive family cannot keep the furbaby that they are NOT to sell, give away or dispose of the puppy/dog. The furkid must be returned to Heavenly Acres Pet Rescue
Every one of these furkids is a lifelong commitment for Heavenly Acres Pet Rescue
Puppy millers are like illegal drug manufacturers and dealers, they are very secretive and very careful about who they work with and most won’t let anyone come to the mills/kennels. Only a select few are ever permitted to work closely with the millers. They hide away like anyone involved in an illegal act. Even though breeding is not against the law, abuse and neglect is
All of God's creatures deserve to be safe, loved and respected
We stand strongly against puppy mills and their mistreatment of all animals. We rescue and take in animals (breeding stock and puppies) that are from mills and need your help. More information about our animals are available on the main part of our SITE
PLEASE...be a part of the solution and NOT a part of the problem. Help those that are already here and desperately need our help. Thank You
DONATIONS ~ Thank You!
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May God Bless us all with Happy Lives and Forever Homes
Heavenly Acres Pet Rescue
P O Box 162
Okahumpka, FL 34762
E Mail: HEAVENLY ACRES PET RESCUE
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