The holiday season has arrived and Harley’s Dream has a message for those considering buying a puppy as a gift …. PLEASE DON’T!
More puppies are purchased from pet stores around the holidays than any other time of the year. The puppies are supplied to the pet stores by commercial breeders, commonly known as puppy mills. The parents of the puppies suffer in cages their entire lives, with the sole purpose of producing puppies. Most of these breeding dogs waste away in inhumane conditions, receiving no veterinary care, and experiencing no (kind) human interaction.
Not only are puppy mill puppies sold in pet stores, but they are also sold via cute and convincing, yet terribly deceptive websites where they are willing to ship the puppies to destinations across the country.
Puppies don’t make good presents. The purchase of a puppy as a Christmas gift is typically an impulse buy. It’s irresponsible. A majority of puppies end up in shelters and rescues, many just a few months after being purchased. Many of the puppies are never spayed or neutered. This not only exacerbates the homeless-dog overpopulation crisis, it supports the cruel puppy mill industry.
For those who have planned in advance, are not making an impulsive decision, and are fully prepared for this lifetime commitment, please do consider adoption first. There are thousands of amazing dogs waiting for forever homes in shelters or rescues.
Check out our Stocking Stuffers that help spread awareness about puppy mills.