Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Our last two fosters were Shih Tzus.  Hamish was 4 monthsold and found his permanent  home right away. Angus was 3 months and found a home after 2 weeks.  He was hilarious.  I never though much of the breed but, am now a fan!  They are not like any breed I've met.  I felt like I had circus dogs...big circus dogs in little bodies. 
The really interesting story behind them is that they were bought undercover from a hush hush Puppy Mill auction.  The rescue caught wind of a Puppy Mill in Saunders County, Nebraska that was liquidating.  So, they attended the auction undercover as breeders.  I happened to call Cari (the gal who runs the Rescue that I foster for) while she was at the auction.  She spoke in hushed tones and said, "Cindy, you just wouldn't believe it...it's so sad.  But, every Rescue group that I know of is here".  They bought the little males that no one wanted...paid $50 or $60 for each of them  Many small breeds were represented.  I think it's great that they did this.  The adoption fee just has the $ paid at the auction tacked on.  The breeding females (proven producers) sold for $700-$800.  So sad.
She said there was security there and signs everywhere:  "No Pictures".  Some PETA guy was taking pictures w/ his cell phone.  He wasn't so sneaky as they saw him and took his phone.  He started to argue and they tazed him 3 times!  The Saunders County Sheriff came (was called by the creepy auction people) and got his phone back and said they had no right to taze him.  SO very weird.  
So, when I got Hamish and Angus, they'd never been handled by humans before.  What a fairytale it was around here for those several weeks.  They went from frightened little creatures who cowered all of the time to boisterous boys!  Thank God for all of his Creation.  But, Boooooo to the Puppy Mills.  People!  Please rescue your pets or buy from a private home breeder....ask to see their facility before you get a special breed if that's what you want.  Please spay and neuter.  Sermon over.

8 comments:

  1. What a sweet picture. I hate the thought of puppy mills. I love dogs and how anyone can mistreat them is beyond me. I don't know how you let them leave after you've had them for a while...I'm afraid I'd want to keep all of them!

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  2. I've always thought shih tzus were adorable, though have never had one!

    We have two cats - - - have had for eleven years. I don't WANT to take them to WI with us, but am rather at a loss of what to DO with them - - - - any ideas of "cat fostering" people???

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  3. Thanks for what you do. Folks like you are true angels - I have an old lab that I adore. I've thought of "fostering" but have always been afraid that I'd be unable to give them up and thus end up with a house full of doggies!
    Trish in Omaha

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  4. Cindy, whichever one is in the picture is adorable beyond words. Obviously thrived under your loving care. I'm glad you hear you think so highly of the breed. I really want to find a good rescue dog that's non-allergenic and I've read Shih Tzus are.
    What a remarkable story about that puppy mill auction! I didn't realize the pups don't get touched and cared for and loved. Sad, sad, sad. Glad there were so many rescue groups willing to do what it took.

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  5. Amen!

    Such sweet photos. They are adorable.

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  6. Awww...we havea shihzhu and bichon mix. They are so full of personality!

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  7. Amen !!!! I have two shih tuz's, I just love the breed. I would never buy a dog that I did not get to see the mother dog and look around . I hate puppy mills! Thanks for the work you are doing.

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